A classic that everyone needs, this Chicken Salad recipe is simple and straightforward. Great for sandwiches, on crackers, or with a fork straight from the bowl!
Look no further for the perfect, classic chicken salad. But if you want to get creative, try these Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps, this Mango Chicken Salad, or BBQ Chicken Salad.
We eat chicken salad regularly. It’s one of those meals that every single person in my family loves and will eat.
And I’ll admit to picking up the Costco chicken salad from time to time.
But really, there is no reason to pay the extra money when you can make chicken salad at home in just minutes!
I love this recipe because it is the basic, classic chicken salad. You can add in extra ingredients or flavors, but the base is delicious as is, as well.
And it doesn’t hurt that it comes together super quickly, especially when you already have shredded chicken on hand!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: I use full fat, but you could definitely use low-fat mayonnaise.
- Dijon Mustard: I love the flavor of Dijon, but you can swap for brown mustard, or even yellow mustard. If you use yellow mustard, you might want to cut back and add it to taste.
- Seasoned Salt: If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use regular salt, but the seasoned salt adds lots of flavor.
- Pepper: I don’t add an amount for the pepper, so add to taste.
- Celery Salt: This is a secret ingredient that I heard about years and years ago. And ever since, I can’t make chicken salad without it!
- Chicken: This is a great use for cooked, shredded chicken. You can also use a rotisserie chicken.
- Celery: The celery adds great texture and crunch.
- Red Onion: I like the red onion since it is raw, but you could also use green onions.
How to Make Chicken Salad
This is so, so easy to make!
Step 1: Add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and celery salt in a large bowl and stir to make sure it is fully combined.
Step 2: Add in the chicken, celery, and red onion. Stir to combine.
Tips and Tricks
While you can serve this chicken salad right after making it, it is best once it’s had some time in the refrigerator. So it makes a great make-ahead meal!
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve the chicken salad as a sandwich, on bread or a croissant. Or serve it with crackers. I even like to eat it just on its own, with a fork!
Variations
This is a very basic recipe, but you could definitely fancy it up! Here are some of my favorite additions:
- 1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds
- 1 cup halved purple grapes
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- fresh herbs (dill and parsley are my favorite!)
You can also make this better for you and cut some calories by using Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Coconut Curry Chicken
Chicken Caesar Wraps
The Best Shredded Chicken Recipes
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Chimichanga Recipe
Chicken Chilaquiles
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Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 4 cups cooked chicken
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds
- 1 cup purple grapes halved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, pepper (to taste), and celery salt. Stir to combine.
- Add in the chicken, celery, and red onion. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate until needed.
Abby says
I don't think I've ever met a chicken salad that I didn't like.
And two posts a week (maybe, just maybe one on the weekend) is my limit. I just can't get everything done! Our etsy store is killer.
Spryte says
Yum! Your chicken salad sounds great! And I love sandwiches on focaccia!
Gary Bradshaw says
The only difference between yours and mine is I use celery seed, and I use a teaspoon of sugar. Then it goes in the fridge for as long as you can stand not eating it.
Valerie says
I've done the same thing on my blog with recipes–although mine isn't a food blog. This looks so good!
Chef E says
Seems like a lot of bloggers are in the 'no cooking' zone this past few weeks, maybe the fall settling in?
I think I might have the ingredients to make this for dinner tonight!
btw could you put a 'follow me' button up from your layout, so I can see your new posts each week, pretty please 🙂
teresa says
i love the look of these sandwiches, delicious!
Barbara says
Love those Bake Off cookbooks. I have saved them from many years ago and some of our favorite recipes were gleaned from them. Your focaccia looks delicious- and any salad would do as filling.
My computer screen is filled with ideas and photos- so I know just what you mean about catching up.
Chocolate Shavings says
That sounds delicious, I'd be tempted to add a little tarragon to the chicken salad!
Kim says
I know exactly what you mean about blogging. I haven't really cooked all week, but I have a ton of posts to put up:D I love the idea of chicken salad on focaccia.