Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of crisp veggies, tender chicken, and creamy dressing is a winner.
Versatile: Enjoy it on a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or apples for a crunchier texture)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional for crunch)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional for a sweet twist)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

If you’re using leftover chicken, shred or dice it. If cooking fresh, bake or boil the chicken, then shred it with a fork.

2. Prepare the Veggies:

Chop the celery, red onion, and grapes (or apples) into small pieces. Set aside.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey (if using), garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
If you want extra flavor, you can stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, grapes (or apples), walnuts (optional), and cranberries (optional).
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Taste & Adjust:

Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

6. Chill & Serve:

Let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich!

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
Total time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Swap the Mayo: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or try sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, mix in some diced avocado.
Use Different Nuts: Switch up the walnuts for pecans, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
Add Fresh Herbs: Try basil or tarragon for a different herbal twist.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or sharp cheddar adds richness and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Chicken salad is typically served cold, but if you want to warm it up, gently heat the chicken in a skillet and then toss with the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the salad. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the veggies and dressing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad actually gets better after chilling for a few hours, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance. Just store it in the fridge.

Can I make this without mayo?

Yes! You can replace the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use avocado for a creamy texture. If you prefer a vinaigrette-style dressing, try mixing olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

It’s best to enjoy chicken salad fresh, as freezing may change the texture of the veggies and dressing. However, the cooked chicken itself can be frozen before making the salad.

How can I serve this?

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it in a wrap, on toast, over a salad, or inside a pita pocket. You can also serve it with crackers as an appetizer.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a healthy, customizable option for a light lunch or dinner, and you can mix and match the ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or with your favorite side dish for a well-rounded meal!

Best Chicken Salad Recipe