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Classic Chicken Salad

This classic chicken salad recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over lettuce. It combines tender chicken with crisp celery, red onion, and a creamy dressing for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is ready in just 15 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lounch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
  4. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, or serve immediately.
  7. Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, crackers, or over a bed of greens.

Notes

  • Let the chicken cool completely before mixing with the dressing to keep the salad creamy instead of watery.
  • Finely dice the celery and onion so they add crunch without overpowering each bite.
  • Chilling the salad for 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste.
  • If the salad thickens after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice before serving to refresh the texture.
  • This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.