There’s something incredibly comforting about a good chicken salad. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory, making it a go-to meal for lunch or a light dinner. Whether I’m serving it on a fresh slice of bread, stuffing it into a croissant, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this classic chicken salad never fails to satisfy.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s made with tender, shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, well-seasoned dressing that brings everything together. It’s easy to whip up in minutes, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly customizable to suit any taste.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad

Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches.
Customizable – Swap ingredients to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
Versatile – Serve it in a sandwich, wrap, or on a bed of greens.
Packed with Protein – A satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

When making a classic chicken salad, the type of chicken you use makes a big difference in texture and flavor. I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked, tender, and full of flavor. However, poached, baked, or grilled chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option. If you’re in a hurry, canned chicken can be a quick alternative, though fresh or freshly cooked chicken will always give the best taste and texture.

Options for Substitutions

This chicken salad is flexible, and you can tweak it based on what you have or your dietary needs.

Dressing Swap – Instead of mayo, try Greek yogurt for a lighter option or avocado mash for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Crunch Factor – Swap celery for diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped apples for different textures.
Add Some Sweetness – A handful of grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples can add a nice contrast.
Herbs & Spices – Fresh parsley, dill, or chives bring an extra burst of freshness.
Nutty Additions – Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a delicious crunch.

With so many ways to switch it up, this chicken salad will never get boring!

Ingredients for This Classic Chicken Salad

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken – The star of the dish! Use cooked, shredded, or diced chicken for a tender, protein-packed base.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and binds everything together. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Celery – Provides a fresh, crisp texture that balances the softness of the chicken.
Red Onion – Adds a slight sharpness and a pop of color. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water before using.
Cucumber – Brings a refreshing crunch, making each bite extra satisfying.
Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a juicy, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy dressing.
Fresh Parsley – Enhances the salad with a touch of herbal freshness.
Lemon Juice – Brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

This combination creates a simple yet incredibly flavorful chicken salad that’s both creamy and refreshing.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, then bake, poach, or grill until fully cooked. Let it cool before chopping.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice the celery, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. The smaller the pieces, the better they mix into the salad, ensuring each bite has a little bit of everything.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. If using Greek yogurt as a substitute, add a drizzle of olive oil to balance the tanginess.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve on toasted bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!

How Long to Cook the Classic Chicken Salad

Since this recipe primarily uses pre-cooked chicken, there’s no cooking required—just chopping, mixing, and chilling! However, if you’re cooking your own chicken, here’s a quick guide:

Poaching: Simmer chicken breasts in water or broth for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Baking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Grilling: Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.

Once cooked, let the chicken cool before shredding or dicing for the salad.

Tips for the Perfect Classic Chicken Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients – Crisp veggies and fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor.
Let It Chill – Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
Season Well – A pinch of extra salt, pepper, or a dash of garlic powder can elevate the taste.
Customize the Creaminess – If you prefer a lighter dressing, mix mayo with a little Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Shred, Don’t Cube – Shredded chicken absorbs the dressing better and gives a more uniform texture.
Balance the Flavors – A touch of sweetness (grapes or dried cranberries) or crunch (nuts or seeds) can add great contrast.
Make It Ahead – This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Follow these simple tips, and your chicken salad will turn out deliciously creamy and flavorful every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, a few small mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Chicken – Dry chicken won’t absorb the dressing well. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Using Too Much Mayo – A heavy dressing can overpower the salad. Start with a little and add more as needed.
Skipping the Chilling Step – Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this!
Not Chopping Ingredients Evenly – Smaller, uniform pieces ensure a better texture and even distribution of flavors.
Forgetting to Season Properly – A pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice can make a big difference.
Overloading with Too Many Add-ins – While variations are great, too many ingredients can overpower the classic taste.
Serving It Immediately – Let the flavors meld together for the best taste.

What to Serve with Classic Chicken Salad?

1. Freshly Baked Bread

Serve on crusty baguettes, sourdough, or croissants for a satisfying sandwich.

2. Mixed Green Salad

Pair with a simple side salad with vinaigrette for a fresh and light meal.

3. Crunchy Crackers

Use buttery crackers or pita chips for scooping up the salad.

4. A Warm Bowl of Soup

A bowl of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup complements the creamy salad.

5. Fresh Fruit

Serve alongside grapes, apple slices, or berries for a sweet contrast.

6. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes make a hearty side.

7. Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, scoop the salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.

8. Cheese Board

Pair with a small cheese and charcuterie board for a more elegant spread.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Classic Chicken Salad fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier over time!
Avoid Freezing: Because of the mayo-based dressing, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture can become watery once thawed.
Keep It Fresh: If meal-prepping, store the dressing separately and mix with the chicken and veggies just before serving.
Reviving Leftovers: If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of mayo or a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: ~300
Protein: ~25g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~2g

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or sour cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

3. What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

For the best texture, use poached, baked, or rotisserie chicken. Poaching keeps the chicken moist and tender, making it easy to shred.

4. Can I add other ingredients to customize it?

Definitely! Try adding grapes, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, shredded cheese, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

5. What’s the best way to serve this chicken salad?

Enjoy it on toasted bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, crackers, or even as a topping for a green salad.

6. Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended because the mayo-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.

7. How do I make this chicken salad more flavorful?

Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of garlic powder, fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), or a touch of Dijon mustard.

8. How can I make this recipe low-carb?

Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps, cucumber boats, or simply eat it on its own without bread or crackers.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Salad is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it as a sandwich, wrap, or salad topping, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your friends, and let me know how you customize it!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Author: Sally Thompson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful Classic Chicken Salad made with tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a well-seasoned dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own. This easy-to-make dish is great for meal prep and packed with protein, making it a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp finely diced red onion
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the dressing.
Add the shredded chicken, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled on toasted bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers. Enjoy!