Chicken salad recipe

Creamy, savory, and packed with fresh crunch, this Best Chicken Salad is the ultimate go-to for easy lunches, quick dinners, or picnic spreads. Made with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich dressing, it’s perfect piled onto toasted bread, tucked into lettuce cups, or served with crackers. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile—you’ll come back to it again and again.

Origin chicken salad recipe

Chicken salad has been a staple of American and European kitchens since the 1800s, evolving into countless variations. This version combines tender chicken, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing balanced with a touch of tangy sweetness.

What I Love About This Recipe

It’s fast to make, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for using up leftover roast or rotisserie chicken.

Also Read : Chicken Thigh and Orzo Skillet

Best Chicken Salad

Recipe by RecipesVillaCourse: Main Course, Salad, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

240

kcal

The Best Chicken Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish made with tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, red onion, and just the right touch of mayo or Greek yogurt. Often enhanced with grapes, nuts, or herbs, it’s perfect served chilled on a sandwich, with crackers, or over greens. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional)

• 2 tbsp sweet relish or chopped dill pickles (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

• In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Add chicken, celery, onion, nuts, and relish (if using).
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Add halved grapes or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.