Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

Of all the summer salads, a classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck!

Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Keep this chicken salad recipe on hand for last-minute sandwiches, or serve it over a bed of lettuce or with a side ofpasta salad and corn on the cob!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (1)

Ingredients in Chicken Salad

Chicken:

  • Use leftover chicken from last night’s dinner or rotisserie chicken. Even leftover grilled chicken works well. Canned chicken can be used, but fresh is preferred.
  • To prepare chicken for chicken salad: Make baked chicken breast or thighs or poach until tender.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooled and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Add-ins:

  • As this is a classic chicken salad recipe, I’ve kept the additions to a minimum. Celery for crunch, green onions for flavor.
  • Add a variety of nuts, veggies, or fruit for added flavor and texture. Try this chicken salad recipe with grapes, avocado, dried cranberries, pecans or almonds.

Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise and simple seasonings are the base of this recipe.
  • Change the flavor and replace some of the mayo for Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or your add your favorite salad dressing.
  • Create an Avocado Chicken Salad by replacing some of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado.
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2)

How to Make Chicken Salad

Prepare this classic chicken salad recipe in just 15 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.

  1. Chop cooked and cooled chicken and place into a large bowl with celery and onions.
  2. Mix dressing ingredients (according to the recipe below) in a bowl. Toss with chicken.
  3. Serve on rolls, bread or over a bead of lettuce.

This chicken salad sandwich recipe can be served on any bread. We love this on a baguette or rolls. Keep it low carb and serve in romaine lettuce as lettuce wraps or spoon over a tossed salad.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (3)

Got Leftovers?

Refrigerator: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a stir and refresh the flavor with a fresh herb or an extra dollop of Dijon mustard.

Freezer: Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well. To prep ahead, simply dice the chicken and freeze. When ready to make, combine it with the ingredients below for a quick lunch!

Must Try Sandwiches

Best Egg Salad Recipe

Easy Tuna Salad

Ham Salad Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Salad with Grapes

Shrimp Salad

Turkey Sandwich

Cucumber Sandwiches

Club Sandwich

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (12)

4.99 from 1950 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Classic Chicken Salad

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Save

ReviewPrint

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (14)

Servings 6 servings

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (15)

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 1 green onion diced (or chives or red onion)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Video

4.99 from 1950 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 206 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 362mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (19)
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (20)
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (21)

Categories:

Chicken, Recipes, Sandwiches

Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (22)

Recipes you'll love

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Chicken

French Dip Sandwich

Sandwiches

Crispy Cheesy Bacon Rolls

Sandwiches

Cucumber Sandwiches

Lunch

Easy Tuna Salad

Sandwiches

Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese

Appetizer Recipes

About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly

Follow Holly on social media:

pinterest facebook twitter instagram

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (30)

Free eBook!

Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Latest & Greatest

Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Sandwiches

Cheeseburger Sliders

Appetizer Recipes

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Sandwiches

Ham and Cheese Croissant

Sandwiches

Ham Sandwich with Honey Mustard

Sandwiches

Turkey Sandwich

Sandwiches

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5336

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.