Classic Chicken Salad

Of all the summer salads, a classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Keep this easy recipe on hand for last-minute sandwich prep when last-minute invitations come up! Serve this summer with a side of Italian pasta salad and crunchy grilled corn on the cob!

Ingredients in Chicken Salad

Chicken: 

• Use leftovers from last night’s dinner or leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken.
• To Make Chicken for chicken salad I like to use either poached chicken or baked chicken breasts or thighs.
• You can use canned chicken in a pinch but of course fresh is best when possible.
• Ensure the chicken is cooled and shred or chop the chicken into bite sized pieces.

Add-ins:

• As this is a classic chicken salad recipe, I’ve kept the additions to a minimum. Celery for crunch, green onions for flavor.
• This recipe can be made with a variety of nuts, veggies, and fruit for added flavor and texture.
• Chicken salad with grapes, avocado or dried cranberries is a favorite. Pecans or almonds pair well with this recipe.

Dressing:

• Mayonnaise is the base of this recipe and it’s simply seasoned.
• You can get creative and substitute some of the mayo for ranch dressing or your favorite salad dressing recipe.
• Create an Avocado Chicken Salad by replacing some of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado.

How to Make Chicken Salad?

Prepare a classic chicken salad in 15 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.

1. Chop cooked and cooled chicken and place into a large bowl with celery and onions.
2. Mix dressing ingredients (per recipe below) in a bowl. Toss with chicken.
3. Serve on rolls, bread or over a bead of lettuce.

For this chicken salad sandwich recipe, any bread will do, thick slices of a baguette or buns/rolls hold up well. This is naturally low carb and it’s great over a tossed salad as well.

Got Leftovers?

REFRIGERATOR: In an airtight container, the chicken salad will last about a week in the refrigerator. Give it a stir and refresh the flavor with a little salt and pepper (or an extra dollop of Dijon mustard) and serve!

FREEZER: Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well. To prep ahead, simply dice the chicken and freeze. When ready to make, combine it with the ingredients below for a quick lunch!

Must-Try Sandwiches

• Pineapple Chicken Salad with Grapes – fresh summer favorite
• Best Egg Salad Recipe – All-American classic!
• Avocado Ranch Chicken Salad Wrap – loaded with flavor
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad – deliciously fresh & tasty!
• Classic Tuna Salad – ready in 10 minutes!
• Shrimp Salad – fabulous light entreé

4.99 from 169 votes

Review Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Author Holly Nilsson

Course Salad

Cuisine American

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 1 green onion diced (or chives or red onion)
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill optional

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 206, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 362mg, Potassium: 137mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 72IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Keyword chicken salad

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