This classic chicken salad is loaded with crunchy bits of celery and onion mingling throughout the delectably creamy dressing. This easy recipe packs tons of flavor, requires only basic ingredients, and it is effortless to make. You will never want to use another chicken salad recipe again!
What is it?
This classic chicken salad recipe features tender shredded chicken coated in a creamy Dijon mayo-based dressing, along with freshly chopped onion, celery, and parsley. This easy recipe can be enjoyed on its own, or as flavorful chicken salad sandwiches or wraps.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken breast - The easiest option is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Mayo - Light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for a healthier option.
- Dijon mustard - You can substitute brown mustard or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for acidity.
- Celery - Celery adds that classic crunch to the salad, but fresh bell peppers can also be used.
- Yellow onion - A white onion is a great substitute. The flavor of a red onion would overpower this dish.
- Fresh parsley - Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but you can also add green onions or other fresh herbs, like thyme.
If you want to customize this recipe to fit your tastes try any combination of the following simple ingredients too:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sweet peppers
- Briney food such as pickles or olives
- Sundried tomatoes
- Nuts
How to make it
Making a traditional chicken salad is just about the easiest recipe ever once you have the cooked chicken shredded and the veggies chopped. Simply add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine well, then serve!
How to serve it
Homemade chicken salad is a very versatile dish and perfect for a simple lunch. My favorite way to enjoy it is as a sandwich on a bun. Although cheap "bread-aisle" buns will work fine, getting artisan buns from the bakery department can really elevate this dish. For a low-carb option, you can serve it on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or low-carb wraps. Alternatively, serving this easy chicken salad recipe on crackers or simply in a bowl are also great ways to enjoy it as well.
Note: Since this salad has a creamy dressing that is mayo-based, it should not be left out at room temperature for long periods of time when serving.
Can I Make Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This classic chicken salad recipe is great to make ahead. It is meant to be enjoyed cold, so you can simply whip up a batch and store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Plus, this gives time for the flavors to meld properly. However, there is nothing wrong with eating it right away either. This salad will last approximately 4 days before the quality starts noticeably degrading.
More creative chicken salad recipes
Though this classic recipe is a very popular way many people enjoy chicken salad, there are many flavorful variations to try! If you are craving a jazzed-up chicken salad try any of these recipes too!
- Chicken Salad with Red Grapes and Pecans
- Chipotle Chicken Salad
- Chicken Salad with Apples
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chipotle Chicken Salad
- Avocado Chipotle Chicken Salad
- Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad
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Classic Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast (can use 1 rotisserie chicken), cooked & cooled
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 rib celery (chopped)
- ½ medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- buns for serving
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Place ~⅓ cup of mixture on buns and enjoy. Or refrigerate chicken salad for later use.
Video
Nutritional Information
This recipe was originally published on July 21, 2017, on FoxValleyFoodie.com.
Gaye
I could eat my weight in chicken salad; and, No! I’m not gonna tell my weight. Never knew to add mustard for zip. Grapes and pecans are a no, no!’
Anita
Can I use sweet relish in the salad?
Fox Valley Foodie
I'm not sure how that would taste. You could give it a try.
Mercedes Hoffman
It’s good with pickle relish but you would want to squeeze it dry because it tends to separate and get watery when in the refrigerator overnight.
Dana Francis
Can you use spicy mustard with this recipe as well?
Fox Valley Foodie
Sure can!
Debbie
Could you use dill pickles in your recipe
Fox Valley Foodie
They wouldn't be my first choice to add, but there is no reason you couldn't.
Carly Saponari
Totally used red onions because I love
Them
Marie
Made this chicken salad today exactly as per the recipe and it was amazing. Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
Angel
Could you do this without the mustard and parsley?
Fox Valley Foodie
You certainly could, although it would be considerably more bland without the acidity of mustard since that is a primary source of flavor.
Jessica
What type of onion?
Fox Valley Foodie
A classic yellow onion or sweet onion would be ideal.
Brandon
Haha love your basic recipe、 epicurian smob. Found it researching ways to make my chicken salad better. You remind me of my friend from Japan who says "I don't do condiments... I only do sauces." Lol. Good basic recipe!
Terry
BEST EVER!!! I can toss the others out!
Thank you !!!
Linda Ross
Can I add hard boiled eggs? And if so, should I had more mayonnaise?
Fox Valley Foodie
Absolutely you can! I wouldn't add more mayo unless needed. If you accidentally break up the eggs too much while stirring them into the egg salad, you will likely need more mayo because the smaller bits can soak up the sauce. However, if you leave the chopped eggs relatively in-tact while incorporating them into the salad, you shouldn't need more mayo.
Cheryl Lynn Belangee
I don't eat onions, and I always use miracle whip. This was prstty good.
Fox Valley Foodie
Miracle Whip would probably be a tasty substitution!
Jill
This is a classic for a reason!