Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe Ready in Just 15 Minutes

There’s something about a good chicken salad that just feels like home to me. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I need something quick, satisfying, and a little nostalgic. This version is my go-to—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m throwing it together for a busy weekday lunch or prepping it for a weekend picnic, it never fails to hit the spot. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can tweak it a hundred ways to suit your mood or pantry. Trust me, once you try this chicken salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad

This chicken salad recipe is my absolute favorite for so many reasons:

• Quick & easy – Ready in under 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Perfect for meal prep – Gets even better as it sits in the fridge
• Endlessly adaptable – Toss in whatever veggies or extras you have on hand
• Light yet satisfying – Packed with protein but not heavy
• Budget-friendly – Great way to use up leftover chicken

Honestly, I make this chicken salad at least once a week – it’s that good!

Ingredients for Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for my go-to chicken salad – these simple ingredients make all the difference:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor)
• 1 cup celery, chopped small (about 2-3 stalks)
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want less bite)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use good quality – it matters!)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (my secret flavor booster)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

That’s it! Simple, fresh, and ready to transform into something amazing.

How to Make Chicken Salad

Making this chicken salad is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made! Here’s exactly how I do it every time:

First, grab a big mixing bowl – I like to use one with plenty of room for tossing. Add your shredded chicken, chopped celery, and diced red onion. Pro tip: if the onion seems too strong, give it a quick rinse under cold water first. This takes the edge off while keeping that nice crunch.

Now for the dressing! In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until it’s smooth and creamy. I love how the mustard adds just the right amount of tang. Pour this over your chicken mixture and gently toss everything together until every bite is coated. Don’t overmix though – you want to keep some of that nice texture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste – I usually start with 1/4 teaspoon of each, then adjust after chilling. Speaking of chilling, this is the secret step! Pop your chicken salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors mingle and develop beautifully during this time. I often make mine the night before – it’s even better the next day!

That’s it! In less time than it takes to order takeout, you’ve got homemade chicken salad that beats anything from the deli counter.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad

After making this chicken salad countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that make it foolproof:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend – The pre-cooked flavor can’t be beat! Check out these quick rotisserie chicken recipes for easy meals.
• Adjust mayo gradually – Start with 1/3 cup and add more if needed
• Chill before serving – Those 30 minutes make all the difference
• Try sweet additions – Diced apples or grapes add a lovely contrast
• Season at the end – Taste after mixing to get salt just right

Trust me, these little touches take your chicken salad from good to “can’t-stop-eating-it” good!

Variations to Try with Chicken Salad

One of my favorite things about chicken salad is how easily you can change it up! Here are some delicious twists I love:

• Sweet & Crunchy – Add 1/2 cup halved grapes and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Herb Lover’s – Mix in 2 tbsp fresh dill or tarragon for bright flavor
• Mediterranean – Swap in Greek yogurt for mayo and add chopped kalamata olives
• Spicy Kick – Stir in 1 tbsp curry powder or a dash of hot sauce

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your chicken salad – the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad

Oh, the ways you can enjoy this chicken salad! My absolute favorite is piled high on toasted sourdough with crisp lettuce – simple perfection. For lighter days, I’ll scoop it over a bed of fresh greens or stuff it into ripe avocado halves. Need something portable? Wrap it in lettuce leaves or serve with crackers for easy snacking. Honestly, sometimes I eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon – no judgment here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Chicken Salad

This chicken salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better as it sits! If you’ve added fresh ingredients like apples or grapes, they might soften a bit over time – still delicious, just slightly different texture. Pro tip: Give it a quick stir before serving if the dressing has settled. I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad – the texture gets weird when thawed. As for reheating? Honestly, it’s best served cold straight from the fridge!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Salad

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup) of my chicken salad:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g (4g saturated)
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Want to lighten it up? Try using Greek yogurt instead of half the mayo – it cuts calories while adding extra protein! For a lighter meal, consider a healthy salad option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! I often swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt – it adds a tangy kick and extra protein. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly lighter. If you’re using all yogurt, you might need a bit less since it’s thinner than mayo.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits – I think it tastes even better the next day! Just give it a quick stir before serving if the dressing has settled.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the mayonnaise (or yogurt) changes when thawed, and the veggies can get soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.

What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor, but any cooked chicken works! Grilled, baked, or poached are all great options. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I highly recommend making it at least 30 minutes ahead to let the flavors meld. It’s perfect for meal prep – just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!

Time to Make Your Perfect Chicken Salad!

Now that you know all my secrets, I can’t wait for you to try this chicken salad! It’s been my kitchen lifesaver for years, and I know it’ll become one of yours too. Drop a comment below to tell me how yours turned out or share your favorite twist on this classic. Happy mixing!

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