There’s something undeniably comforting and endlessly versatile about a Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Cool, creamy, and packed with just the right balance of savory chicken, crisp veggies, and a luscious dressing, this salad has earned a spot at the top of the lunch and picnic hierarchy. Whether you’re piling it on a buttery croissant, serving it over a bed of greens, or scooping it alongside crackers for a snack, this recipe never lets you down—it’s as perfect for busy weekday meals as it is for weekend gatherings with friends!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can whip up this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe in no time. Each ingredient adds its own magic, creating incredible texture and a spectrum of flavors that make this salad sing.

Cooked chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or poach your own breasts for a tender, protein-packed base.

Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy backbone for the salad; full-fat brings the most flavor.
Celery: Adds an irresistible crunch and fresh, garden-like brightness.
Red onion: Brings a subtle bite and vibrant color to every bite; soak in cold water first if you prefer milder onion flavor.

Fresh parsley: Gives the dish a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy complexity that keeps each bite interesting.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the mayo.

Salt and black pepper: These essentials draw out all the flavors and add a gentle warmth and zing.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and chop your celery, red onion, and parsley finely. Make sure your chicken is cooked and cooled—poaching, roasting, or using store-bought rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. Having everything ready makes this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe come together in minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This creamy base sets the stage for all the fresh flavors to mingle.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add your diced chicken, celery, red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or large spoon, making sure every bite is generously coated. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the chicken nice and chunky for that classic texture.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

For the very best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe experience, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors meld and the salad to become even more delicious.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parsley or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving instantly makes this salad feel extra special. If you’re feeling fancy, try a scattering of toasted nuts or a dash of smoked paprika for a finishing touch that adds color and crunch.

Side Dishes

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe shines when served with crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, or fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices. A side of potato chips or a small bowl of soup also complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly, rounding out a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, pile it high on toasted bread, or fill mini croissants for adorable party sandwiches. For a fun twist, use the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or serve scoops atop a composed salad plate for a retro-chic luncheon vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Classic Chicken Salad Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead choice for meal prepping or packed lunches.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad, as mayonnaise doesn’t retain its creamy consistency after thawing and can become watery or separated. For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating isn’t necessary and can compromise the taste and texture. If making ahead, simply give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use dark meat chicken instead of white meat?

Absolutely! Dark meat adds a deeper, juicier flavor to the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe and works just as well as chicken breast—use whatever you have on hand or prefer.

Is there a dairy-free option for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo to make the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe dairy-free and still deliciously creamy.

How do I make this salad lighter?

Swap out half (or all) of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist that keeps the salad moist and fresh without feeling heavy.

What can I add for more flavor or crunch?

Try stirring in chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans), dried cranberries, or sliced grapes for extra texture and little pops of flavor in your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.

Can I prep the salad the night before?

Definitely! In fact, making the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even more. Just keep it chilled and give it a quick stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, go-to lunch idea or a crowd-pleasing party dish, you can’t go wrong with this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always tastes like home—give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!