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A bowl of classic chicken salad, freshly prepared and inviting.

Proven way to grow your best Chicken Salad (Classic)

This classic chicken salad recipe is a versatile dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a light meal. It's simple to make with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and a few key seasonings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup grapes halved
  • 1/4 cup pecans chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • spatula or mixing spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, and optional finely diced red onion.
Mixing and Seasoning
  1. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
  2. If desired, fold in any optional add-ins such as halved grapes, chopped pecans, or fresh dill for extra flavor and texture.
Serving
  1. Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard to your preference. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly cooked and cooled chicken. This recipe is highly customizable, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and add-ins like apples, walnuts, or cranberries.