Classic Chicken Salad Recipe – Quick, Healthy & Perfect for Any Occasion
Ready in just 15 minutes and full of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Have you been searching for an easy chicken salad that checks all the boxes: healthy, fast, and crave-worthy? This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is everything you love about a homemade dish: protein-packed, creamy, and super versatile.
Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches, making sandwiches for a picnic, or whipping up a no-fuss dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in one delicious bowl. Best of all, it’s made with everyday ingredients and takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with no stove time required if you’re using a rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Ingredients
This recipe uses fresh, simple items. It’s made with chicken and crunch. You only need a few things. Sweet fruit makes it more fun. Creamy base ties it all together. Great for families or meal prep.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup grapes (halved) or apples
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
Nutritional Information
This salad has protein and fiber. It’s healthy and fills you up. Great choice for a busy day. You can also make it lighter. Add veggies for extra good nutrition. Tasty and good for your body.
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Quick Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Make It
Making this salad is super easy. You’ll just mix, chill, and eat. It doesn’t need any cooking. It’s quick and full of flavor. Let’s go step-by-step right now. Grab your bowl and let’s begin.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Wash your hands and clean your area. Gather all the ingredients you need. Put them out on the counter. Chop veggies and fruits into pieces. Dice chicken into small tasty chunks. Now you’re ready to start cooking.
Step 2: Make Creamy Dressing
Take a big bowl for mixing. Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard first. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and some pepper. Stir it well until it blends. This is your creamy salad base.
Step 3: Add in Ingredients
Drop in chicken, grapes, and celery. Then add onion and optional nuts. Gently stir everything in the bowl. Be careful not to crush fruit. Everything should look well mixed now. The colors should be bright and creamy.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Scoop a little and try it. Does it need more salt, maybe? Want it creamier? Add more mayo. Add mustard if it’s too mild. Mix again and taste it again. Make it perfect for your taste.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Put the bowl in your fridge. Let it sit for thirty minutes. Flavors mix better when it chill. Cold salad also tastes fresh. Use a cover while it rests. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this salad in many ways. It works for lunch or dinner too. Great inside sandwiches or lettuce wraps. You can scoop it with crackers. Add on greens for a bowl. It’s perfect for parties or snacks.
- On toasted bread as sandwiches
- In tortillas as salad wraps
- Over fresh greens as a bowl
- With crackers as a fun dip
- In a croissant for brunch
- Inside mini pita pockets
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some mistakes can mess this up. Don’t rush or skip key steps. Mixing too much can crush grapes. Too much mayo can hide flavors. Dry chicken makes it less tasty. Taste often and chill before serving.
Storage Tips
This salad keeps well for days. You can make it ahead, too. Great for school or work lunches. Just keep it cold and sealed. You can even freeze if needed. But fresh tastes the very best.
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
- Freeze: Up to 1 month
- Prep Ahead: Chop and mix before serving
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make this even healthier? No problem, it’s easy and fun! Just swap some ingredients for better. Still tasty but with fewer calories. You’ll love the new, lighter taste. Healthy food can still be delicious.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Choose chickpeas or tofu over chicken
- Add spinach or kale for greens
- Use sunflower seeds instead of nuts
- Mix in diced cucumber or bell pepper
- Try a light vinaigrette as a dressing
Chef’s Special Tips
Want to cook like a real chef? These tips will help a lot. They make your dish look professional. Plus, they boost flavor and texture. Even small tricks can change everything. Let’s learn the chef’s smart secrets.
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes minimum
- Toast your nuts for a better crunch
- Dice everything evenly for the best mix
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side
Conclusion
Now you can make this salad anytime. It’s fast, fresh, and super tasty. Perfect for family meals or lunch. Change it up to match your taste. Add fun toppings or keep it classic. No matter what, you’ll love every bite. This Classic Chicken Salad is more than just easy, it’s a go-to meal you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re prepping for the week or making something quick, it’s always a win. Try it, share it, and enjoy every bite.