Classic Chicken Salad

A perfect summer day often calls for a dish that is refreshing, light, and full of flavor. This Classic Chicken Salad is not only quick to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes, but it also combines the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with crunchy veggies, making it both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a go-to recipe because it’s adaptable and can easily cater to your preferences.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a simple meal option that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, picnic lunches, or meal prep for the week ahead. You can make it in advance, and it stores well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This chicken salad is delightfully creamy while being lower in calories than traditional versions.
• The mix of crunchy celery and zesty red onion offers a satisfying texture contrast.
• It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or a salad bed.
• Preparation takes only a few minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute meal choice.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to whip up this refreshing dish.

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Lettuce leaves (for serving)
• Bread or wraps (for sandwiches)

Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Cooked chicken: rotisserie or leftover turkey
• Mayonnaise: additional Greek yogurt
• Celery: chopped cucumber
• Dijon mustard: yellow mustard or hot sauce

How to Make It

Creating this chicken salad is a breeze.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Stir Mixture

Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Ensure the dressing evenly coats the chicken and veggies.

Adjust Seasoning

Adjust seasoning if needed. Taste the salad and add extra salt or pepper for enhanced flavor.

Serve

Serve on lettuce leaves or use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It’s a delightful meal that you can enjoy any time of the day.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, dressing will separate upon thawing.
Reheat: not necessary, best served cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Use chilled chicken to keep the salad refreshing.
• Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• For added crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds.
• Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a wholesome lunch.
• Pair with whole-grain bread for a satisfying sandwich.
• Offer it at your next picnic alongside fresh fruit.