Go Back

Simple Chicken Salad

A quick and easy homemade chicken salad that’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for lunch. This simple chicken salad recipe with mayo can be customized based on your preferences and leftover ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped Rotisserie chicken works well.
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Add more if you like it extra creamy.
  • 1-2 stalks Celery, chopped small For crunch.
  • 1 small Red onion or green onion Use a little as it goes a long way.
  • 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard For a gentle tang.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or pickle juice To brighten it up.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Add slowly and taste as you go.

Optional Add-Ins

  • as desired Chopped dill or parsley
  • a pinch Garlic powder
  • as desired Chopped grapes or dried cranberries
  • as desired Chopped pickles
  • as desired Toasted nuts

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop the chicken into a mix of chunky pieces and shredded bits.
  • In a bowl, combine the chicken with chopped celery and onion.
  • In a separate bowl, mix mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the mayo mixture over the chicken and combine gently, tasting for adjustments.
  • If possible, chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Keyword Chicken Salad, easy chicken salad, Meal Prep, quick lunch, simple chicken salad