Chicken salad is a timeless dish that’s versatile, flavorful, and easy to make. This classic chicken salad recipe offers a simple, yet satisfying combination of tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, fresh vegetables, and a touch of mustard for a mild tang. It’s the perfect option for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic dish. Whether served on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a fresh bed of greens, this chicken salad never goes out of style.

With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. The chicken, mayo, celery, and green onions are mixed together and seasoned to perfection with Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, and black pepper. The optional fresh or dried dill adds an herby flair that enhances the overall flavor, giving the salad a fresh, aromatic touch. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it’s quick to make, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a few days.

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful chicken salad, this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up any time.

2. Quick to Prepare

With just a few minutes of prep time, this chicken salad comes together quickly—perfect for when you’re short on time.

3. Versatile Serving Options

It can be served in a variety of ways, whether on a sandwich, over a salad, or in a wrap, giving you plenty of options for how to enjoy it.

4. Customizable to Taste

This recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the seasoning, add more or less dill, or swap in other ingredients like apples or nuts if you prefer.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This chicken salad stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it ideal for meal prepping and having ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken
½ cup mayonnaise
1 rib celery, diced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Variations

Add Fruits: For a slightly sweeter touch, consider adding diced apples or grapes.
Use Greek Yogurt: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make the recipe lighter and tangier.
Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
Spicy Twist: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up.
Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: For extra protein and creaminess, chop up a couple of hard-boiled eggs and add them to the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked, chopped or shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, sliced green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper, and fresh or dried dill (if using).

Step 2:

Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly combined and the chicken is fully coated in the mayonnaise mixture.

Step 3:

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 4:

Serve the chicken salad on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a salad. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use leftover chicken for a quick meal.
Taste and Adjust: Be sure to taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially with the salt and pepper.
Chill for Best Flavor: Let the chicken salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make it Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

How to Serve

On a Sandwich: Serve the chicken salad in a sandwich, using your favorite bread or rolls. Add some lettuce for extra crunch.
In a Wrap: For a quick, portable option, scoop the chicken salad into a wrap and enjoy on the go.
Over a Salad: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken salad on a bed of leafy greens, or mix it into a larger salad with other vegetables.
With Crackers: Serve as a snack or appetizer alongside crackers for a fun and simple meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in color before eating.

Freezing

Freezing chicken salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise may separate when thawed, affecting the texture of the salad.

Reheating

Chicken salad is typically served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave or on the stove. However, reheating may change the texture of the mayo-based dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken breasts, thighs, or even canned chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into small pieces.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative, such as avocado or vegan mayo, and leave out any dairy ingredients.

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

It will last up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Be sure to check it for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

4. Can I use non-fat mayo?

Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise with non-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this recipe.

5. Can I make this recipe without Dijon mustard?

Yes, if you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or omit it entirely for a more basic flavor.

6. Can I make this salad spicy?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to make it spicier.

7. How can I add more crunch?

To add extra crunch, you can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.

8. Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes, diced apples or grapes work wonderfully in this chicken salad, giving it a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

10. Can I prepare this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this chicken salad up to a day in advance. It will actually taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.

Conclusion

This classic chicken salad recipe is the perfect go-to dish for a quick and easy meal. It’s delicious, satisfying, and highly customizable, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. Whether served in a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or as a simple snack with crackers, it’s guaranteed to please. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.