The Best Simple Chicken Salad
If you love a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal, The Best Simple Chicken Salad is for you! It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with juicy chicken, crisp celery, and a touch of tangy goodness. Whether you pile it onto a buttery croissant, stuff it into lettuce wraps, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner—once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
WHY A SIMPLE CHICKEN SALAD WILL BE A LUNCH FAVORITE?
- Quick and Easy – I love that this chicken salad comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for busy days!
- Versatile and Delicious – Whether I serve it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over greens, it’s always a hit and never gets boring.
- Great for Meal Prep – I can make a big batch ahead of time and have a tasty, protein-packed lunch ready to go all week!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (or any pre-cooked chicken, roughly chopped) – The base of the salad, providing a tender, protein-packed bite. Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- 1 Cup Mayo – Adds creamy richness and binds all the ingredients together for a smooth, satisfying texture.
- 4 Stalks Celery (finely chopped) – Brings a fresh crunch and a mild, slightly peppery flavor to balance the creaminess.
- 1 Purple Onion (large, finely chopped) – Gives a hint of sharpness and a pop of color while enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, giving the salad a little zing.
- 4 teaspoons Rice Vinegar (or one lemon, juiced) – Provides brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness for a well-balanced taste.
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring everything together.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE CHICKEN SALAD?
- Prepare the Chicken
Add the roughly chopped, pre-cooked chicken breast to the bowl of a KitchenAid stand mixer. Attach the whisk attachment. Turn the mixer to a low speed and gradually increase to medium. Let it run for about 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is finely shredded to your preferred texture. - Add the Ingredients
To the bowl, add 1 cup of mayo, finely chopped celery, finely chopped purple onion, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 4 teaspoons of rice vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice). Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Until Creamy
Turn the mixer back on low and let it blend for about 30 seconds, or until everything is well combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more mayo for extra creaminess or a splash of vinegar for more tang. - Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop onto sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups, or enjoy straight from the bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they shred easily and have a mild flavor. But honestly, any cooked chicken works—even leftover rotisserie chicken!
It depends on the texture I want! If I want a smoother, creamier salad, I shred the chicken in my stand mixer. If I want more bite, I chop it into small pieces.
If it feels dry, I add a little more mayo or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up.
Absolutely! I think it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
Yes! I just serve it in lettuce wraps or over a salad instead of bread.
EASY CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Swap the Mayo – Sometimes I like to lighten things up by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It still turns out creamy but with a tangy kick.
- Add Some Crunch – If I want extra crunch, I toss in some chopped almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds. It gives the salad a nice texture.
- Sweeten It Up – A handful of grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the savory flavors.
- Make It Herby – Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives take the flavor up a notch. I sprinkle them in for a fresh and bright twist.
- Try a Different Protein – When I don’t have chicken, I use turkey or even canned tuna. It’s just as delicious and makes a great swap.
- Turn Up the Heat – If I’m in the mood for some spice, I mix in a little sriracha, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
THE BEST WAYS TO SERVE CHICKEN SALAD?
There are so many ways to enjoy chicken salad, but honestly, I sometimes just eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon because it’s that good. When I want to make it a meal, I’ll throw it on some bread with lettuce and tomato for a sandwich or wrap it up in a tortilla. For a low-carb option, I like using big lettuce leaves instead. It’s also great on top of a salad or paired with a warm bowl of Cheesy Cauliflower Cheddar Soup. And when I’m feeling snacky, I just scoop it up with crackers or pita chips—easy and delicious!
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CREAMY DELICIOUS CHICKEN SALAD?
I usually serve chicken salad for lunch because it’s quick, fresh, and filling, but it also makes a great light dinner. It pairs perfectly with sides like crispy potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a bowl of soup like tomato basil or cheddar broccoli. For drinks, I love serving it with iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold glass of white wine for a little extra treat.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER FRESH FLAVORFUL CHICKEN SALAD?
I store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. If it seems a little dry the next day, I stir in a spoonful of mayo to freshen it up. I don’t recommend freezing it since mayo doesn’t hold up well when thawed.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS LUNCH OPTIONS? TRY THESE!
The Best Egg Salad Recipe: This creamy, flavorful egg salad is the perfect way to use up those extra eggs, with a rich and tangy dressing and just the right amount of crunch.
Easy One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta: A bold, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings everything you love about taco night into a single comforting meal. With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite
Amazing Crispy Chicken Sandwiches: This recipe gives you perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy chicken paired with fresh toppings and a soft bun for a sandwich that’s even better than your favorite drive-thru.
The Best Simple Chicken Salad
Equipment
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast (or any pre-cooked chicken (roughly chopped))
- 1 Cup Mayo
- 4 Stalks Celery (finely chopped)
- 1 Purple Onion (large)(finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 4 teaspoons Rice Vinegar (or one lemon, juiced)
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken – Add the roughly chopped, pre-cooked chicken breast to the bowl of a KitchenAid stand mixer. Attach the whisk attachment.
- Shred the Chicken – Turn the mixer on low speed and gradually increase to medium. Let it run for about 30-60 seconds, or until the chicken is finely shredded to your preferred texture.
- Add the Ingredients – To the bowl, add 1 cup of mayo, finely chopped celery, finely chopped purple onion, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 4 teaspoons rice vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice). Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Until Creamy – Turn the mixer back on low and let it blend for about 30 seconds, or until everything is well combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and Adjust – Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more mayo for extra creaminess or a splash of vinegar for more tang.
- Serve and Enjoy – Scoop onto sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups, or enjoy straight from the bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.