Everyday Chicken Salad
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Chicken salad is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s simple to make and perfect for easy lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep for the week. This Everyday Chicken Salad keeps things classic with tender chicken, crisp celery, a creamy dressing, and fresh herbs for a little brightness.
What makes this version special is the balance of flavors and textures. A combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates a creamy, flavorful base that isn’t too heavy, while celery and red onion add the perfect crunch. Then the fresh herbs like parsley or dill bring everything together and make the whole salad taste fresh and vibrant.
But beyond how yummy this chicken salad is, I really love it because it’s so versatile for serving! Enjoy it piled onto toasted bread, tucked into a croissant, scooped over greens, or enjoyed straight from the bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that just keeps giving (and also keeps me from getting bored with lunch every day). 😂
For more delicious chicken salad recipes, try my Buffalo Chicken Salad, Chicken Waldorf Salad, Chicken Macaroni Salad, Chopped Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, or Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing.
Table Talk with Tawnie
Since I work from home and am also a mom of 3, I’m always looking for quick, satisfying lunches. I’ve found myself making this one for myself week after week, and I thought, if I love it so much, I think you will too. It’s no frills, simple but also totally great, and a dependable chicken salad to have on hand. Enjoy it as is, with bread, crackers, veggies…you can’t go wrong!
- Chicken: Any type of cooked, shredded chicken works! About 1 rotisserie chicken is usually perfect, and I just roughly chop it after removing the bones and skin before adding it to the salad.
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: A combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates the perfect creamy base for this chicken salad. The yogurt adds a light tang and keeps the dressing fresh and balanced, while the mayonnaise adds richness and classic flavor. You can adjust the ratio slightly depending on how creamy or tangy you prefer your chicken salad.
- Celery and red onion: Finely chopped celery and red onion add crunch and brightness to the salad. Celery gives that classic crisp texture, while red onion adds a little bite and depth of flavor. Feel free to add in any other chicken salad mix-ins you love, like apple, bell peppers, jalapeno, etc.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or fresh dill bring a burst of fresh flavor to this chicken salad. I like to add a little extra on top for garnish, too!
- Optional mix-ins: For extra texture, stir in chopped pecans or roasted sunflower seeds. They add a subtle nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken salad. These are completely optional, but a great way to customize the recipe.
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Combine ingredients
Pour the dressing over the prepared chicken. Then add the celery, red onion, and fresh parsley or dill. Stir to combine.
Add optional-mix ins
Gently fold in the chopped pecans or roasted sunflower seeds (if using).
Let chill
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and let chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve & enjoy!
Serve as a classic sandwich on toasted bread, in a wrap, as an open-faced sandwich with sliced avocado or tomato, or as a melt with your favorite cheese melted on top (I love Swiss or provolone!!)😋 ENJOY!!
Expert Tips/Variations
- Shred chicken easily: Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred leftover chicken breasts in seconds if you aren’t using rotisserie chicken!
- Don’t over-mix: Be careful not to over-mix so the chicken stays tender.
- Let chill: I highly recommend letting this chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to really let the flavors come together! It honestly taste best the next day in my opinion!
- Different mix-ins: Feel free to use any chicken salad mix-ins you love! Try adding diced apples, green onions, red bell peppers, jalapenos (if you love a kick🌶️), almonds, craisins, etc.
Serving Ideas
- 🥪Classic sandwich: Enjoy this chicken salad on toasted sourdough, croissants, or brioche for a delicious sandwich! You can even serve it on my No Knead Bread for a super yummy option!
- 🌯Lunch wrap: Tuck this chicken salad inside your favorite flour tortillas or spinach wraps!
- 🍅Open-faced sandwich: Serve open-faced on toast with sliced avocado or tomato.
- 🧀Melts: Top with Swiss or provolone and broil until just melted for an ultra yummy, cheesy finish!
- 🥗Bed of greens: Pile this chicken salad on top of your favorite greens for a low carb, high protein option!
Storage / Freezing
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- After a day or so, you will want to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing can start to become a little liquid due to the pickle juice and lemon juice. Don’t worry, it will still taste great. Just give it a good stir before serving and you’re good to go!
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Everyday Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken is perfect!))
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp. pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp. celery seed (ground)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Pinch paprika
- 2 Tbsp. Fresh parsley or fresh dill plus more for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup pecans or 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Add the chopped or shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones first.3-4 cups cooked chicken
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, pickle juice, celery seed, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and well combined.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 3 ribs celery, 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice, 1-2 tsp. pickle juice, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, Pinch paprika
- Combine and mix: Pour the dressing over the chicken. Add the celery, red onion, and fresh parsley or dill. Stir until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to overmix so the chicken stays tender.1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 tsp. celery seed, 2 Tbsp. Fresh parsley or fresh dill plus more for garnish
- Add optional mix-ins: If using, gently fold in the chopped pecans or roasted sunflower seeds.Optional: 1/2 cup pecans or 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- Taste & adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or pickle juice to your preference.
- Chill & serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.
Notes
- Classic sandwich on toasted sourdough, croissants, or brioche
- Wraps with flour tortillas or spinach wraps
- Open-faced on toast with sliced avocado or tomato
- Melts (top with Swiss or provolone and broil until just melted)
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by Angelica Oles
