Chicken salad is a timeless, versatile dish that can be served as a hearty lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a tasty snack. With tender, shredded chicken mixed with creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, and enhanced by the crunch of fresh celery and the brightness of dill, this classic chicken salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy days or when you need to prepare a meal in advance.

This recipe is not only simple but can be easily customized to suit your personal tastes. Add nuts for extra crunch, experiment with different herbs, or even serve it in various ways—on a bed of greens, inside a sandwich, or as a wrap. This chicken salad is a great go-to meal that is full of flavor and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or preparing a meal for yourself, this classic chicken salad will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal prep time, this chicken salad comes together in no time. Simply shred the chicken and mix the ingredients, and you’ve got a meal or snack ready to go.

2. Versatile and Customizable

This chicken salad can be tailored to your liking. You can add extra ingredients like grapes, apples, or nuts, or switch out the mayo for a lighter option like avocado or sour cream.

3. Packed with Protein

The chicken in this salad provides a great source of lean protein, making it a satisfying meal that helps fuel your day.

4. Healthy and Nutrient-Dense

The inclusion of Greek yogurt adds creaminess while also boosting the nutritional value of the salad with probiotics and extra protein. The fresh veggies, like celery and onion, add crunch and nutrients.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This chicken salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to a few days, making it ideal for meal prepping. You can make it in advance and have a quick and healthy meal on hand for several days.

Ingredients

Cooked chicken (shredded)
Mayonnaise
Plain Greek yogurt
Chopped celery
Chopped onion
Chopped fresh dill
Dijon mustard
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans

Variations

Add fruits: Try adding halved grapes, diced apples, or cranberries for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Use different nuts: Swap out walnuts or pecans for almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a different flavor and texture.
Make it creamy with avocado: For a richer, creamier texture, replace half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado.
Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Low-fat version: Replace the mayonnaise with low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled down before using it in the salad.

Step 2: Mix the salad ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped onion, and fresh dill. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir the ingredients until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Add nuts (optional)

If you’re using nuts, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, serve as desired, either on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a wrap.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shred the chicken properly: For the best texture, make sure the chicken is shredded into small, even pieces so that it mixes well with the dressing.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or mustard to enhance the flavors.
Use leftover chicken: This is a great recipe to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts, making it a quick meal option.
Make it ahead: This chicken salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Serve chilled: Chicken salad tastes best when chilled, as it allows the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in a variety of ways:

Sandwich: Spread the chicken salad between two slices of whole-grain bread or a toasted baguette for a delicious sandwich.
Wrap: Spoon the chicken salad into a wrap with lettuce and other fresh veggies for a lighter, portable meal.
Salad base: Serve the chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and nutritious salad.
With crackers: Enjoy it with some crunchy crackers as a snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well, but be sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Chicken salad is not ideal for freezing due to the mayonnaise and yogurt, as these ingredients may separate once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

Since this chicken salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it and use it as a shortcut for the cooking process.

2. Can I make this salad without Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can omit the Greek yogurt and use more mayonnaise or try sour cream for a similar texture.

3. Can I add fruits to this chicken salad?

Absolutely! Chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries add a delightful sweetness and complement the savory ingredients.

4. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat mayonnaise or a combination of low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this chicken salad.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this salad dairy-free, skip the Greek yogurt and use a dairy-free mayonnaise option. You can also add avocado for creaminess.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Yes, you can include other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or carrots to add more crunch and color to your salad.

7. How can I make the salad spicier?

To add some heat, mix in a small amount of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños.

8. How long can I store leftover chicken salad?

Leftover chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

9. Can I use a different herb instead of dill?

Yes, you can substitute fresh dill with parsley, thyme, or tarragon if you prefer a different herb flavor.

10. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While fresh cooked chicken is recommended, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Drain and rinse it before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to be served in various ways. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, or on top of greens, this chicken salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Packed with protein and healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, celery, and fresh dill, it’s a balanced and nutritious choice that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Enjoy this recipe for lunch, dinner, or as a snack—no matter when you serve it, it’s sure to please!