Description
This classic chicken salad recipe is a creamy, satisfying favorite that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken is combined with crisp celery, red onion, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of tang from lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Serve it atop lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes or apple, halved (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Serving (Optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Bread, croissants, or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Chop or shred the cooked chicken, finely dice the celery and red onion, and halve grapes or apple if using. Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine – Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is thoroughly coated, being careful not to mash the ingredients.
- Chill – Cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve – Scoop the chicken salad onto lettuce leaves, pile it onto bread for sandwiches, stuff it into croissants, or serve with crackers.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- For a lighter salad, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Customize with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or herbs (such as dill or parsley).
- If preparing ahead, add grapes or apples just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg