Classic chicken salad is a timeless dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. With its simple ingredients and light, creamy dressing, this recipe is an easy way to make a satisfying meal out of leftover chicken. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a fresh bed of greens for a lighter option. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, this chicken salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite herbs or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients come together quickly, and you can enjoy the salad on its own or pair it with a variety of sides for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require much time or effort, this classic chicken salad is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Simple

This chicken salad is made with just a few ingredients, making it easy to prepare in minutes. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients!

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

You can make a large batch of this chicken salad and store it in the fridge for a few days. It’s a great option for busy lunches or dinners.

3. Versatile Serving Options

Serve it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a salad. You can even use it as a filling for a fresh vegetable platter or as a dip for crackers.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

This recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your preferences. Add extra veggies, swap the mustard for something spicier, or mix in your favorite herbs.

5. Healthy and Filling

Packed with protein from the chicken and a nice balance of creamy mayo and crunchy vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Cooked chopped chicken or shredded chicken
Mayonnaise
Celery (diced)
Green onion (thinly sliced)
Dijon mustard
Seasoned salt (more to taste)
Black pepper (or to taste)
Chopped fresh dill (optional)

Variations

Add Fruit: For a sweet twist, add diced apples or grapes for a refreshing contrast.
Add Crunch: For extra crunch, try adding sliced almonds, walnuts, or even some crispy bacon bits.
Herb Variation: If you prefer a different flavor, swap the dill for fresh parsley, thyme, or tarragon.
Use Greek Yogurt: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to make it lighter and add a tangy flavor.
Spicy Option: Add a little bit of sriracha or cayenne pepper to the mix for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, sliced green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper, and dill (if using).

Step 2: Mix Well

Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.

Step 3: Serve

Serve the chicken salad on your choice of bread for a sandwich, on a bed of greens for a lighter option, or even as a wrap. It’s also delicious on crackers as a snack.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, making it a great way to save time.
Make it Ahead: This chicken salad stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Adjust the Mayo: If you prefer a creamier salad, add more mayo. For a lighter version, reduce the mayo and add a little more mustard or lemon juice.
Freshness: If you’re using dried dill, fresh dill adds a brighter, fresher flavor, but both work great in this recipe.

How to Serve

This classic chicken salad can be served in many different ways:

On a Sandwich or Wrap: Serve it in a soft croissant, whole wheat bread, or tortilla wrap.
Over a Salad: Spoon the chicken salad over a fresh bed of mixed greens or spinach.
With Crackers or Veggies: For a lighter snack, serve the chicken salad with crunchy crackers or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell peppers.
In a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as a wrap for the chicken salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this chicken salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and become watery when thawed.

Reheating

Since chicken salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy when ready.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply skip the mayo and use a vegan mayo alternative or Greek yogurt.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots for added crunch and color.

4. How long will this chicken salad last in the fridge?

It will last 2-3 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.

5. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for a spicy twist.

6. Can I use different herbs in the salad?

Yes, you can substitute the dill for other herbs like parsley, tarragon, or thyme to suit your taste.

7. How can I make this chicken salad lighter?

Use Greek yogurt or a light mayo version to reduce the fat content while maintaining the creamy texture.

8. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it’s already cooked and adds extra flavor.

9. Can I serve this as a dip?

Yes, chicken salad can be served as a dip with crackers or fresh veggies like celery sticks and cucumbers.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is an easy, versatile, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it in a sandwich, on a salad, or as a dip, it’s sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an ideal meal for busy days, picnics, or meal prepping. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy this creamy, flavorful salad anytime!