Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for the ultimate quick lunch? This easy classic chicken salad recipe combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a perfectly seasoned, creamy dressing.

There is nothing quite like a dependable, no-fuss chicken salad. It’s the ultimate meal prep champion—perfect for stuffing into a croissant, scooping onto a bed of greens, or just eating straight out of the bowl with some crackers.

This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, got plenty of crunch, and relies on simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

The Base

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully here)

  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

The Creamy Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise * 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.

2. Whip Up the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.

3. Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Taste and add an extra pinch of salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

Pro Tip: While you can eat this right away, letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows all those delicious flavors to really meld together.

3 Ways to Serve It

  • The Classic Sandwich: Pile it high on toasted sourdough or a flaky, buttery croissant with some crisp lettuce.

  • The Low-Carb Option: Scoop a generous portion into large romaine lettuce leaves or hollowed-out tomatoes.

  • The Party Snack: Serve it in a bowl surrounded by buttery crackers, pita chips, and cucumber slices.

Comments