Print

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

4.4 from 91 reviews

This Classic Chicken Salad is a simple and delicious recipe perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. It combines tender cooked chicken with crisp celery, sharp red onions, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Easy to make and versatile, this chicken salad can be served on its own, in sandwiches, or wrapped in lettuce for a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
  • ⅓ cup diced red onion (or shallots, ⅛” dice)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (or chives)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the salad reaches the desired creamy consistency.
  2. To Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken salad immediately or cover it and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld together for a better taste.

Notes

  • Use leftover roasted or poached chicken for best results.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Serve chilled over a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, or with crackers.
  • Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for freshness.

Keywords: classic chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad, no-cook chicken salad, creamy chicken salad