Table of Contents
Table of Contents
If your idea of chicken salad is a bland, mayonnaisey mystery from the grocery store, prepare to have your world rocked. This Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is everything a chicken salad should be: incredibly creamy, bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and a hint of tang, and packed with satisfying crunch in every single bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple lunch into a little moment of joy. I remember my grandma always had a bowl of this in her fridge during the summer.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Nutrition
Notes
- Incredibly quick and easy to prepare (20 minutes)
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and lunch prep
- Highly customizable with different add-ins
- Creamy and crunchy texture is irresistible
- Much more affordable and flavorful than store-bought versions
- Not suitable for freezing
- Must be consumed within 3-4 days
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Her secret? A generous squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of toasted pecans, a trick I’ve proudly stolen and built upon. What makes this dish so special is its magical ability to be both elegant enough for a baby shower and easy enough for a tired Tuesday night. It comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal fuss, and I’ve yet to meet a kid (or adult!) who doesn’t happily devour it. If you’re a fan of meals that are both no-cook and incredibly satisfying, you’ll adore this chicken salad just as much as our popular Easy Tuna Salad. It follows the same simple formula but with a heartier, richer result.
So, grab a fork and get ready to make the only chicken salad recipe you’ll ever need!
What is chicken salad recipe?
what’s in a name? “Chicken salad recipe” is pretty straightforward, right? It’s a recipe for a salad made with chicken. But why does something so simple sound so utterly delightful? It’s not called “fancy-pants gourmet chicken ensemble” or “deconstructed poultry plate.” Nope. It’s honest, humble, and tells you exactly what you’re getting.
I like to think the name stuck because it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug—no pretense, just comfort. There’s an old saying that goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but let me tell you, a truly great chicken salad recipe is the way to everyone’s heart! It’s the potluck hero, the picnic champion, the lunchbox superstar. Why is it called chicken salad? Because it’s perfect, and perfect things don’t need a complicated name. Now, aren’t you curious to see how this beautifully simple dish comes together?
Why You’ll Love This chicken salad recipe:
You are going to fall head-over-heels for this recipe, and here’s why:
The Flavor & Texture is Unbeatable. This isn’t a one-note wonder. We’re creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s brightened with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon. Then, we add the crunch of crisp celery and sweet onions, and to send it over the top, a handful of toasted pecans for a buttery, rich finish. Every single forkful is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet.
It’s Incredibly Budget-Friendly. Making chicken salad at home is a fraction of the cost of buying it pre-made from the deli counter. You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience or boil your own chicken breasts, which is even easier on the wallet. It stretches further than you think, making several hearty lunches from one recipe. It’s a brilliant way to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag.
It’s Endlessly Customizable. This recipe is your perfect base camp for adventure. Not a fan of pecans? Try almonds or walnuts. Want some fruit? Toss in some red grapes or diced apples. Craving a different herb? Swap the dill for tarragon or chives. It’s a blueprint for your perfect salad, much like our Classic Egg Salad is a template for egg lovers. You get to be the boss of your chicken salad!
How to Make chicken salad recipe:
Quick Overview
This recipe is the epitome of easy, delicious, and satisfying. We’re simply combining pre-cooked chicken with a handful of fresh, crunchy ingredients and a creamy, flavorful dressing. No cooking is required beyond toasting the nuts! The star elements are the creamy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing and the fantastic textural contrast. From start to finish, you’re about 20 minutes away from chicken salad heaven.
Key Ingredients for chicken salad recipe
4 cups Cooked Chicken Breast, shredded or diced (from about 1.5 lbs of chicken, or 1 rotisserie chicken)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor)
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (adds tang and protein, lightens it up)
2 stalks Celery, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
1/3 cup Red Onion, finely diced
1/3 cup Toasted Pecans, chopped
2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Toast The Pecans: If your pecans aren’t already toasted, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Watch them closely so they don’t burn! Set aside to cool, then chop roughly.
Make The Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Everything: To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, chopped toasted pecans, and fresh dill.
Mix Gently: Using a large spatula or spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to over-mix if you want to maintain some texture.
Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step! Taste your chicken salad. Does it need more salt? More pepper? Another squeeze of lemon for tang? Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Chill (Highly Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What to Serve chicken salad recipe With
The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- The Classic Sandwich: Piled high on soft croissants, thick slices of sourdough, or whole-wheat bread with a leaf of crisp butter lettuce.
- On a Green Salad: Serve a large scoop on a bed of fresh mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a healthy, protein-packed lunch.
- In a Wrap or Lettuce Cup: Spoon it into a large flour tortilla or into sturdy butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
- As a Snack: Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or sliced cucumber rounds for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Top Tips for Perfecting chicken salad recipe
- The Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and adds great flavor. If cooking your own, poaching (simmering in water or broth) is best to keep it moist. Shred it with two forks or dice it—your preference!
- Texture is Key: For the best texture, make sure your celery and onion are diced finely so they distribute evenly and don’t overwhelm a bite.
- Avoid Soggy Salad: If you’re making this ahead, hold off on adding the nuts until just before serving to keep them perfectly crunchy.
- Creaminess Control: The dressing will thicken up a bit in the fridge. If you prefer a looser salad after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to loosen it up.
- Herb Substitution: Not a dill fan? Fresh tarragon is a classic and elegant substitute. Chives or even a little parsley would also work well.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: This chicken salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for weekly lunches.
- Reheating: This is meant to be served cold! Do not reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off, if desired.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing chicken salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed, and the crunchy vegetables will lose all their texture.
Pros:
- Incredibly quick and easy to prepare (20 minutes)
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and lunch prep
- Highly customizable with different add-ins
- Creamy and crunchy texture is irresistible
- Much more affordable and flavorful than store-bought versions
Cons:
- Not suitable for freezing
- Must be consumed within 3-4 days
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be as good as using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. If you do use canned chicken, be sure to drain it very, very well and consider giving it a quick rinse to reduce the sodium content. Flake it apart with a fork before mixing.
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days. Because it contains mayonnaise and yogurt, it’s important to keep it refrigerated and not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
For a lighter option, you can replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of additional plain Greek yogurt. The result will be tangier and less rich. You could also use mashed avocado for a creamier, dairy-free option, though the flavor will change and it may brown slightly.
My chicken salad is too dry. How can I fix it?
Easy fix! Simply whisk together a little more mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (a 1:1 ratio) in a separate bowl and gently fold it into the salad a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead is highly recommended. Allowing it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) lets the flavors meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious. For the best texture, add any nuts right before serving so they stay crunchy.
What are some other tasty add-in ideas?
This recipe is a perfect base for creativity! Popular add-ins include:
Fruit: Halved red grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries.
Crunch: Sliced almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
Herbs: Fresh tarragon (a classic substitution for dill) or chives.
Extra Flavor: A teaspoon of curry powder or a dash of hot sauce.
Is chicken salad healthy?
It can be! This recipe uses Greek yogurt to lighten it up, adding protein and reducing fat. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. To keep it healthy, watch your portion sizes and be mindful of what you serve it with (e.g., a green salad vs. a buttery croissant).
Can I freeze chicken salad?
We do not recommend freezing this chicken salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed, creating a very unpleasant, grainy texture. The crunchy vegetables will also become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.