Name: Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or poached); 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup red grapes, halved; ⅓ cup chopped red onion; ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds; 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Fresh dill

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the Best Classic Chicken Salad—a delightful blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, juicy grapes, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you need a satisfying lunch, an easy picnic option, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe never fails to impress. The fresh ingredients come together in minutes, giving you all the comfort of a nostalgic favorite with a burst of bright, balanced flavors. If you’re searching for the ultimate recipe to wow your friends and family, look no further!

Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The appeal of this salad is all about top-notch, fresh ingredients that don’t need fussing over. Each plays a starring role, giving the Best Classic Chicken Salad its signature crunch, color, and unbeatable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, with some handy tips for each:

Chicken (4 cups, cooked and shredded or diced): Rotisserie chicken adds amazing flavor and convenience, but freshly poached chicken is dreamy if you have a little extra time!
Celery (1 cup, chopped): Crisp celery brings a refreshing crunch that gives this salad its classic texture.
Red grapes (1 cup, halved): Juicy grapes offer the perfect pop of sweetness in every bite—don’t skip them!
Red onion (1/3 cup, chopped): A touch of sharpness from red onion brightens up the whole dish.
Toasted sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Toasting the almonds boosts their nutty aroma and adds a delicious crunch.
Mayonnaise (1 cup): Use a good-quality mayo for the creamiest, most luscious dressing.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Freshly squeezed makes all the difference, adding zippy acidity that wakes up the flavors.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount to pull the whole salad together.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Don’t be shy—freshly ground pepper adds gentle heat and depth.
Fresh dill (for garnish): Sprigs of dill not only look beautiful but bring a whisper of herby freshness.

How to Make Best Classic Chicken Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients: shred or dice your cooked chicken, halve those juicy grapes, chop up your crisp celery and red onion, and measure out the other fixings. If you’re toasting the almonds yourself, just give them a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Prepping everything in advance means this Best Classic Chicken Salad comes together in a flash.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, red onion, and toasted almonds. A gentle toss is all you need to evenly disperse the goodies—a little bit of everything in every bite is what makes this recipe such a hit.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing as you go—it should be creamy, tangy, and just a little zippy from the lemon and pepper. This luscious dressing is what transforms the mixture into the Best Classic Chicken Salad, so don’t be afraid to adjust for your perfect taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture, then gently mix until everything is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens! Taste again for salt and seasoning, adjusting if needed. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if you have the time—the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with a little fresh dill for a bright, herby finish. Enjoy your Best Classic Chicken Salad on a buttery croissant, thick slices of toasted bread, or nestle it on fresh salad greens for a lighter option. However you serve it, you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Best Classic Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh dill really elevates this salad, adding a hint of green and a delicate herbal aroma. You can also add extra almond slices or a few extra grape halves on top for even more visual appeal and texture. It’s all about those small finishing touches that make the Best Classic Chicken Salad look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This chicken salad loves company! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, a bowl of summer berries, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips for that irresistible crunch. A cool glass of lemonade or iced tea completes the plate for a picnic-perfect meal. Since the flavors are so versatile, the Best Classic Chicken Salad fits beautifully with your favorite potluck or lunchbox additions.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish isn’t just for sandwiches (though it will make the best chicken salad sandwich you’ve ever tasted!). Try piling it into lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist, or stuff it inside mini croissants or slider buns for party-ready bites. Want to wow your guests? Spoon it into hollowed out vine tomatoes or avocados for an elegant appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and your Best Classic Chicken Salad will stay fresh and tasty for three to four days. The flavors actually get even better with a little time, making this a dream dish for meal prep or weekday lunches.

Freezing

Chicken salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh. While you technically can freeze it, the creamy mayo dressing and crisp veggies don’t love freezing temperatures—the texture can change once thawed. If you must freeze, do so before adding the dressing, and then mix it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, a quick stir after chilling in the fridge perks it right up, making it perfect for easy, no-cook lunches or spontaneous gatherings.

Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Best Classic Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is wonderfully juicy and flavorful, plus it speeds up prep time. Just remove the skin and bones, chop or shred, and you’re ready to go.

What’s the best way to poach chicken for this salad?

To poach chicken, submerge boneless breasts (or thighs) in simmering water or chicken broth with a bit of salt. Cook gently until just done, about 12-15 minutes, and cool before shredding for your Best Classic Chicken Salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayo. You’ll get a tangier kick and extra protein, while still keeping the salad creamy and delicious.

How can I make this chicken salad nut-free?

Simply omit the almonds for a nut-free version, or try adding toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and a nutty taste without the allergens.

What types of bread work best for chicken salad sandwiches?

Rich, buttery croissants are a classic, but you can’t go wrong with hearty whole grain bread, soft brioche buns, or even crisp crackers for a lovely crunch. The Best Classic Chicken Salad is super versatile!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a tried-and-true favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious, the Best Classic Chicken Salad is your ticket. Give it a whirl—you’ll love how easy it is to make, and you might just find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Gather your friends, unwrap those croissants, and let this irresistible salad shine at your next meal!