This Easy Chicken Salad is a classic, creamy dish made with tender chicken, crisp celery, and a deliciously tangy dressing. It’s the perfect recipe for using leftover chicken, and you can serve it on sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of greens for a light meal. Ready in just minutes, it’s a convenient, flavorful, and healthy option.
Easy Chicken Salad
I love making this easy chicken salad because it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or looking for a make-ahead meal, this chicken salad is always a hit. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients like grapes, apples, or nuts, depending on your preferences. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, making it a great addition to sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a side dish. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
Pair this chicken salad with Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs Recipe or serve it alongside Tuna and Hard-Boiled Egg Salad Recipe for a filling, nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: With only a few simple ingredients, you can have this salad ready in under 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like fruit, nuts, or herbs to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches or snacks.
- Light and Healthy: Chicken salad is a protein-packed dish that’s satisfying without being heavy.
Main Ingredients for Easy Chicken Salad
- Cooked Chicken – Shredded or diced, leftover rotisserie chicken or baked chicken works perfectly.
- Mayonnaise – The base for the dressing, adding creaminess to the salad.
- Celery – Adds crunch and texture to the salad.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s how to make this delicious and creamy chicken salad step by step:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start with 2 cups of cooked, shredded or diced chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or bake your own chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Pro Tip: Poach the chicken breasts for extra tenderness if cooking from scratch.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop 1-2 stalks of celery into small pieces. This adds crunch and texture to the salad.
- Tip: You can also add diced red onion, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Variation: For a healthier option, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chicken, chopped celery, and dressing. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Pro Tip: If you prefer a creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve on bread, in wraps, or over a bed of lettuce for a light, refreshing meal.
- Serving Idea: Add a handful of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sliced grapes for extra flavor and texture.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Make it Sweet: Add diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Add Crunch: Toss in toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch.
- How to Store: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
- How to Serve: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps, on a sandwich, or with crackers for a fun, easy snack.
Health Benefits of Easy Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a great source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and energized. By adding vegetables like celery and optional fruits like apples or grapes, you’re also boosting the fiber and vitamin content of the meal. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to reduce the fat while still keeping the salad creamy.
- High in Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Fiber and Vitamins: Adding vegetables and fruits to the salad boosts its fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, more nutrient-dense version
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