April 15 2025

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Hey there! If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and super quick recipe that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, I’ve got you covered with this super-easy-to-make Chicken Salad.

Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will have you coming back for more. It’s creamy, crunchy, and loaded with all the flavors you love — and, it comes together in no time.

I know how busy life can get, and sometimes we just want something that’s easy but still totally satisfying, right?

That’s why I’m sharing this recipe with you! You don’t need fancy ingredients or many hours in the kitchen to make this. I promise.

Seriously? I can’t wait for you to try it out!

How to Cook the Best Easy Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them however you like—grilled, baked, or even boiled. If you’re in a rush, you can use rotisserie chicken (no judgment here!).

Once your chicken is cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t be shy, get those pieces nice and bite-sized!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Next up, chop up some celery and red onion. The celery gives it that perfect crunch, and the onion adds a bit of zing. If you’re not a fan of red onion, feel free to skip it, this salad is all about making it YOUR way.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, and red onion. Then, add in your mayo and Greek yogurt for that creamy goodness.

A little salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until it’s all evenly coated. You’ll want to get every bite perfectly creamy.

Step 4: Add the Extras

This is where you can get creative! Toss in some grapes or apples for sweetness, or maybe a handful of chopped nuts for a little crunch. You do you!

Step 5: Give It a Taste

Here’s the fun part: taste test! Does it need more salt? Maybe a little more mayo? Go ahead, adjust it until it’s just perfect for you.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop your chicken salad onto a plate, toast some bread, or grab a salad bowl and dig in. You did it! High five, you made a killer chicken salad that’s easy, tasty, and totally satisfying.

Best Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Salad

Use Leftover Chicken

Save time by using leftover chicken from last night’s dinner or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It makes this recipe even quicker and still just as delicious!

Go Light on the Mayo

If you’re watching your calories, feel free to use less mayo and add a bit more Greek yogurt. It keeps the salad creamy but with less fat.

Chill It Before Serving

Letting your chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving lets all the flavors come together. It’s like giving your salad time to marinate and get even better!

Add Some Crunch

For that extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. It’s a game-changer if you love a little texture in your salad.

Keep It Fresh

If you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the chicken and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the veggies stay crisp, and the chicken doesn’t get soggy.

Switch Up the Veggies

Not a fan of celery? No problem! You can swap it for cucumbers or even apples for a sweet and crunchy twist. Make this your own!

These little tips will make your chicken salad even better. You’re going to love how easy and tasty this is!

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

Overcooking the Chicken

We’ve all been there, cooking the chicken until it’s dry and rubbery. No one wants that! To avoid this, keep an eye on your chicken while it cooks, and use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) in the center. That’s the sweet spot!

Too Much Mayo

It’s easy to go overboard with mayo, but trust me, it’ll drown out all the other flavors. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed. You can always add, but you can’t take it away!

Skipping the Seasoning

You might think the chicken salad’s fine without a sprinkle of salt and pepper, but those little seasonings make a BIG difference. Don’t skip them! Just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper will bring all the flavors to life.

Not Tasting as You Go

Don’t wait until the very end to taste it; taste test as you go! Adjust the mayo, the salt, and anything else until it’s just right for your taste buds. After all, it’s YOUR salad!

Forgetting to Chill

Sure, you’re hungry, but don’t rush it! Giving your chicken salad some chill time in the fridge lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you skip this step, you’ll miss out on that extra flavor punch.

Too Much Onion

A little onion goes a long way. If you add too much, it might overpower everything else. Start with a small amount and adjust if needed; keep the flavor balanced!

Avoid these slip-ups, and you’ll be on your way to making the perfect chicken salad every single time!

Serving Suggestions (How to Best Serve This Sandwich)

Classic Sandwich Style

Spread your chicken salad between two slices of whole grain bread or a soft roll. You can add some leafy greens, like lettuce or spinach, for a crunchy, fresh boost. It’s a quick, satisfying lunch!

Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, spoon the chicken salad into large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) and roll them up. It’s like a wrap but with a refreshing, crunchy twist. And, it’s perfect if you’re keeping things low-carb!

On a Bed of Greens

Serve your chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens or arugula. Add some sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. It’s like a salad-ception—salad on top of salad!

Stuffed Avocado

Feeling fancy? Scoop out a little bit of the flesh from an avocado half and fill it with your chicken salad. It’s a creamy, healthy combo that will make your family do a happy dance.

As a Side Dish

This chicken salad also makes a great side dish. Pair it with some grilled veggies, a fresh fruit salad, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. It’s the perfect addition to any meal!

Picnic Perfection

This chicken salad is perfect for picnics! Pack it in a container with crackers or pita bread for a simple and delicious meal on the go. You’ll be the star of the picnic spread.

Whatever you choose, this chicken salad will be a hit every time!

Storage and Freezing: How to Keep Your Leftovers Fresh

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover chicken salad? No problem! Simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Just remember to give it a quick stir before you eat it again—ingredients can settle, and you want all that creamy goodness back in every bite!

Freezing Chicken Salad

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the chicken salad with mayo and Greek yogurt, as they tend to separate and become a bit funky after thawing.

But, if you absolutely must freeze it, I suggest storing just the chicken (shredded or chopped) in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken in the fridge, then mix it with fresh mayo and yogurt to bring it back to life.

Make-Ahead Tip

If you plan on prepping the chicken salad ahead of time, keep the dressing and chicken separate until you’re ready to serve.

This way, you’ll avoid the mayo getting too soggy and it’ll taste just as fresh when you finally mix everything together.

With these storage tips, you can enjoy your chicken salad all week long!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes, you absolutely can! Canned chicken is a quick and convenient option, and it’ll still taste great. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.

How can I make this chicken salad healthier?

You can easily make it lighter by using less mayo and replacing it with more Greek yogurt. You could also skip the mayo entirely and use a bit of avocado for creaminess!

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! You can mix in whatever veggies you love—carrots, bell peppers, or even peas. Just make sure to chop them small so they blend well with the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you serve it on gluten-free bread or in lettuce wraps, this chicken salad is 100% gluten-free.

How do I make this salad spicy?

Want to add a little kick? You can stir in some hot sauce, chili flakes, or even chopped jalapeños. Adjust the heat to your liking!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

For sure! This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy it within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.

Can I use a different kind of protein?

Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for tuna, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The basic recipe will work with just about any protein you prefer.

Conclusion

And that’s it, my friend! You now have the secret to the Best Easy Chicken Salad that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

You won’t ever want to go back to store-bought again, this one is too easy and too delicious! Honestly, you could probably make this with your eyes closed (but please, don’t actually try that!).

I’d love to see how you make this salad your own, whether you add some extra crunch, throw in a few spicy peppers, or use your favorite protein.

Drop me a comment or tag me when you try it, I know you’ll make it uniquely yours.

Let’s be real, once you taste this out, you’ll never buy store-bought chicken salad again. No more mystery ingredients, just fresh, homemade goodness!

You Might Also Want To Try

⤵⬇⬇⬇