Whenever I need something quick, light, and satisfying, I turn to this easy chicken salad recipe. It’s one of those dishes I can whip up in minutes, especially when I’ve got leftover chicken in the fridge.

The mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing always hits the spot. Whether I’m making lunch for myself or need something easy to pack for later, this recipe never fails. It’s simple, versatile, and full of flavor—exactly how I like it.

How To Make Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)

Total Time: 10 minutes

Course: Salad

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

🛠️ Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula

🧾 Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or grilled)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup red grapes, halved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by shredding or chopping the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and red onion. Halve the red grapes. If using fresh dill, chop it finely.

2. Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

3. Combine the Salad

Add the prepared chicken, celery, red onion, and grapes to the bowl with the dressing. If using dill, add it now. Gently mix all the ingredients until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Season and Chill

Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Sandwich: Serve the chicken salad between slices of whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato.

Wrap: Spoon the salad into a tortilla wrap with fresh greens.

Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, serve the salad in large lettuce leaves.

Stuffed Avocado: Fill halved avocados with the chicken salad for a nutritious meal.

💡 Tips and Variations

Add Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.

Fruit Variations: Swap grapes with dried cranberries or chopped apples for a different flavor profile.

Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like tarragon or basil to enhance the taste.

Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative if needed.

🌿 Health Benefits

Lean Protein: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance.

Vitamins and Minerals: Celery and red onions add vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

Healthy Fats: Using mayonnaise in moderation contributes healthy fats to the diet.

Low Carb: This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

How To Store For Easy Chicken Salad Recipe?

When I make a batch of this easy chicken salad, I always store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually get better after a few hours as everything blends together.

I never leave it out at room temperature for too long—especially if it has mayonnaise—just to keep things safe. If I’m packing it for lunch, I like to keep it chilled with an ice pack or store it in a cooler bag. I avoid freezing it, though.

The mayo and fresh veggies don’t hold up well once thawed, and the texture turns watery. Fresh is best with this one.

📝 Note

For the best flavor, allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

✅ Conclusion

That’s it my go-to easy chicken salad recipe that never lets me down. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.

I love how flexible it is. I can scoop it onto lettuce, sandwich it between bread, or even eat it straight from the bowl when I need something quick.

If you’re anything like me and need something fast but still homemade and delicious, this recipe will come in handy more times than you think. Give it a try and make it your own—you might just find yourself making it on repeat like I do.