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Chicken Salad

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy & Easy to Make

This easy chicken salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Made with tender chicken, crisp celery, and a rich, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a light meal over greens. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick, high-protein meal that’s also great for meal prep!

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breast
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Crunchy & Flavorful Add-Ins

  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds or walnuts
  • ½ cup grapes or dried cranberries

Seasonings & Dressing Enhancers

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook & Shred the Chicken : Poach or grill chicken for maximum tenderness. Let cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Dressing : In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Chop & Add the Mix-Ins : Dice celery, onions, and nuts for a crunchy contrast. Stir in grapes or cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness.
  4. Mix Everything Together : Combine chicken, dressing, and mix-ins in a large bowl. Stir well until evenly coated.
  5. Chill & Serve : Let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Serve on lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
  • Author: Norah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Best chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad, homemade chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, quick chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, meal prep chicken salad, protein-packed chicken salad