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    Home » Recipes » Salads » Chicken Salad

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: June 7, 2020 By Toni Dash 28 Comments

    Chicken Salad

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    chicken salad on a sandwich roll title image

    Chicken Salad is a classic chilled salad recipe fill of great flavors, creamy dressing that’s a satisfying dish. Put this easy recipe on a sandwich, salad greens or eat it as is! Great for picnics and potlucks.

    chicken salad on a sandwich roll title image

    A freshly made chicken salad sandwich or just a scoop of this easy chicken salad recipe on fresh, crisp greens is a perfect summer recipe. 

    It’s cool and refreshing. Full of great flavor and textures too.

    An easy dish for hot weather dinners or a satisfying sandwich all year long!

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • What Type of Chicken to Use
    • How to Make it – Step-by-Step
    • Pro Tips
    • Variations
    • How to Eat it
    • How Long Does it Last?
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Chicken – white or dark meat can be used. See ideas below.
    • Red onion
    • Celery
    • Red cabbage (optional) – adds some color and crunch! Can be left out if preferred.
    • Mayonnaise
    • Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed is recommended. Perks up the chicken and creamy mayo combo.
    • Dijon mustard
    • fresh Dill or Italian Parsley
    • Kosher Salt
    • Ground pepper

    What Type of Chicken to Use

    It needs to be Cooked

    Cooked chicken breast, chicken thigh meat or a mixture can be used.

    The chicken will need to be chilled or cooled at least to room temperature before making the salad.

    Chicken breast meat is lighter in color and flavor.

    Chicken thigh meat has more full flavor and tends to be moister.

    Ways to Prepare it

    Leftover chicken is a great option as long as it doesn’t have a strong flavor that conflicts with the salad ingredients.

    Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It’s already cooked for you, usually moist and ready to be chopped.

    The other method I love is the cooking method I use for shredded chicken recipes.

    There is a secret in the cooking (you won’t do the secondary shredding) that ALWAYS makes moist, juicy chicken that’s full of great flavor.

    If you like poached chicken or baked chicken use that!

    I don’t recommend canned chicken. Though it CAN be used the flavor won’t be as good.

    chicken salad on roll with vegies

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1: Combine the salad ingredients in a medium mixing bowl: chilled chopped chicken, celery, red onion, red cabbage (if using) (photo 1).

    STEP 2: In a small mixing bowl combine the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, fresh dill or parsley, salt and pepper (photos 2-3).

    chicken salad recipe steps collage - 4 photos showing the ingredients and dressing making

    STEP 3: Add the chicken salad dressing to the salad ingredients (photo 4) and mix to fully combine (photo below).

    chicken salad recipe mixed together in a metal mixing bowl

    Pro Tips

    Use Chilled Chicken

    If the chicken is not chilled before adding the dressing it will soak into the chicken instead of coating the ingredients.

    Adding More Mayonnaise 

    To freshen up the chicken salad after it has been in the refrigerator OR to make it creamier, more mayonnaise can be added as desired.

    Keep the Salad Chilled

    If the salad is left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature it should be thrown out. 

    Salads with mayonnaise in the dressing must be kept chilled for food safety.

    For tips on keep the chicken salad cold read this Party Dips post.

    batch of homemade chicken salad in a white square serving dish

    Variations

    This classic recipe is perfect as is but feel free to change it up too!

    Bacon – makes everything better, right? Chop a few slices or use prepared real chopped bacon for a shortcut.

    Chopped tart apple

    Halved grapes

    Dried Cranberries or raisins

    Slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans – adds even more crunch and flavor.

    Cubed avocado – adds a creamy texture.

    Pickled Red Onions – for some tang swap in some easy pickled red onions instead of using regular red onion.

    Add Curry Powder – around a teaspoon. Leave out the dill and parsley and add one of the sweet fruits listed above.

    Make a Healthy or Lighter version by swapping the mayonnaise with a light mayonnaise.

    Swap the red onion for sliced green onions.

    Add chopped cucumber or bell pepper!

    Swap in some Green Goddess Dressing or sour cream with the mayonnaise for a fresh, tangy twist.

    chicken salad sandwich with vegetables

    How to Eat it

    As a Sandwich

    Use a hearty roll or some whole grain bread with fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

    Roll it into a wrap or stuff it into a pita pocket.

    On Salad Greens

    It’s refreshing and delicious on top of cool fresh lettuce. 

    Eat it As Is!

    Eat it just out of a bowl!

    How Long Does it Last?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

    Do not freeze this salad.

    chicken salad in white ruffle edged baking dish

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Easy Italian Baked Meatballs recipe
    • Pear Salad
    • Shrimp Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
    • Green Smoothies: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners + Pro Smoothie Lovers

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    chicken salad on a sandwich roll title image

    Chicken Salad

    Creamy, chilled Chicken Salad is a classic summer recipe. Load it onto a sandwich, into a wrap or scoop onto the top of fresh, crisp lettuce!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 1/2 cup servings (3 cups)
    Calories: 214kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups cooked, chopped chilled Chicken
    • ¼ cup Red onion diced
    • ½ cup Celery diced
    • ¼ cup finely shredded Red Cabbage optional
    • ½ cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh Dill or Italian Parsley
    • Ground pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a medium sized bowl, stir together chopped chicken, red onion, celery, red cabbage if using.
    • In a second small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and fresh dill or parsley.
    • Stir the dressing into the salad ingredients. Salt and pepper as needed to taste. Garnish with chopped dill or parsley if desired.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 356mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Catalina says

      June 10, 2020 at 7:33 am

      5 stars
      You just gave me a delicious idea for dinner tonight! Everyone loves chicken salad in my house!

      Reply
    2. Sara Welch says

      June 09, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a great recipe; I am looking forward to enjoying this again for dinner tonight. Definitely worthy of a restaurant, indeed!

      Reply
    3. katerina @ diethood.com says

      June 09, 2020 at 9:43 am

      5 stars
      Nothing beats a classic! Perfect for summer picnics!

      Reply
    4. katerina @ diethood.com says

      June 09, 2020 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      YUM!! My favorite summer salad!! This looks incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    5. Autumn Rose Reo says

      June 09, 2020 at 7:51 am

      Sandwiches are my favorite summer food and now with the kids at home they’ve joined on! I’m craving a good chicken salad and this one looks so good! 🙂

      Reply
    6. Erin says

      June 09, 2020 at 7:03 am

      This chicken salad looks so delish! Great for all those summer picnics!

      Reply
    7. Lindsay Cotter says

      June 09, 2020 at 5:44 am

      5 stars
      Meal prepped this for lunches this week! It’s so delicious!

      Reply
    8. Catalina says

      June 09, 2020 at 2:08 am

      You just gave me a delicious idea for dinner tonight! Love easy and tasty dishes!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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