If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s wonderfully creamy with just the right crunch, combining simple, fresh ingredients that blend harmoniously for a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy it as a salad on its own, tucked inside a crisp wrap, or piled into a sandwich, this recipe is all about easy preparation meeting delicious results. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other chicken salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the bottom right is filled with shredded light tan chicken meat. To its left, a medium bowl holds a smooth pale beige sauce or mayo. Above this sauce bowl is a small bowl with a clear liquid, likely lemon juice. Surrounding these are six small bowls: finely chopped bright green celery pieces at bottom left, chopped green onions mixed with parsley at bottom right, fresh green dill leaves at top left, whole grain mustard with visible seeds in the middle top bowl, and white salt and black pepper mix in the top right bowl. The colors range from pale beige and white to different bright greens and golden browns, all placed on a clean, smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating the perfect Classic Chicken Salad Recipe starts with a handful of humble but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing just the right balance of creaminess, tang, and freshness to elevate the dish.

3 cups cooked shredded chicken: The star of the salad, cook ahead or use leftovers for a quick prep.
⅓ cup chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and lively texture contrast.
¼ cup sliced green onions: Offers a mild, zesty sharpness to brighten the flavors.
1 cup mayonnaise: Provides that luscious creaminess that brings everything together.
1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard: Adds subtle tang and a touch of depth.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects a hit of fresh acidity to balance richness.
½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Infuses the salad with a lovely herbaceous note.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Veggies

Start by placing your cooked, shredded chicken into a large bowl along with chopped celery and sliced green onions. Stir gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly. This base creates the satisfying mix of tender chicken and crunchy veggies that makes this salad so enjoyable.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and vibrant. This dressing is what transforms simple ingredients into that dreamy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe you can’t stop craving.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together, ensuring every morsel is coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. After mixing, pop the salad into the fridge to chill until you are ready to serve. This chilling step helps the flavors meld beautifully, so the salad tastes even better.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with shredded pale beige chicken pieces as the base layer, mixed with bright green chopped celery and darker green sliced scallions on top. Two small white bowls with a few pieces of celery and scallions are placed near the top edge. On the left side of the image, more chopped celery and scallions sit on the chicken, while on the right side, the chicken and veggies are mixed together. A white and blue striped cloth is partially visible near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill or parsley work wonderfully as garnishes, adding both a pop of color and an extra hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle a few chopped nuts for added texture or a twist of lemon zest for a citrus burst that enlivens every bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides. Think garden salads, fresh cucumber slices, or crunchy carrot sticks. For something heartier, serve alongside toasted bread, pita chips, or even a chilled soup for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond a bowl, try layering the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe inside an avocado half, hollowed out and ready to cradle your salad creation. It’s also fantastic as a topping for crackers or cucumber rounds for party appetizers. Or, make a dainty lettuce wrap for a fresh, handheld treat that’s perfect for picnics and lunchboxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy quick lunches or snacks without any hassle.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise base, freezing this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is not recommended. The texture and flavor can change unfavorably upon thawing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to warm the chicken, do so before assembling the salad, but always serve the finished salad chilled for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time without compromising the salad’s deliciousness.

Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes, you can swap mayo for Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and a small amount of mayo to keep creaminess but lighten the calories and fat.

What can I add to make the salad more filling?

Try mixing in diced avocado, boiled eggs, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts to add richness and keep you satisfied longer.

How long can I prepare the salad before serving?

You can prepare this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe up to one day in advance and keep it chilled. Just give it a gentle stir before serving!

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten. Just watch the labels on your mustard and mayonnaise to ensure they contain no hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully versatile, and satisfying every time. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find your new favorite lunch or picnic staple.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need