Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, while fresh chicken provides the best flavor and texture, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Make sure to drain it very well and flake it apart before mixing with other ingredients. You might want to reduce the salt slightly since canned chicken often contains sodium.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up this classic! Try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo, add extra veggies for more nutrition and crunch, use skinless chicken breast, or serve it over greens instead of bread. Each substitution maintains the delicious flavor while reducing calories.

Why is my chicken salad watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from the chicken itself or from vegetables releasing water. Make sure your cooked chicken is well-drained and patted dry before mixing. For vegetables like celery and onion, dice them and let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.

How long can chicken salad sit out at room temperature?

For food safety, don't leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Mayo-based salads can develop harmful bacteria when left in the "danger zone" temperature range too long.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups (454 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise; ½ cup (74 g) diced celery, ¼” dice; ⅓ cup (42 g) diced red onion or shallots, ⅛” dice; 2 tablespoons (8 g) sliced green onions or chives; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice; ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

This Classic Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that come together in just 15 minutes. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that works beautifully for everything from quick lunches to elegant gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned dressing creates a timeless favorite that never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those busy days when cooking feels like too much effort.
Meal Prep Champion: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without any additional cooking.
Versatile Star: Serve it on croissants, stuff it in a pita, pile it on a bed of greens, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe has that perfect balance that appeals to almost everyone – not too fancy, but definitely not boring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: The foundation of our salad. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own – either way, make sure it’s well-shredded or diced for the perfect texture in every bite.
Mayonnaise: Creates that creamy, rich base that holds everything together. Choose a good quality mayo for the best flavor.
Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor that balances the creaminess. The texture contrast is absolutely essential!
Red Onion: Provides a mild bite and beautiful color. Dice it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor that’s more delicate than the red onion. Makes the flavor profile more interesting without overwhelming.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth without being too strong. It’s the secret ingredient that makes people wonder what makes this chicken salad so good.
Lemon Juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the mayo with its fresh acidity.
Salt and Pepper: Never underestimate these basics! They enhance all the other flavors and bring everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Fruity Chicken Salad: Add halved grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Herby Fresh: Add fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil for a garden-fresh twist.
Curried Chicken Salad: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder and add golden raisins for an exotic flavor profile.
Greek-Style: Mix in feta cheese, diced cucumber, and kalamata olives, and swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Make sure your chicken is properly cooled and either shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. Dice your celery and red onion, and slice your green onions.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice can make all the difference in bringing the flavors to life.

Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

While you can serve it immediately, chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Chicken Matters: For the best flavor, use chicken that’s been properly seasoned during cooking. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Don’t Overdress: Start with less mayonnaise than you think you need – you can always add more. Nobody likes a soupy chicken salad.
Texture Balance: Make sure your celery and onions are diced to similar sizes for consistent texture in every bite.
Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to your chicken before mixing with other ingredients, then adjust the final seasoning at the end.
Mayo Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream – you’ll get the creaminess with fewer calories.

How to Serve

Classic chicken salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Sandwich Style

Croissant Sandwich: The buttery, flaky texture of a croissant elevates chicken salad to new heights.
Hearty Bread: Serve between slices of whole grain, sourdough, or rye bread for a satisfying lunch.
Wrap It Up: Roll in a tortilla or flatbread with some lettuce for a portable meal.

Lighter Options

Lettuce Cups: Serve in butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
Stuffed Avocado: Fill avocado halves with chicken salad for a satisfying, keto-friendly meal.
Tomato Crown: Hollow out tomatoes and fill with chicken salad for an elegant presentation.

Side Pairings

Fresh fruit
Potato chips
Light soup
Green salad

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Note: If bringing to a picnic or outdoor event, keep it cold in an insulated container with ice packs to maintain food safety.

Freezing

Unfortunately, chicken salad with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well – the mayo tends to separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all the ingredients separately a day ahead – cook and chop chicken, dice vegetables, etc. – then combine with dressing ingredients just a few hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, while fresh chicken provides the best flavor and texture, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Make sure to drain it very well and flake it apart before mixing with other ingredients. You might want to reduce the salt slightly since canned chicken often contains sodium.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up this classic! Try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo, add extra veggies for more nutrition and crunch, use skinless chicken breast, or serve it over greens instead of bread. Each substitution maintains the delicious flavor while reducing calories.
Why is my chicken salad watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from the chicken itself or from vegetables releasing water. Make sure your cooked chicken is well-drained and patted dry before mixing. For vegetables like celery and onion, dice them and let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
How long can chicken salad sit out at room temperature?

For food safety, don’t leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Mayo-based salads can develop harmful bacteria when left in the “danger zone” temperature range too long.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken Salad recipe shines in its beautiful simplicity – proving that sometimes the most basic ingredients, when combined with care, create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, meal prep for the week, or serving it at your next gathering, this chicken salad delivers that perfect balance of comfort and freshness that makes you come back for more. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe collection!