Description
This Chicken Salad recipe is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare with tender chicken, crisp celery, red onion, fresh herbs, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or meal prep lunches, this classic homemade dish is satisfying, versatile, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded: provides tender protein base
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: creates a creamy and rich dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: adds tangy depth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: balances richness with acidity
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: adds refreshing crunch
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: offers mild sharpness
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: contributes herbaceous brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle warmth
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional): adds bursts of sweetness
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): provides crunch and nutty richness
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional): adds mild onion flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional): brings herbal freshness
Instructions
- Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the celery, dice the red onion, and chop the parsley and any additional herbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and add the celery, red onion, and parsley.
- Fold in the grapes, nuts, green onions, and dill if using.
- Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Stir once before serving and enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, over salad greens, or on its own.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option.
- Use cooled chicken to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- Greek yogurt can replace part or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Allow the salad to chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg