Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (Easy and Creamy)

Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is the ultimate go-to dish for lunches, picnics, and casual gatherings. This timeless favorite features tender chunks of chicken breast mixed with crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans, all bound together in a rich, creamy dressing with just the right hint of tang. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your meal prep containers with satisfaction and makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—tender chicken, crispy vegetables, juicy fruit, and that signature creamy coating. Whether you’re packing sandwiches for lunch or preparing for a potluck, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is as versatile to make as it is delicious. Serve it on your favorite bread, over fresh greens, with crackers, or stuffed in a croissant for a colorful, customizable meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

• Incredibly versatile: Serve it as a sandwich, wrap, salad topping, or with crackers—endless possibilities for every occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe gets even better after the flavors meld overnight.
• Crowd-pleasing classic: Everyone loves this timeless combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Customizable base: Easy to adapt with your favorite mix-ins, from dried cranberries to diced apples or chopped herbs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Mixing Bowl (4-quart capacity)
This is essential for combining all ingredients without overflow. A roomy bowl makes tossing and mixing the salad much easier.

Sharp Chef’s Knife
Crucial for dicing chicken, chopping celery, and preparing any additional mix-ins with precision and ease.

Cutting Board (preferably two)
One for raw chicken and one for vegetables prevents cross-contamination and keeps your workspace organized.

Large Pot or Saucepan
Perfect for poaching or boiling the chicken breasts to tender perfection before shredding or dicing.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings that create the signature dressing.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for gently folding ingredients together without breaking up the chicken or crushing delicate add-ins.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes preparing this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

• Cook chicken gently to prevent drying out—poaching or slow simmering keeps the meat tender and juicy.
• Cool chicken completely before mixing with mayonnaise to prevent the dressing from separating or becoming thin.
• Dice ingredients uniformly for the best texture and visual appeal in every bite of your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
• Toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor and extra crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Chill before serving: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop and meld together.
• Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving, as chilling can mute some flavors—a pinch of salt makes all the difference.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving the perfect Classic Chicken Salad Recipe every time.

Ingredients for This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, delicious chicken salad to life. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it both convenient and quick to prepare.

For the Chicken Salad:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 1½ lbs raw)
• ⅔ cup mayonnaise (use good quality for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ½ cup red seedless grapes, halved
• ½ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for subtle warmth)

Optional Add-ins & Variations:

• Dried cranberries or raisins
• Diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Chopped fresh dill or parsley
• Diced red onion
• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• A pinch of curry powder for exotic twist

For Serving:

• Croissants, sandwich bread, or wraps
• Butter lettuce or mixed greens
• Crackers or pita chips
• Sliced tomatoes and lettuce for sandwiches

Everything in this list balances flavor and texture—the creamy dressing complements the crisp vegetables and tender chicken beautifully. The add-ins are optional but allow you to customize your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe to your preferences.

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool completely on a cutting board for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts

While the chicken is cooling, dice the celery into small, uniform pieces about ¼-inch in size. Halve the grapes and set aside. If using pecans or walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let nuts cool, then roughly chop them.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Mix thoroughly until all seasonings are evenly incorporated into the dressing.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add the diced celery, halved grapes, toasted pecans, and chopped chives to the bowl with the cooled chicken. Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the dressing and all ingredients are well distributed throughout the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.

When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, over fresh greens, or with your favorite crackers. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Chicken Cooking Methods: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Simply remove the skin, shred the meat, and skip the cooking step entirely.

Texture Preferences: If you prefer chunky chicken salad, dice the chicken into larger pieces. For a more spreadable version, shred it finely or pulse briefly in a food processor.

Lighter Version: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich variation that’s still creamy and delicious.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm chicken: Adding chicken that’s still warm will make the mayonnaise separate and turn the salad watery and unappetizing.
• Over-mixing the salad: Gentle folding is key. Aggressive stirring can break down the chicken and turn the salad mushy instead of chunky.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Acidity is essential for balancing the richness of mayonnaise and bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
• Using low-quality mayonnaise: Since mayo is the base of this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, quality matters significantly for taste and texture.
• Not seasoning enough: Chicken salad needs proper seasoning to shine. Always taste before chilling and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Adding ingredients that are too wet: Pat grapes dry and avoid adding ingredients with excess moisture that can make the salad watery.
• Forgetting to toast the nuts: Raw nuts are fine, but toasted nuts add incredible depth of flavor and better crunch to every bite.
• Not chilling long enough: The flavors need time to marry. Rushing this step results in a less flavorful Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

What to Serve With Classic Chicken Salad Recipe?

This creamy and satisfying chicken salad is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can create a complete, memorable meal. Whether you’re going light or indulgent, there’s a perfect pairing for every occasion.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Fresh Croissants
Buttery, flaky croissants are the ultimate vessel for chicken salad, adding richness and a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

Mixed Green Salad
Serve your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe over a bed of crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a lighter, refreshing lunch.

Crispy Kettle Chips
Salty, crunchy chips provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy chicken salad.

Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and freshness that complements the savory salad beautifully.

Tomato Soup
Warm, comforting tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a chicken salad sandwich for a classic lunch combo.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Light cucumber sandwiches served alongside make for an elegant tea party or bridal shower spread.

Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs round out a picnic spread and share similar creamy, tangy flavors.

Lemon Bars or Berry Tart (for dessert)
A light, citrusy or fruity dessert provides the perfect sweet ending to balance the savory chicken salad.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring variety and balance to your table.

Storage Instructions

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe stores beautifully and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, as mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well and can separate upon thawing.

Reheating:

Not Applicable: This is a cold dish meant to be served chilled directly from the refrigerator. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving.

Always check for freshness before consuming, and discard if there’s any off smell or appearance.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	310
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	8g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	3g
Unsaturated Fat	16g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	420mg

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe delivers a protein-rich meal with healthy fats—perfect for a satisfying lunch that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they sit together.

2. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch for convenience. Drain it well and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients for your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

3. How do I prevent the chicken salad from becoming watery?
Make sure the chicken is completely cooled and dry before mixing. Pat grapes dry, and avoid adding vegetables with high water content without draining them first.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Definitely. Use dairy-free mayonnaise (like vegan mayo) and this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe becomes completely dairy-free while maintaining its creamy texture.

5. What’s the best bread for chicken salad sandwiches?
Croissants, brioche, whole wheat bread, or even toasted sourdough all work beautifully. Choose based on your texture and flavor preferences.

6. Can I add other proteins?
Sure! Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a popular addition that adds extra protein and richness to your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

7. How do I make it healthier?
Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, use less mayo overall, or add more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.

8. Why does my chicken salad taste bland?
Chicken salad needs proper seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard. Remember that cold foods need slightly more seasoning than hot dishes.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is the ultimate combination of creamy comfort and fresh, crisp flavors—all mixed together in one timeless dish. With its tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly balanced dressing, it’s everything you want in a versatile, make-ahead meal.

Perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, potlucks, or casual entertaining, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is as reliable as it is delicious. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make it uniquely yours every time. So grab your mixing bowl and create a lunch classic that never goes out of style.