Chicken Salad: Simple & Best Chicken Salad Recipe

This simple chicken salad recipe is creamy, flavorful, and ready in minutes! The best chicken salad recipe for sandwiches, wraps, or light lunches. If you’re looking for salad recipes healthy easy, this one is perfect. Pin now to save for later!

Last week, I found myself staring into the fridge at leftover chicken. The options? Eat it cold and sad, or turn it into something crave-worthy. Spoiler: chicken salad won, and my lunch hasn’t been boring since.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.
• Versatile – Serve on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or crackers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
• Light but Filling – Perfect balance of protein and crunch.
• Customizable – Play with herbs, mix-ins, or dressings.

Ingredients / What You’ll Need

• 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise – Greek yogurt works too
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – adds zing
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 2 tbsp red onion, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice – keeps it fresh
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: grapes, apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans

How to Make It

1. Shred or chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, stir together mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken, celery, and onion; mix until well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon for brightness.
5. Chill for 30 minutes (optional, but flavors deepen).
6. Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

Pro Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add a dash of paprika for warmth.
• Mix half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Toast bread before making sandwiches for extra crunch.

Variations & Substitutions

• No Mayo? Use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or avocado.
• Sweet Twist: Add halved grapes or diced apples.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• Herby: Try fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon.
• Spicy Kick: A touch of sriracha or cayenne goes a long way.

Storage & Reheat

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended (mayo separates).
• Reheat: Serve cold or at room temperature—no heating needed.

What to Serve With It

• On toasted bread for a classic sandwich.
• In lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• With crackers for a snack plate.

FAQs

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What chicken works best?
Leftover roast, rotisserie, or even poached chicken breast.

Is chicken salad healthy?
Yes, especially if you use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
Not recommended; the texture changes when thawed.

Conclusion

Chicken salad is one of those magical recipes that’s both comforting and flexible. Whether you keep it classic or jazz it up with fruits and nuts, it always delivers. I love serving it with crisp lettuce wraps for lunch and with bread when I’m short on time. Bookmark this simple chicken salad recipe—you’ll come back to it often.

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