Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

This traditional Chicken Salad recipe, made with simple ingredients is perfect for make-ahead lunches. There’s so many ways to eat it, like as a chicken salad sandwich, on a bagel, over a salad or in lettuce wraps. It’s is my go-to lunch to keep on hand in the refrigerator to eat throughout the week, or to bring to potlucks and it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, high protein, and low-carb. Some more of my favorite healthy chicken salad recipes are Cilantro Chicken Salad, Ranch Chicken Salad, and Chicken Salad with Lemon and Dill. You may also enjoy my classic Egg Salad.

Classic Chicken Salad Ingredients

Chicken: Chop 12 ounces of cooked chicken breasts from 1 whole roasted chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. Mayonnaise: I use light mayo to reduce the calories, but feel free to use your favorite mayo. Celery: Chop celery for some crunch and veggies. Red Onion: Swap red onion for scallions or chives. Chicken Broth: If the chicken salad is a little dry, stir in two tablespoons of broth. Dijon Mustard for a little tang Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper for flavor

How to Make Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is really easy to make and a great way to use up leftover chicken breast from a whole roasted chicken. You can also poach the chicken in chicken broth (see below) or use my air fryer chicken breast recipe to make this salad. To make the salad, remove the chicken breast from the roasted chicken and chop it fine with the veggies, then combine with mayonnaise, celery, onions, Dijon mustard, a little chicken broth if needed and season with salt and pepper.

How to Poach Chicken Breast:

If you want to poach your chicken breast, follow these simple steps:

How to Serve with Chicken Salad

Here are some ways to serve this chicken salad.

Wraps using whole wheat or grain-free tortillas Bagels: I love everything bagels with chicken salad! Bread, like these High-Protein Oat Rolls or your favorite sandwich bread Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Collard Green Wraps are another healthy low-carb option. Salad: Eat the chicken salad over lettuce, and add other veggies, like avocado, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes.

How long does homemade chicken salad last?

Homemade chicken salad lasts about 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Chicken Salad Variations

Mayo Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or use half yogurt, half mayo. Add some diced apples or grapes for sweetness and crunch. You can add nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans. Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of sweetness. Add some chopped pickles for a sour bite. Herbs: Sprinkle in fresh dill, green onions or parsley. Curry Salad Version: Add some powdered curry seasoning and chopped cilantro, swap the mayo for yougurt. Chicken Salad Pasta: Mix the chicken salad with some elbow macaroni and a little more mayo to make it a meal. Add more seasoning like everything bagel seasoning, onion powder or garlic powder.