If you’re searching for a dish that’s comforting, bright, and endlessly versatile, the Best Classic Chicken Salad is the answer to your cravings. This beloved recipe has everything: tender chicken, a creamy dressing with just the right tang, crisp veggies, and a pop of fresh herbs. Whether you’re making lunch for the week, prepping for a picnic, or simply want an easy family favorite, the Best Classic Chicken Salad brings everyone to the table with its irresistible flavors and nostalgic charm.

Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what you’ll need for this recipe. Each ingredient is simple and familiar, yet together they create a chicken salad that’s anything but ordinary. Pay attention to the details here—each one adds its own magic to the final bowl.

Cooked chicken breast: Tender, juicy chicken is the star—use rotisserie for convenience or poach your own for extra freshness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings all the flavors together, and you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle tang and depth that keeps the salad from tasting flat.
Celery: For that essential crunch and a hint of earthiness in every bite.
Red onion: A touch of sharpness and color, perfectly balancing the richness of the mayo.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the salad and makes every bite feel fresh.
Lemon juice: Just a splash wakes up all the flavors and keeps the salad tasting vibrant.
Salt and black pepper: The finishing touch—season to taste for the best flavor.

How to Make Best Classic Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

If you’re starting with cooked chicken, give it a rough chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken adds a savory, roasted note, while poached chicken is delicately flavored and moist. The key is to keep the chicken tender, not dry, so your Best Classic Chicken Salad is anything but bland.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies and Herbs

Finely dice the celery and red onion so you get just the right amount of crunch and flavor in every forkful. Chop the parsley for a fresh, herbal lift—it makes a world of difference in both taste and appearance.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This trio forms the luscious, tangy backbone of the Best Classic Chicken Salad.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chicken, chopped veggies, and parsley to your bowl of dressing. Stir until all the pieces are evenly coated and the salad looks irresistible. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed—you want every bite to sing.

Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover your bowl and let the chicken salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This wait is worth it—the flavors have time to meld, creating that signature harmony that makes the Best Classic Chicken Salad truly memorable.

How to Serve Best Classic Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper over the top makes this salad look restaurant-worthy. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few celery leaves or a light dusting of smoked paprika for a fun pop of color.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crisp potato chips, a bright green salad, or even a cup of soup. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty bread, buttery croissants, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

Classic sandwiches are always a hit, but don’t stop there! Try scooping the Best Classic Chicken Salad onto cucumber rounds for a party appetizer, stuff it in pita pockets, or pile it high on a bed of mixed greens for a quick, protein-packed lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—just give it a gentle stir before serving as the dressing may settle a bit.

Freezing

While the Best Classic Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken itself and assemble the salad later. Freezing the finished salad can cause the mayo to separate and the veggies to lose their crunch, so it’s not recommended.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat! Simply scoop and serve straight from the fridge. If you’re using it in a hot dish, add the salad to your recipe at the very end to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely—poached, grilled, or rotisserie chicken all work beautifully in the Best Classic Chicken Salad. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before mixing.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try swapping some or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt. It gives a tangy twist and cuts down on calories, but still keeps your chicken salad creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Best Classic Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps if needed.

How can I add more flavor or texture?

Stir in chopped grapes, dried cranberries, or toasted sliced almonds for sweet or crunchy extras. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can also bring another layer of flavor.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge. Make it up to a day ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Best Classic Chicken Salad is a timeless favorite: it’s easy to make, perfectly balanced, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, I hope you’ll fall in love with this version and make it a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and share it with those you love—it’s a classic for a reason!

Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken breast with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, crunchy celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. Enhanced with a touch of lemon juice and seasoned with salt and black pepper, this easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served with crackers. It’s a gluten-free, quick-prep meal that’s both satisfying and versatile, ideal for lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and thoroughly mixed.
Season: Add salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing once again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Chill: Transfer the chicken salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and enhances the overall taste.
Serve: Serve the chilled chicken salad on fresh bread for sandwiches, use it as a filling for lettuce wraps, or enjoy it alongside your favorite crackers for a light meal.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken can add extra flavor and save time.
For added texture and sweetness, try incorporating chopped grapes or sliced almonds.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired creaminess.

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