This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dish for a light lunch, a picnic, or as a wholesome sandwich filler. With options to include almonds and grapes, you can customize this salad to suit your taste and occasion.
Simple and Satisfying
This chicken salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Serve it on its own, tucked into sandwiches, or over a bed of crisp greens for a more substantial meal.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 1 hour
- Serving: 4-6 people
- Equipment: Mixing bowls
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe:

Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of refreshing chicken salad that’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Combine Chicken and Celery: In a large bowl, mix the shredded or chopped chicken with the chopped celery. This provides a nice crunchy texture to the creamy salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This dressing will be the creamy base of your salad, adding moisture and flavor.
- Mix Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and celery mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Extras: If desired, stir in sliced almonds and halved grapes at this stage. The almonds add a nutty crunch, while the grapes provide a sweet, juicy contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on your preferences.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the chicken salad with chopped fresh dill for an added touch of freshness and flavor.
Enjoy Your Meal
This Classic Chicken Salad is refreshing and light, perfect for a summer meal or as a satisfying addition to any meal. Serve it on a croissant for a luxurious sandwich, on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option, or with a side of mixed greens and vinaigrette for a balanced lunch. Enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures that make this chicken salad a perennial favorite!
