Name: Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or sliced grapes for added crunch and sweetness

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The Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is the answer to every craving for something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. This vibrant salad brings together tender bites of chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing—think simplicity at its most delicious. It comes together in just minutes, but tastes as if you’ve spent loads of time chopping and layering flavors. Whether you pile it high on a croissant, scoop it onto crisp lettuce, or eat it straight from the bowl, this recipe truly delivers both ease and excellence.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of fridge and pantry staples—each one bringing its own flair to the mix. From zesty lemon juice to crisp celery, every ingredient in this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe serves a purpose, and you can feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins.

Chicken: Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken for protein-rich bites that soak up the dressing perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a speedy option!
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that ties it all together, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon brings a gentle tang and sharpness that brightens the whole salad.
Celery: These finely chopped pieces provide essential crunch and freshness.
Red Onion: Delivers mild sweetness and a bit of bite, with pretty pops of purple in every serving.
Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus lifts the flavor and keeps the salad tasting light.
Salt: Heightens all the flavors and makes everything extra tasty.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat to balance the creaminess of the dressing.
Pecans or Grapes (optional): Provides a delicious crunch or burst of sweetness, making each bite interesting (feel free to add one, both, or neither!).

How to Make Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start mixing, have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready. Finely dice the celery and red onion, shred or dice your cooked chicken, and if you’re adding pecans or grapes, get those prepped too. This makes the next step a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smoothly combined. This simple dressing is the heart of the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, binding everything in creamy, tangy harmony.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the chicken, celery, and red onion directly into the bowl with your dressing. Gently fold with a spatula or spoon until all the chicken and veggies are thoroughly coated and every bite looks flavorful. If you’re using pecans or grapes, now’s the moment to mix them in.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Trust me—this waiting period allows the flavors to marry and truly brings out the best in the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe. If you’re short on time, even a quick chill will help, but longer is better!

Step 5: Taste and Serve

After chilling, give your chicken salad a little taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a squeeze more lemon if that’s your jam. Now you’re ready to serve up something undeniably fresh and delicious.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill adds color and extra freshness, while a few extra pecans or grape halves on top make the presentation absolutely inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe with a handful of crackers, a light mixed greens salad, or simply add sliced avocado on the side. It’s also delightful with chilled fruit or a cup of your favorite soup for a satisfying lunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Spoon the salad into buttery croissants for a classic sandwich, stuff it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap, or top cucumber rounds for an elegant appetizer. It also makes an amazing filling for pita pockets or served family-style in a big bowl with tongs for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for up to four days. This is meal-prepping at its finest—make a batch and enjoy savory, nutty, creamy chicken salad all week long!

Freezing

Chicken salad made with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well, as the dressing tends to separate once thawed. For best texture and flavor, enjoy your leftovers from the fridge rather than the freezer.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so simply serve it straight from the fridge! If you prefer it less chilled, let the portion sit out for about 10 minutes before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe for even more convenience. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?

Yes, you can swap out half (or even all) of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. This makes the salad a bit tangier and lower in fat, but every bit as creamy and delicious.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making the salad a few hours (or even a day) in advance actually improves the flavor. The ingredients have time to mingle and develop even more savory goodness.

What are the best add-ins for extra flavor or texture?

Chopped apples, dried cranberries, more herbs, or even a touch of curry powder can add new dimensions to the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe. Experiment to find your perfect combination!

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to use gluten-free bread, crackers, or wraps if you’re serving it sandwich-style.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for an all-star lunch that’s satisfying and fuss-free, give this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready for make-ahead meal prep, easy entertaining, or a simple weekday lunch you’ll look forward to every time. Dive in and let this quick classic brighten up your mealtime routine!

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or sliced grapes for added crunch and sweetness

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chopped pecans or grapes if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, crackers, or with a side salad.