Chicken salad is one of those dishes that feels endlessly useful, simple enough to throw together for lunch, versatile enough to serve at a potluck, and satisfying enough to enjoy on its own or tucked inside a sandwich. This version takes the traditional deli-style chicken salad and elevates it with balanced flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of crunch. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, silky dressing come together to create a dish that’s refreshing, savory, and undeniably comforting.

Whether you’re layering it into a croissant, packing it for a picnic, serving it over a bed of greens, or keeping a batch in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week, this chicken salad delivers every single time.

🌟 Why This Chicken Salad Recipe Just Works

Chicken salad is easy to make, but great chicken salad requires a little attention to detail. Here’s what makes this version special:

✔ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

It uses everyday staples, chicken, celery, onions, seasoning, but balances them perfectly with a creamy dressing that’s tangy, savory, and smooth. That balance is what transforms basic ingredients into a standout dish.

✔ The Perfect Texture Mix

Tender chicken contrasts with the refreshing crispness of celery and the aromatic bite of onion. This gives each forkful variety rather than feeling mushy or one-note.

✔ Flexible Chicken Options

Poached chicken breasts, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly shredded rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. This recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand.

✔ Ideal Make-Ahead Meal

The flavors intensify as it chills, meaning it tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator. It stores well, making it great for weekday lunches or gatherings.

✔ Customizable to Any Taste

From fruit and nuts to herbs, seasonings, or Greek yogurt, you can shape this salad to match your preferences without losing its core deliciousness.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 6+ servings)

Base Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
• 2–3 celery stalks, finely diced
• ½ cup red onion or green onion, finely chopped
• ½ to ¾ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo + half Greek yogurt for a lighter spin)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds tang and depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
• ¼–½ teaspoon salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

Optional Mix-Ins (Choose 1 or several)

• Halved grapes
• Chopped apple
• Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts
• Pickles or relish
• Hard-boiled eggs, chopped

These additions can take your chicken salad from classic to playful or gourmet.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad Step by Step

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

You can use chicken in almost any form, but start with it fully cooked and cooled.

• Poached chicken yields very tender, moist meat.
• Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and deeper savory flavor.
• Leftover grilled or baked chicken works well, too.

Chop or shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Smaller chunks mix more easily with the dressing and give you balanced bites.

Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2 — Prep the Vegetables and Optional Extras

Dice the celery finely for the best crunch. Chop the onion into small pieces, it should add flavor without overwhelming each bite. If using scallions, thinly slice them for a milder onion profile.

Optional additions, like grapes, apples, or nuts, should be chopped into uniform pieces. Fresh herbs add brightness but are completely optional.

Set everything aside until the dressing is ready.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise (or mayo-yogurt blend)
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Taste the dressing here. If you want it tangier, add a little more lemon juice. If you prefer it richer, stir in another spoonful of mayonnaise. Many delis use this exact combination, mayo + mustard + acid, to create that unmistakable classic chicken salad flavor.

Step 4 — Combine and Gently Mix

Pour the dressing over the chicken. Add celery, onion, and any extras you’re using.

Using a spatula or large spoon, fold the ingredients together. Avoid mashing or smashing, gentle folding keeps the salad light, creamy, and full of texture.

If it looks too dry, add a bit more mayo. If too wet, add more chicken.

At this point, taste again and adjust with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 5 — Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour. This time allows the dressing to infuse into the chicken and lets all the flavors meld into a cohesive, delicious whole.

The longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the better the flavor becomes.

🍽 How to Serve Chicken Salad

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in many ways:

🍞 Sandwiches & Wraps

Pile the chicken salad high on toasted bread, croissants, brioche buns, or rolled into tortillas. Add lettuce or tomatoes for texture.

🥗 Over Greens

Serve a chilled scoop over mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a refreshing, low-carb meal.

🥑 Stuffed Options

Fill avocado halves, hollowed tomatoes, or mini bell peppers for a fun, colorful presentation.

🍿 Snack Board Style

Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced cucumbers for an easy grazing-style appetizer.

🧺 Picnic or Potluck Dish

Chicken salad travels well and stays tasty for hours when kept cool, making it ideal for gatherings.

🍏 Creative Variations

1. Fruit & Nut Chicken Salad

Add grapes or apples + toasted nuts for a sweet crunch reminiscent of Waldorf salad.

2. Pickle Lover’s Chicken Salad

Mix in chopped pickles or relish + a spoonful of pickle juice for tang.

3. Herb-Forward Chicken Salad

Add plenty of fresh dill, tarragon, or basil.

4. Healthy Greek Yogurt Version

Swap half or all the mayo for plain Greek yogurt; add an extra splash of lemon to balance the tang.

5. Extra Protein Boost

Fold in diced hard-boiled eggs.

🧊 Make-Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Not recommended, mayo and celery don’t thaw well.
• Meal Prep Tip: Add nuts or herbs just before serving to keep their texture crisp.
• Refresh Before Serving: Stir gently if the dressing settles or separates.

💡 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Every Time

• Use quality mayo, the dressing is the flavor backbone.
• Chill before eating for the best texture and taste.
• Avoid overmixing to maintain tender chicken pieces.
• Salt lightly at first, you can always add more later.
• Cut ingredients uniformly for consistent bites.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This classic chicken salad is more than just a quick lunch, it’s a reliable, adaptable recipe you can turn to anytime. Its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken come together in a way that’s satisfying yet simple, comforting yet fresh. Whether you prefer the traditional version or a fruity, tangy, or herb-forward twist, this recipe provides a solid foundation for endless variations.

Serve it however you like, on bread, on greens, or straight from the bowl, and enjoy a dish that’s timeless, convenient, and always delicious.