Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

Of all the summer salads, a classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck!

Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Keep this chicken salad recipe on hand for last-minute sandwiches, or serve it over a bed of lettuce or with a side ofpasta salad and corn on the cob!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (1)

Ingredients in Chicken Salad

ChickenUse leftover chicken from last night’s dinner or rotisserie chicken. Even leftover grilled chicken works well. Canned chicken can be used, but fresh is preferred.

To prepare chicken for chicken salad: Make baked chicken breast or thighs or poach until tender.

Ensure the chicken is cooled and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Add-insAs this is a classic chicken salad recipe, I’ve kept the additions to a minimum. Celery for crunch, green onions for flavor.

Add a variety of nuts, veggies, or fruit for added flavor and texture. Try this chicken salad recipe with grapes, avocado, dried cranberries, pecans or almonds.

DressingMayonnaise and simple seasonings are the base of this recipe.

Change the flavor and replace some of the mayo for Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or your add your favorite salad dressing.

Create an Avocado Chicken Salad by replacing some of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2)

How to Make Chicken Salad

Prepare this classic chicken salad recipe in just 15 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.

  1. Chop cooked and cooled chicken and place into a large bowl with celery and onions.
  2. Mix dressing ingredients (according to the recipe below) in a bowl. Toss with chicken.
  3. Serve on rolls, bread or over a bed of lettuce.

This chicken salad sandwich recipe can be served on any bread. We love this on a baguette or rolls. Keep it low carb and serve in romaine lettuce as lettuce wraps or spoon over a tossed salad.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (3)

Got Leftovers?

Refrigerator: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a stir and refresh the flavor with a fresh herb or an extra dollop of Dijon mustard.

Freezer: Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well. To prep ahead, simply dice the chicken and freeze. When ready to make, combine it with the ingredients below for a quick lunch!

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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (12)

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Classic Chicken Salad

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (13)

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (14)

Servings 6 servings

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (15)

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 1 green onion diced (or chives or red onion)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Video

4.99 from 1995 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 206 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 362mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (18) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (19)
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (20)
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (21)
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (22)

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Chicken, Recipes, Sandwiches

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Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients for chicken salad? ›

Why is my chicken salad so bland? ›

How to make chicken salad taste better. The secret ingredient you should be adding to your chicken salad is pickle juice (via Cookies and Cups). You can (and should) add chopped pickles for extra tang and crunch, but if you like to keep things simple, just a splash or two of the pickle juice will do.

What is in the classic Carol chicken salad at chicken salad Chick? ›

Classic Carol

All white meat, shredded chicken, finely minced celery, mayonnaise, & our secret seasoning.

Does chicken salad contain mayo? ›

Classic Chicken Salad Ingredients

Mayonnaise: I use light mayo to reduce the calories, but feel free to use your favorite mayo. Celery: Chop celery for some crunch and veggies. Red Onion: Swap red onion for scallions or chives. Chicken Broth: If the chicken salad is a little dry, stir in two tablespoons of broth.

What is a common ingredient in salad? ›

Most leafy vegetables that can be eaten raw are used: all varieties of lettuce, garden cress and watercress, endives, cabbage, spinach, escarole, romaine (cos), arugula, and fresh herbs. Other vegetables, raw or cooked—tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, beets, and so on—may garnish the green salad.

What should you not do in the preparation of chicken salad? ›

Undercooked chicken

Although mayonnaise can certainly cause food poisoning, it's not the only chicken salad ingredient that can lead to a bad result. Raw or undercooked chicken is also a common culprit of foodborne illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is chicken salad dressing made of? ›

Instructions
  1. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, salt, sugar, and pepper.
  2. To the dressing, add the chicken, scallions, celery, dill, and parsley. ...
  3. Note: Poached chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or roasted/rotisserie chicken all work well for this recipe.

How does Paula Deen make chicken salad? ›

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper. Gently fold in the chicken, grapes, celery, onion and almonds. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Serve on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato.

What is Pittsburgh chicken salad made of? ›

A Pittsburgh salad is a layered salad, often composed of lettuce, vegetables, grilled meat, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, and most notably, french fries. It is a regional dish from the Western Pennsylvania area, although it can be seen in other places around the United States.

What is Sassy Scotty at Chicken Salad Chick? ›

It is a delicious chicken salad that is loaded with ranch, bacon, cheddar, and more! This copycat Chicken Salad Chick sassy scotty goes great on toast, with crackers, or on a salad.

What salad do the Kardashians always eat? ›

If you haven't heard of Health Nut, you probably known them more famously as the “Kardashian salads” that they are always eating/shaking around on their show (in case you aren't a fan of the show, the Kardashians' go-to order is the Chinese chicken salad and the mango iced greentini).

How to make Kylie Jenner salad? ›

Sesame Chicken Salad Directions

In a large bowl, add tahini, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar substitute, salt and pepper. Whisk until combined. To the top of the dressing, add lettuce, red cabbage, green onion, cilantro, slivered almonds, sesame seeds and chicken. Toss to evenly coat.

What is chicken salad sandwich made of? ›

Quick and easy to make, our Chicken Salad is a classic and delicious recipe with a fresh twist. My go-to lunch when I'm working from home is this Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe. Shredded chicken, celery, and grapes are tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing and served in croissants for a tasty bite.

What ingredients does chicken contain? ›

Nutrients like protein and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, choline, and vitamin B12 are found in many different cuts of chicken.

What are the ingredients in the body of a salad? ›

The base includes various types of lettuce, greens, romaine, etc. The body is usually a protein like chicken or ham. The dressing can be either a mayonnaise base or vinaigrette. The Garnish is often parsley, basil, chives or olives - something to compliment the colors in the salad.

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