The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting the perfect classic chicken salad requires some culinary magic that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

Tender chunks of chicken blend seamlessly with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing.

Summer picnics and quick lunches find their ideal companion in this versatile dish.

Homemade versions always taste more satisfying than store-bought alternatives.

Each bite promises a balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Crunchy celery, smooth mayonnaise, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a harmony of tastes.

The Best Classic Chicken Salad You’ll Ever Taste

• Elevate Meal Variety: Versatile recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish perfect for sandwiches, salads, or quick lunches.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing personal twists by adding different nuts, adjusting spices, or swapping ingredients to match taste preferences.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal cooking required with simple mixing technique that delivers maximum flavor without complex culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Universally appealing dish that works brilliantly for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, and casual weekend meals with its balanced blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad

• Shredded Chicken: The main star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the salad.

• Celery, Toasted Sliced Almonds: These ingredients add a delightful crisp texture and nutty flavor to the chicken salad.
• Onions: Provides a sharp and zesty accent to the overall taste profile.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy and rich binding sauce for the chicken salad.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the flavors.
• Grapes: Introduces a sweet and juicy element that complements the savory chicken.
• Fresh Dill: A delicate herb that provides a subtle, aromatic garnish.

How to Make Perfect Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Ensure the chicken is completely cool before mixing.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Companions

• Crisp celery
• Sweet grapes
• Zesty onions

Step 3: Add Crunchy Texture

Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds into the chicken mixture for a delightful nutty crunch.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture.

Gently fold ingredients until every morsel is perfectly coated.

Step 6: Taste and Tweak

Sample the chicken salad and adjust seasonings to match your flavor preferences.

Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 7: Serve with Style

• Fluffy croissants
• Soft bread
• Fresh salad greens

Step 8: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a burst of herbal brightness.

Step 9: Store Properly

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.

Tips to Get Flavor and Texture Just Right

• Use rotisserie or freshly poached chicken for maximum moisture and flavor, ensuring the meat stays juicy and delicious.
• Toast almonds briefly to enhance their crunch and prevent sogginess, adding a delightful nutty dimension to the salad.
• Drain grapes completely to prevent watery consistency and maintain the salad's creamy texture.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use vegan mayo for plant-based diets without compromising taste.
• Chop fresh dill right before serving to maximize its bright, aromatic flavor and prevent wilting.

Variations to Change Up Classic Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add diced cucumbers, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Curry Chicken Salad: Mix in mild curry powder, golden raisins, and chopped green onions for a spicy and sweet Indian-inspired version.
• Apple Walnut Chicken Salad: Swap almonds for chopped walnuts, add diced green apples for crunch and a hint of sweetness, and include a touch of Dijon mustard for extra zest.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, corn kernels, and replace mayonnaise with a blend of sour cream and salsa for a bold, zesty kick.

Pairing Ideas to Serve With Your Salad

• Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: A light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc complements the chicken salad's creamy texture and brightens the grape and almond flavors with its citrusy undertones.
• Create Crunchy Sandwich Companions: Serve alongside kettle-cooked potato chips or artisan sea salt crackers to add delightful crunch and contrast to the smooth chicken salad's rich consistency.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken salad and provide a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the dish's richness.
• Enhance with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cool, unsweetened herbal mint tea that cleanses the palate and offers a light, refreshing accompaniment to the chicken salad's creamy profile.

Storage Advice for Chicken Salad

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Transfer chicken salad to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that mayonnaise-based salads might slightly separate when thawed.

Move frozen chicken salad from freezer to refrigerator and let it defrost slowly overnight. Stir well after thawing to recombine ingredients.

Before serving cold chicken salad after storage, give it a quick stir and add a small splash of fresh lemon juice to revive its creamy texture and bright flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as usual.

• Is it okay to skip the grapes or almonds?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with ingredients you enjoy. The grapes add sweetness, and almonds provide crunch, but they’re optional.

• How do I keep the chicken salad from getting watery?

Pat the chicken and vegetables dry before mixing, and avoid adding too much liquid. Use fresh ingredients and drain any excess moisture.

• Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it the night before and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy classic chicken salad brings together tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and tangy mayonnaise in a delightful blend of flavors. Served on fresh bread or lettuce, this timeless dish offers a perfect balance of texture and taste you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 g) chopped celery
• 1 cup (150 g) red grapes, halved
• 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped red onion

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted sliced almonds
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh dill for garnish

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Instructions

1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for optimal flavor distribution.
2. Finely dice crisp celery and sweet red grapes to provide a balanced crunch and juicy contrast in the salad.
3. Mince red onions to add a subtle sharp undertone without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
4. Gently toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, releasing their nutty essence.
5. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a bright, tangy dressing base.
6. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Combine all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding to ensure even coating without breaking the delicate components.
8. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Serve on soft croissants, rustic bread, or atop crisp salad greens for a versatile meal option.
10. Garnish with delicate fresh dill sprigs for an aromatic finishing touch.
11. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Choose tender, freshly cooked chicken for the most succulent texture, preferably using rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
• Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and light mayo to reduce calories.
• Customize the salad by adding different herbs like tarragon or chives for a unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg