Posted Aug 09, 2020, Updated Mar 27, 2024 Chicken salad is the perfect summertime dish to make and enjoy at a picnic in the park or as a no-cook dinner at home. Serve this recipe as chicken salad sandwiches (on the best homemade burger buns,), or over a bed of greens for a light and healthy lunch or dinner. This chicken salad recipe is easy to make with only 8 ingredients. If you use precooked chicken it comes together in mere minutes. The dressing is bright and flavorful, and the celery and onion add a delicious crunch.
Chicken Salad Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions
As always, let’s chat about the ingredients in this recipe, as well as possible substitutions.
Cooked Chicken. I often used leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this recipe. However, I provide directions on how to cook shredded chicken in the recipe card as well! Mayonnaise. I suggest using a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can easily make this chicken salad recipe paleo, keto, etc. by choosing a mayonnaise variety that complies with those lifestyles (such as Sir Kensington’s or Primal Kitchen). Lemon Juice. Both freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used in this recipe. Paprika. I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor, but any variety works well! Celery. Be sure to finely dice the celery for the best overall texture. Onion. Red, yellow, sweet, etc. onions all taste great. Red Bell Pepper (optional). The bell pepper is optional, the recipe tastes great both with and without it. I like adding the pop of red for color. You can also use green, yellow or orange bell peppers in place of red if desired.
How to Make Chicken Salad
This chicken salad recipe is a breeze to make (and even easier to eat). We’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Cook the Chicken
If you’re not using diced, pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie or grilled chicken), then you will need to cook and shred some chicken to use first so that it can chill. To do this:
Add 2 lbs of raw, boneless skinless chicken breasts to a medium pot and cover them with water. Add a dash of salt and pepper and cover the pot with a lid. Bring mixture to a boil. Boil until the chicken is easily shredded (about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken). Remove from water and shred with two forks. Transfer to an airtight container and chill completely in the refrigerator before using in the recipe.
Make the Chicken Salad Dressing
Once you have prepared the chicken and it is chilled in the refrigerator, make the dressing by simply whisking together all the ingredients.
Assemble the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, onion and red pepper (if desired). Stir to combine. Add the chicken salad dressing to the chicken/vegetable mixture and stir to combine . Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Chill
Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
Serve
Serve this recipe as chicken salad sandwiches, wraps, over a bed of greens or with crackers for dipping. This chicken salad is the perfect dish to bring to a picnic. I suggest serving it with the following recipes:
This homemade pasta salad is a great side dish to pair with this easy chicken salad recipe. I love serving it on top of a salad, like this burrata salad or this quinoa salad. Serve it with a side of the best coleslaw ever! Make a batch of this homemade honey whole wheat bread to serve it as the best chicken salad sandwiches! Or make Pretzel Bread Rolls or the best homemade burger buns, YUM! Also try this pecan cranberry chicken salad and this avocado chicken salad!
Store
Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
