Best Classic Chicken Salad (Creamy, Crunchy & Totally Comforting)

Thank you so much for dropping by! 🥰 Some recipes just feel like home, and this Classic Chicken Salad is absolutely one of them. It’s the kind of dish you can serve at baby showers, pack for weekday lunches, or scoop onto crackers for a late-afternoon snack. It’s creamy, satisfying, and simple—just like grandma used to make (with a few little upgrades!).

Honestly? Every time I make this, I think, Why don’t I make this more often? It’s THAT good. Whether you serve it in croissants, lettuce cups, or straight from the bowl with a spoon (no judgment here!), it’s a must-have in your meal prep rotation.

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Best Classic Chicken Salad

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Classic Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy mayo dressing—ideal for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or snacking by the spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion or green onions, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar, garlic powder, or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare your chicken by chopping or shredding it into your preferred texture.
In a mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Add celery, onion, and any optional add-ins. Mix well.
Fold in the chicken and gently stir until evenly coated.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Great in croissants, lettuce cups, or on crackers. Customize with grapes, nuts, pickles, or fresh herbs for your perfect chicken salad twist!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salads
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 280
Sugar: <1g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken salad, creamy salad, cold lunch, low carb, meal prep, sandwich filling

What Is Classic Chicken Salad?

Classic Chicken Salad is a cold, creamy salad made from chopped or shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings. It’s one of those simple but endlessly comforting recipes that feels both nostalgic and totally satisfying. Whether you make it rustic and chunky or smooth and spreadable, it’s a recipe that fits every occasion—from lunchboxes to bridal showers.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad

🍗 Hearty & satisfying – Packed with protein and flavor
🥪 Super versatile – Sandwiches, wraps, salads, or snack plates
🥬 Easy to customize – Add fruit, nuts, or spice to make it your own
🧂 Balanced flavor – Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and a little sweet
🕐 Quick to prep – Ready in 15 minutes (or less with pre-cooked chicken!)

What Does Classic Chicken Salad Taste Like?

It’s creamy, lightly savory, and full of texture. The mayo-based dressing gives it richness, while crisp celery adds crunch and lemon juice or vinegar brightens it up. A touch of mustard brings gentle tang, and if you add grapes or apples, you get sweet pops in every bite. It’s comfort food—but with a cool, refreshing twist!

Benefits of This Recipe

High in protein
Low-carb and keto-friendly (when served on lettuce or solo)
Great for meal prep – Keeps well for several days
Gluten-free (depending on how you serve it)
Customizable for any diet

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for about 4–6 servings:

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion or green onions, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar, garlic powder, or fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

🍇 Halved grapes or chopped apple – For a touch of sweetness
🥜 Chopped pecans or almonds – Add crunch and flavor
🥒 Chopped pickles or relish – For a briny kick
🥑 Avocado – Creamy, healthy, and delicious
🌿 Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon – For an elevated flavor

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp knife and cutting board
Medium mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Optional: Food processor (if you prefer a smoother spread)

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach your own. Chop or shred it depending on your preferred texture.

Step 2: Mix the dressing

In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add the mix-ins

Fold in the chopped celery, onion, and any optional add-ins like grapes or nuts.

Step 4: Combine

Add the chicken and gently stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill

Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors blend beautifully and it tastes even better cold.

What to Serve with Classic Chicken Salad

🥐 Croissants or soft rolls – Elegant and comforting
🥬 Lettuce cups or wraps – Light and low-carb
🍅 Stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers – Perfect for brunch
🍘 With crackers or flatbread – Quick appetizer or snack
🥗 On top of leafy greens – For a protein-packed salad bowl
🥖 In a wrap or pita – Great for packed lunches

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

✅ Use good mayo – Since it’s the base of the dressing, the flavor really matters
✅ Poach your chicken if you want it extra moist and tender
✅ Shred vs. chop – Shredded chicken makes it smoother and more spreadable; chunks give it a heartier texture
✅ Taste and tweak – Add more lemon, mustard, or salt to fit your flavor preferences
✅ Let it chill – Even a short rest in the fridge helps everything meld

Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Stir before serving if it separates slightly
Great for make-ahead lunches or party prep

Can You Freeze It?

Not recommended – Mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well and can separate when thawed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! Drain it well and break it up with a fork. It’s a great shortcut if you’re in a hurry.

Can I make it healthier?

Absolutely—use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or do a half-and-half mix for a lighter version.

Is this keto or low-carb?

Yes, especially if you skip the sugar and serve it in lettuce or on its own.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yep! Just skip the sour cream and use a dairy-free mayo alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken Salad is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—easy, creamy, satisfying, and oh-so-versatile. Whether you’re making lunch for the week or planning a light meal for guests, it’s a timeless go-to you’ll come back to again and again.

I promised you classic, creamy, and customizable—and this one delivers every time. 🍗💛

More Chilled Lunch Favorites:

Creamy Shrimp Salad
Deviled Egg Salad
Curried Chicken Salad with Apples
Creamy Crab Salad
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

Made It? Let’s See It!

If you made this Classic Chicken Salad, I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Did you add grapes? Use it in a wrap? Tell me everything—I’m here for it!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 280
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 2g
Sugar: <1g
Fiber: 0g