There is something wonderfully comforting and endlessly versatile about the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a true staple for any kitchen. This dish brings together tender, shredded chicken with the creamy goodness of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, brightened by crisp celery, sweet onion, and fresh dill. It’s the kind of salad that feels both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a light dinner. The balance of textures and flavors makes each bite delightfully memorable, and once you get a taste, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple ingredients that each play an essential role. From the creaminess to the crunch, every element balances out perfectly to create that signature flavor and texture you love.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty base that provides protein and richness to the salad.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, creating a silky texture throughout.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers a tangy brightness and lightens the dressing for a fresh taste.
- ¼ cup chopped celery: Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch that livens up every bite.
- ¼ cup chopped onion: Adds subtle sharpness and depth of flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Infuses a burst of herbaceous freshness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a little zing and complexity to the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, tying the salad together perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and warmth to balance the creaminess.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For an extra layer of crunch and a nutty note that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the shredded chicken into a large bowl. Then add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped celery, onion, and fresh dill. These ingredients create a creamy, flavorful canvas where the fresh crunch and aromatic herbs already start to shine through.
Step 2: Flavor the Salad
Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to your bowl. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that each shred of chicken is perfectly coated with that tangy, savory dressing. This step is where the salad truly comes alive with balanced seasoning.
Step 3: Add Optional Crunch
If you’re in the mood for a bit more texture, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. These nuts add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful contrast to the creamy, tender components, making every forkful exciting.
Step 4: Adjust and Chill
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary—for example, more salt or mustard to suit your preference. You can either serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for an even richer taste. Both ways are wonderful!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, a sprinkle of additional fresh dill or a few extra chopped nuts on top really elevates the presentation and adds a burst of freshness right at first sight. A lemon wedge on the side also pairs nicely to add a zesty contrast if you like.
Side Dishes
Classic chicken salad pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides such as a bed of leafy greens, crisp cucumber slices, or even a warm baguette. It also shines alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes, adding a sweet balance to the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the traditional sandwich or salad bowl, try serving your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe stuffed inside ripe avocados, spread over crunchy toast points, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb delight. This salad is one of those rare dishes that invites you to get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing this chicken salad is generally not recommended because the mayonnaise and yogurt base can separate and become watery when thawed. To maintain the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best enjoyed within a few days of making.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. Simply give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquids, and enjoy cold for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time since it’s already cooked and seasoned. Just shred it before mixing for that perfect chicken salad texture.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?
Yes, you can lighten the salad further by using all Greek yogurt or even a vegan mayo alternative for a different twist while keeping the creamy consistency.
What can I add if I want more crunch?
Besides walnuts or pecans, toasted sunflower seeds or chopped water chestnuts make great crunchy additions that add an interesting texture to the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?
The salad is best consumed within 3 days of preparation. Storing it longer may impact both the flavor and texture, so freshness is key.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like a well-made Classic Chicken Salad Recipe to brighten up your meal rotation. It’s easy, flavorful, and adaptable — a go-to for when you want something that feels homemade and comforting without fuss. Give it a try for your next lunch or snack and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Print
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a quick and easy dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Featuring shredded cooked chicken combined with creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, and enhanced with celery, onion, fresh dill, and Dijon mustard, it offers a refreshing and satisfying flavor with optional nuts for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped fresh dill, mixing thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
- Season: Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, stirring well to incorporate the seasonings evenly into the chicken mixture.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and crunch to the salad.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop further.
Notes
- This chicken salad is versatile and can be served on bread, in wraps, or atop a bed of greens.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat mayonnaise or increase the Greek yogurt proportion.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but it can be enjoyed right away.
- Adding nuts is optional and can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Use fresh herbs to maximize flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch.
