Classic Chicken Salad is a timeless dish that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into one satisfying bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that feels familiar from the first bite, with tender pieces of chicken, crisp bites of celery, and a creamy dressing tying everything together. This salad proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most beloved. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch at home, packing a picnic for the family, or prepping meals for the week, this classic chicken salad fits the bill. It comes together in minutes and always hits the spot, making you feel right at home in the kitchen.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
- Simple, Familiar Ingredients: This salad uses everyday staples like cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and crunchy celery. The flavors are straightforward and comforting, the kind that never go out of style. Every bite reminds you why this recipe has been passed down and enjoyed for generations.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have a bowl of chicken salad ready to go in no time. It’s an ideal way to use up leftover chicken (or a store-bought rotisserie chicken) on a busy day. Minimal effort, no fuss, and it’s ready whenever you need a nourishing meal.
- Versatile & Convenient: Classic chicken salad is perfect for all sorts of occasions. Spoon it between slices of bread for a simple sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla for a heartier bite, or serve it atop a bed of lettuce for a light dinner. You can even pack it up for a family picnic or serve it with crackers for an easy snack. However it’s served, it always feels right.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish is a lifesaver for meal planning. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge; it stays fresh and delicious for a couple of days. That means you can have stress-free lunches and snacks on hand. When life gets busy, having classic chicken salad ready to enjoy makes it that much easier to feed yourself and your family well.
Classic Chicken Salad
We are poaching boneless skinless chicken breasts in salted water for this salad. You could also use any leftover cooked chicken meat, with or without the skin.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 1/2-inch chunks (or 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken meat)
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 4 to 6 green olives, pitted and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 to 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1/3 head iceberg lettuce, sliced and chopped
For the dressing:
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon plum preserves, or any sweet berry preserve (or a lesser amount of honey)
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Poach the chicken (skip if using already cooked chicken):
Bring a pot with 2 quarts of well salted water (1 tablespoon salt) to a boil. Add the chicken breast (cut into large chunks) and return the water to a simmer. Then turn off the heat, and cover the pot. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes (time it) or more while you prepare everything else.
Make the dressing:
Prepare the chicken salad dressing in a large bowl. Mix together the mayonnaise, preserves, and lemon juice. Taste for the proper balance of sweetness and acidity. The salad dressing should not be too sweet, nor too sour.
Add more preserves or lemon juice until you have reached the balance you want. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in the vegetables and fruits:
Add the chopped celery, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and apple to the dressing.
Dice the chicken, mix with dressing:
Remove the chicken from the poaching water and dice it. (Or dice already cooked chicken if that is what you are using for this salad.) Mix it in with the dressing and vegetables.
When ready to serve, add the lettuce:
At this point you can make ahead. When ready to serve, fold in the sliced and chopped iceberg lettuce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 369Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 355mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 36g
Reddit Reviews
- Redditors love the recipe, but they also told us their way of making chicken salad and how the recipe can be improved
