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    Home » Best Chicken Salad Recipe

    Best Chicken Salad Recipe

    Published: Aug 9, 2020 · Modified: Oct 23, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Chicken Salad Recipe is easy to make with only a handful of simple ingredients. Serve as chicken salad sandwiches or on top of a bed of greens for a delicious, flavorful and light summertime meal! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make chicken salad at home! 

    front view of two halves of a chicken salad sandwich stacked

    Chicken salad is the perfect summertime dish to make and enjoy at a picnic in the park or as a no-cook dinner at home. Serve this recipe as chicken salad sandwiches (on the best homemade burger buns,), or over a bed of greens for a light and healthy lunch or dinner. 

    This chicken salad recipe is easy to make with only 8 ingredients. If you use precooked chicken it comes together in mere minutes. The dressing is bright and flavorful, and the celery and onion add a delicious crunch. 

    Overhead view of a bowl of chicken salad

    Chicken Salad Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions

    As always, let's chat about the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

    Overhead photo of the ingredients in this chicken salad recipe
    • Cooked Chicken. I often used leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this recipe. However, I provide directions on how to cook shredded chicken in the recipe card as well!
    • Mayonnaise. I suggest using a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can easily make this chicken salad recipe paleo, keto, etc. by choosing a mayonnaise variety that complies with those lifestyles (such as Sir Kensington's or Primal Kitchen). 
    • Lemon Juice. Both freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used in this recipe. 
    • Paprika. I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor, but any variety works well! 
    • Celery. Be sure to finely dice the celery for the best overall texture. 
    • Onion. Red, yellow, sweet, etc. onions all taste great.
    • Red Bell Pepper (optional). The bell pepper is optional, the recipe tastes great both with and without it. I like adding the pop of red for color. You can also use green, yellow or orange bell peppers in place of red if desired. 
    overhead view of two halves of a chicken salad sandwich on a plate

    How to make Chicken Salad

    This chicken salad recipe is a breeze to make (and even easier to eat). We'll walk through the process step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video. 

    Cook the chicken (if necessary)

    If you're not using diced, pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie or grilled chicken), then you will need to cook and shred some chicken to use first so that it can chill. To do this: 

    • Add 2 lbs of raw, boneless skinless chicken breasts to a medium pot and cover them with water. Add a dash of salt and pepper and cover the pot with a lid.
    • Bring mixture to a boil. Boil until the chicken is easily shredded (about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken). Remove from water and shred with two forks. Transfer to an airtight container and chill completely  in the refrigerator before using in the recipe.

    Make the chicken salad dressing

    Once you have prepared the chicken and it is chilled in the refrigerator, make the dressing by simply whisking together all the ingredients. 

    overhead photo showing how to make chicken salad

    Combine chicken & vegetables

    In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, onion and red pepper (if desired). Stir to combine. 

    overhead photo showing how to make chicken salad

    Add the dressing 

    Add the chicken salad dressing to the chicken/vegetable mixture and stir to combine . Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. 

    overhead photo showing how to make chicken salad

    Chill

    Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight. 

    overhead photo of chicken salad in a bowl with a spoon

    Serve! 

    Serve this recipe as chicken salad sandwiches, wraps, over a bed of greens or with crackers for dipping. This chicken salad is the perfect dish to bring to a picnic. I suggest serving it with the following recipes: 

    • This homemade pasta salad is a great side dish to pair with this easy chicken salad recipe. 
    • I love serving it on top of a salad, like this burrata salad or this quinoa salad. 
    • Serve it with a side of the best coleslaw ever!
    • Make a batch of this homemade honey whole wheat bread to serve it as the best chicken salad sandwiches! Or make Pretzel Bread Rolls or the best homemade burger buns, YUM!

    Store

    Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don't recommend freezing this recipe. 

    front view of a two halves of a chicken salad sandwich stacked

    More delicious recipes

    • This Avocado Chicken Salad is made without  mayo, if you're looking for a different twist on this classic! 
    • This is the best egg salad ever!
    • These Chicken Satay Skewers are my favorite grilling recipe - perfect for summer or all year long!
    • Crockpot Mexican chicken is another easy healthy chicken recipe your family will love! 

    FAQs about Chicken Salad

    What can I add to chicken salad?

    One of the great things about this recipe is that it's completely customizable. You can add your favorite veggies, spices, nuts, etc. and it will still taste amazing.

    What can I eat with chicken salad instead of bread?

    You can serve it with crackers or chips (as a dip), in lettuce wraps, tortillas, over a salad etc.

    How long does chicken salad last?

    This chicken salad lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    Can you freeze chicken salad?

    This is a recipe I don't suggest freezing. It's best when served fresh and stored in the refrigerator.

    overhead view of a bowl of chicken salad

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Chicken Salad Recipe

    Laura
    This Chicken Salad Recipe is easy to make with only a handful of simple ingredients. Serve as chicken salad sandwiches or on top of a bed of greens for a delicious, flavorful and light summertime meal! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make chicken salad at home! 
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Chilling time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 Servings
    Calories 250 kcal

    Equipment

    • glass batter bowl
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass storage container with lid

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups cooked chicken breast cubed or shredded, (2 LBS)
    • 1 cup mayonnaise*
    • 1 TBS lemon juice
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 1 cup celery, finely diced, (about 3 stalks celery)
    • 2 TBS onion, finely diced
    • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper.
    • In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, onion and red pepper (if desired).
    • Add mayonnaise mixture to chicken mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
    • Taste and adjust salt and pepper if desired.
    • Chill for at least 1 hour.
    • Serve as chicken salad sandwiches, wraps, over a bed of greens or with crackers for dipping.

    Video

    Notes

    • If you use pre-cooked chicken that is diced (for example, rotisserie chicken), 1 cup of mayonnaise will be great. If you cook your own chicken and shred it, you may need to add an extra 2-4 TBS mayonnaise to achieve the proper moistness.
    • Store this chicken salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don't recommend freezing this recipe. 

    How to cook chicken breasts:

    • Add 2 lbs of raw, boneless skinless chicken breasts to a medium pot and cover them with water. Add a dash of salt and pepper and cover the pot with a lid.
    • Bring mixture to a boil. Boil until the chicken is easily shredded (about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken). Remove from water and shred with two forks. Transfer to an airtight container and chill completely in the refrigerator before using in the recipe.

    Ingredient Substituions

    • Cooked Chicken. I often used leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this easy chicken salad recipe. However, in the recipe I give directions on how to cook shredded chicken as well!
    • Mayonnaise. I suggest using a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can easily make this chicken salad recipe paleo, keto, etc. by choosing a mayonnaise variety that complies with those lifestyles (such as Sir Kensington's or Primal Kitchen).
    • Lemon Juice. Both freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used in this recipe.
    • Paprika. I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor, but any variety works well!
    • Celery. Be sure to finely dice the celery for the best overall texture.
    • Onion. Red, yellow, sweet, etc. onions all taste great in this chicken salad recipe. 

    Store

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 18gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 354IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela

      May 05, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is completely new for me. I usually do my chicken salad with apple and nuts or grapes. This is sooo savory and delicious. I used smokey paprika because that's all i had and man it was good!

      Reply

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    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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