If there’s one dish I could eat for lunch every week, it’s the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with savory goodness from tender chicken, crisp veggies, a touch of tangy mustard, and fresh herbs, this is comfort food at its finest. Whether you pile it on a buttered croissant or scoop it into lettuce wraps, the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special and crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the beauty of simplicity! Each ingredient in this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe brings a delicious contrast—think creamy, zesty, crunchy, and fresh. The key is balancing these elements, so you get a bite bursting with flavor every time.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use chopped or shredded chicken for a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up all the dressing flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness and binds everything together; feel free to use light or classic mayo to your taste.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and gentle heat, waking up the entire salad.
- Celery: Finely chopped for that essential crunch and freshness in every forkful.
- Red onion: Lends little pops of sharpness and color without overpowering the mix.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of brightness and a hint of herbal flavor.
- Lemon juice: Just a teaspoon is enough to add brightness and balance the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and let all the other flavors shine!
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping or shredding your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. You’ll also want to finely chop the celery, red onion, and fresh parsley so everything mixes together evenly. Having everything ready before you start makes the process quick and easy.
Step 2: Combine and Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir everything gently until the chicken is well-coated and the veggies and herbs are thoroughly incorporated. This is where the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe truly comes together, and you’ll start smelling those fresh, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Season and Taste
Don’t skip the seasoning step! Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper, then give the salad a quick taste. Adjust with a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra dash of lemon juice or mustard, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and let your chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives all those delicious flavors a chance to mingle and ensures the salad is perfectly cool and refreshing when it’s time to serve.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a scoop of toasted sliced almonds on top can take your chicken salad to the next level, adding a pop of color and an enticing crunch. If you love a sweet-savory combo, try decorating with a few fresh grape halves or apple slices right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe with crisp greens for a light meal, kettle chips for crunch, or a vibrant fruit salad for a touch of sweetness. Even a cup of chilled gazpacho or tomato soup makes a comforting, balanced lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Break out of the sandwich routine by serving the salad in lettuce cups, stuffed avocados, or piled onto mini croissant sliders for a party platter. With the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, you can even make tea sandwiches or layer it into a hearty grain bowl for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep or easy grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze chicken salad, mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when thawed. For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe fresh from the fridge!
Reheating
Chicken salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled. If it’s been in the fridge and seems too cold, simply let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving—no reheating required.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and infuses the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe with even more flavor. Just remove the skin and shred the meat for best results.
What can I use as a mayonnaise substitute?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and light mayo. This swap keeps the salad creamy while adding a tangy, protein-rich twist.
Can I add extra ingredients?
Definitely! Personalize your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe by stirring in ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, dried cranberries, or toasted nuts. These extras add a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it on gluten-free bread, lettuce, or as is, if you’re avoiding gluten entirely.
How do I keep the chicken salad from getting watery?
To prevent excess moisture, pat your celery and onions dry before adding them, and thoroughly drain the chicken if it’s packaged or canned. This keeps your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe at home, now’s the perfect time! It’s foolproof, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd pleaser. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes your newest lunch or picnic favorite.
