How To Make Classic Chicken Salad

Few dishes are as versatile, satisfying, and universally loved as a well-made chicken salad. Whether served on a buttery croissant, tucked into a lettuce wrap, or enjoyed straight from the bowl with a fork, this simple recipe stands the test of time. It’s light yet filling, creamy but refreshing, and endlessly customizable depending on what you have in your kitchen.

Classic chicken salad is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, potlucks, and even as a go-to dish for summer picnics. With a handful of basic ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality salad in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s naturally high in protein, can be made low-carb or keto-friendly, and easily adapted to suit dietary preferences.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making the best classic chicken salad, from ingredient tips to mix-ins, storage, and serving suggestions. If you’re looking to elevate a timeless recipe or master a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, you’re in the right place.

The Core Ingredients of a Classic Chicken Salad

Cooked Chicken

The star of the show, chicken should be cooked until tender and juicy. Leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken can work beautifully. Shredded or diced chicken both work—just make sure it’s well-seasoned.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and binds everything together. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor. For a lighter version, use half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt.

Celery

Celery adds a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy texture of the chicken and mayo. Dice it finely so it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Red Onion or Scallions

For a mild, sharp bite, red onion or scallions are classic additions. They provide a pop of color and bring out the flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder or onion powder are often all you need. Some recipes also include a splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard for extra tang.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture

Hard-boiled eggs: Add richness and protein.

Sweet pickle relish: For a hint of sweetness.

Dill or parsley: Fresh herbs lift the flavor.

Grapes or apples: A sweet, juicy twist that pairs well with savory chicken.

Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Add crunch and depth.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Step by Step

Here’s a straightforward recipe for a traditional chicken salad that can be made in under 20 minutes (not including cooking time if you’re preparing chicken from scratch).

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken

½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

2 tablespoons red onion or scallions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t done so already, cook your chicken using your preferred method. Poached, grilled, baked, or rotisserie are all excellent options. Let it cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Add the chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and optional ingredients like eggs or herbs into the bowl. Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve cold with crackers, on toast, inside a wrap, or over a bed of greens. Garnish with fresh herbs for extra color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salad

Use Cold Chicken
Let your chicken cool completely before mixing. Warm chicken can cause the mayo to separate or become oily.

Adjust Creaminess to Your Liking
Start with less mayo than you think you need and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.

Taste Before Serving
After chilling, taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Flavors tend to mellow in the fridge.

Make It Your Own with Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these creative twists to keep things interesting:

Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Use olive oil and lemon juice in place of mayo for a lighter feel.

Curried Chicken Salad
Mix curry powder into the mayo and stir in golden raisins, diced apple, and slivered almonds for a spiced, sweet-savory flavor profile.

Buffalo Chicken Salad
Add a splash of buffalo hot sauce to the dressing and mix in crumbled blue cheese and diced celery for a bold, spicy twist.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Chicken Salad
Stick with high-protein ingredients like chicken, eggs, and mayo. Add avocado or olives and skip the sweet add-ins like fruit or relish.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Refrigeration
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing
Chicken salad made with mayonnaise is not ideal for freezing, as the mayo can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately and make fresh salad as needed.

Pack for Lunches
Use reusable containers or mason jars to portion out individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

Classic Sandwich
Serve chicken salad between two slices of hearty whole-grain bread, on a croissant, or inside a soft roll for a traditional deli-style sandwich.

Lettuce Wraps or Low-Carb Bowls
For a lighter option, scoop chicken salad into romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Or serve over a bed of baby spinach or arugula.

Party Appetizer
Spoon chicken salad onto crackers or mini toast rounds and garnish with herbs for an elegant, easy appetizer.

Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes
For a modern presentation, hollow out an avocado or tomato and fill it with chicken salad. It’s perfect for brunch or summer gatherings.

Conclusion: The Classic Chicken Salad You’ll Make Again and Again

Chicken salad is a timeless recipe for good reason—it’s simple to make, easy to customize, and endlessly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week ahead, or bringing a dish to a gathering, this versatile salad fits the bill. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and full of texture.

From the classic version to creative global spins, chicken salad is a dish that adapts to your taste, schedule, and nutritional goals. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll always have a reliable recipe ready to impress, nourish, and satisfy.

Make it once, and you’ll see why chicken salad has earned its place as a go-to recipe in kitchens everywhere.