The Perfect Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch Lovers

Crafting a delightful classic chicken salad can turn an ordinary lunch into a memorable culinary experience.

Tender pieces of seasoned poultry mingle with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet satisfying dish.

Subtle herbs and unexpected ingredients can elevate the traditional recipe to new heights.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating a truly spectacular meal.

We promise this recipe will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share with everyone around your table.

Why Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Is Perfect For Meal Prep

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like Greek yogurt or add different nuts to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Make this chicken salad in advance for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep throughout the week, saving precious time during busy days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual lunch gatherings.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken and offering versatile serving options like sandwiches, wraps, or salad beds, providing a balanced and filling meal.

Everything You Need For Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• Chicken: Succulent shredded meat that serves as the primary protein for the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Provide smooth, rich texture and help bind the ingredients together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps balance the richness of the creamy components.

• Celery, Red Onion: Add fresh, crisp texture and a subtle sharp bite to the salad.
• Grapes: Offer a sweet and juicy element that complements the savory chicken.
• Nuts: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the mix.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor profile.

• Bread, Lettuce, Tomato: Classic sandwich ingredients that complete the meal and provide additional texture and freshness.

How To Put Together Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Shred and Mix the Chicken

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together until the chicken gets a creamy, even coating.

Step 2: Add Crunchy Goodness

• Finely chopped celery
• Diced red onion
• Halved grapes
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Seasoning

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your liking. Give the salad a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Play around with the mayo and mustard amounts to hit your perfect flavor balance.

Step 4: Prepare the Sandwich Base

Select your favorite bread. Layer the bottom slice with fresh lettuce leaves to create a crisp foundation for your chicken salad.

Step 5: Build Your Delicious Sandwich

Carefully spoon a generous portion of chicken salad onto the lettuce. Top with fresh tomato slices for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Complete and Garnish

Crown your sandwich with a second slice of bread. For an elegant touch, slice diagonally and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of black pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate your sandwich and enjoy immediately. If not serving right away, store in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and delicious.

Helpful Tips For Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, freshly cooked chicken for the most tender and consistent texture.
• Boost Protein Power: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed version without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add mayonnaise gradually to prevent chicken salad from becoming too runny, ensuring ideal spreadable texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or chives to elevate the taste profile and create a more complex, gourmet chicken salad.
• Keep Crunch Fresh: Add chopped celery and nuts just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Ways To Change Up Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad: Replace mayonnaise with tzatziki, add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: Skip bread entirely and serve chicken salad inside crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine for a protein-packed, carb-conscious meal.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad: Mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, cumin, and replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Paleo-Friendly Chicken Salad: Use avocado instead of mayonnaise, incorporate chopped almonds, and serve over mixed greens to create a protein-rich, grain-free option.

Tasty Pairings With Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy chicken salad's texture and cuts through its richness.
• Crunchy Bread Companion: Choose artisan sourdough or whole grain bread to elevate the sandwich's texture, providing a hearty base that adds nutty undertones and delightful crispness.
• Fresh Herbal Side Kick: Pair with a light cucumber-dill salad or herb-infused mixed greens, which offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken salad and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Sparkling Beverage Match: Opt for a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light, citrusy kombucha that brings zesty notes and helps balance the creamy chicken salad's density.

How To Store Classic Chicken Salad Recipe The Right Way

• Transfer chicken salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent bacteria growth and maintain freshness.
• Place chicken salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that mayonnaise-based salads might slightly separate when thawed.
• Gently warm refrigerated chicken salad in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring midway. For best texture, consume cold or at room temperature to preserve creamy consistency.
• Always check for any unusual smell or discoloration before eating stored chicken salad. Discard if signs of spoilage are present to prevent foodborne illness.

FAQs For Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken are perfect. They’re easy to shred and provide great flavor and texture for the salad.

• Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken salad up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it great for meal prep and quick lunches.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic chicken salad ingredients are gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free bread or serve it on lettuce wraps if you’re avoiding gluten.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the delightful classic chicken salad, a perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing. Refreshing flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) slivered almonds or chopped walnuts

Dairy and Dressings:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Vegetables and Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) grapes, halved
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Bread of choice (white, whole wheat, or a roll)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate shredded chicken with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice, creating a smooth, uniform blend using a fork or spoon.
2. Introduce crisp elements like finely diced celery, minced red onion, halved grapes, and optional chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Calibrate the seasoning by incorporating salt and pepper, adjusting the creaminess and tanginess to personal preference through careful tasting and gentle stirring.
4. Select fresh bread slices and layer with crisp lettuce leaves as a foundational base for the sandwich construction.
5. Strategically place tomato slices atop the lettuce, then generously spread the prepared chicken salad mixture across the surface.
6. Complete the sandwich by crowning with a second bread slice, or present as an open-faced creation for visual appeal.
7. Optional: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper or delicate herb sprinklings to elevate the flavor profile.
8. Slice the sandwich diagonally for an elegant presentation, serving immediately or storing in a sealed container within the refrigerator for later consumption.
9. When ready to enjoy, ensure the chicken salad has been chilled at 40°F or below to maintain optimal freshness and food safety.

Notes

• Customize the creamy base by swapping mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lighter version that cuts calories and adds protein.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill, tarragon, or chives to elevate the flavor profile and create unique taste variations.
• Make it gluten-free by serving the chicken salad in lettuce wraps, on cucumber rounds, or with gluten-free crackers instead of traditional bread.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness, preventing soggy textures and keeping vegetables crunchy until serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg