This Classic Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet flavors. The tender chicken is paired with crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds, all coated in a tangy dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, and a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a simple, refreshing meal that’s ideal for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner.
What makes this dish so special is its versatility—you can serve it as a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap, or on its own as a protein-packed salad. Plus, it’s quick to make and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or a work lunch, this Classic Chicken Salad is a guaranteed hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a creamy dressing.
- Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, sliced almonds, and red grapes. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and mix again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on lettuce wraps, croissants, or whole-grain bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Classic Chicken Salad?
Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, protein-rich dish made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. The combination of textures—juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and nutty almonds—adds a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes!
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Store it in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week.
✅ Versatile: Serve it on a sandwich, in a wrap, on a salad, or with crackers.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for lunch, potlucks, picnics, or brunch.
How to Serve Chicken Salad
- Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted bread, croissants, or a bagel.
- Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb option using crisp lettuce cups.
- Salad Bowl: Enjoy it on a bed of fresh greens.
- With Crackers: Serve as a dip with whole-grain crackers.
- Stuffed Avocado: Spoon the chicken salad into halved avocados for a keto-friendly meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saving trick for added flavor.
✔ Chill Before Serving: Let the flavors meld in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
✔ Adjust to Taste: Add more or less mayo/yogurt for your preferred consistency.
✔ Swap Ingredients: Try walnuts instead of almonds or dried cranberries instead of grapes.
✔ Make It Healthier: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chicken salad stays fresh for 3-4 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain its freshness and safety.
Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad, as the mayonnaise and yogurt can separate, leading to a watery consistency. However, you can cook and freeze the shredded chicken ahead of time, then mix it with the fresh ingredients when ready to serve.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Tropical Twist: Swap grapes for pineapple chunks and add shredded coconut.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh dill, chives, or tarragon for a gourmet touch.
This Classic Chicken Salad is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen! Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday lunch or preparing it ahead of time for a gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Easy to Make: Only a few simple steps with minimal ingredients.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
✔ Customizable: Can be adjusted for different flavors and dietary preferences.
✔ Protein-Packed: A great source of lean protein for a satisfying meal.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a make-ahead meal, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Benefits
- Chicken – The base of the salad. You can use rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt – The creamy dressing, providing richness and a slightly tangy flavor. Greek yogurt lightens the dish while adding protein.
- Dijon Mustard – Enhances flavor with a hint of tanginess.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a fresh, citrusy balance to the creamy dressing.
- Celery – Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Red Onion – Provides a mild, sharp contrast to the creamy ingredients.
- Almonds – Give a crunchy, nutty bite (can be swapped with walnuts or pecans).
- Red Grapes – Offer a burst of sweetness and juiciness, balancing the flavors.
- Parsley – Adds freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is incredibly flexible! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
🍞 On Bread or Croissants: The classic chicken salad sandwich is always a favorite.
🥬 In Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb and gluten-free option using romaine or butter lettuce.
🥑 Stuffed Avocado: Spoon the salad into avocado halves for a nutrient-packed meal.
🥗 As a Salad Topper: Serve over fresh greens for a light and refreshing meal.
🥖 With Crackers or Pita Chips: A great option for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salad
⭐ Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly cooked chicken tastes best, but rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
⭐ Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
⭐ Adjust the Texture – Add more mayo/yogurt for a creamier consistency or more nuts/celery for extra crunch.
⭐ Customize It – Swap ingredients like using cranberries instead of grapes, pecans instead of almonds, or a spicy mayo for a kick.
⭐ Make It Healthier – Substitute full-fat mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving.
- Avoid Freezing: Mayonnaise and yogurt tend to separate when frozen, making the texture watery and unpleasant.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists on the classic recipe:
🌿 Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
🌶 Spicy Chicken Salad: Mix in diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce.
🥒 Avocado Chicken Salad: Replace the mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy twist.
🍎 Autumn-Inspired Chicken Salad: Use apples and walnuts instead of grapes and almonds for a fall-themed version.
🌰 Pecan Cranberry Chicken Salad: Swap almonds for pecans and grapes for dried cranberries for a holiday-style twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
2. What type of chicken should I use?
Poached, grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work great. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt, or opt for a completely dairy-free mayo-based dressing.
4. Can I make this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip the grapes and ensure your mayo is sugar-free. Serve in lettuce wraps or with avocado instead of bread.
5. What’s the best way to make this salad extra creamy?
Increase the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and make sure to mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Salad is a must-have recipe for every home cook. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a weekday lunch, a party dish, or a high-protein snack, this creamy and flavorful salad is sure to become a go-to favorite!