Have you ever tasted a chicken salad that makes you close your eyes with pleasure? This recipe delivers exactly that experience. After testing countless variations, I’ve discovered the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
I’ve spent years perfecting this chicken salad recipe, testing countless variations until I found the magical combination. The secret? A touch of Dijon mustard that brightens the flavors and a perfectly balanced dressing that coats each piece of chicken without overwhelming it. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe!
Recipe Overview
⏱️ Total time: 15 minutes
🔪 Prep time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook time: 0 minutes (assumes cooked chicken)
👥 Servings: 6 people
🔥 Difficulty: Easy
💰 Cost: Medium
What Our Readers Are Saying
“I’ve made this chicken salad 5 times now and it’s always a hit! My family requests it weekly. The instructions are so clear and it really does take just 15 minutes.”
— Sarah T.
“The combination of crisp apples, dried cranberries and crunchy pecans makes this the best chicken salad I’ve ever tasted. I make a batch every Sunday for lunches throughout the week.”
— Michael J.
Contents
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ingredients you’ll need
- Step-by-step instructions
- Pro tips for best results
- Best ways to serve
- Nutritional information
- Storage and leftovers
- Frequently asked questions
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
✅ Quick and easy – The best chicken salad at home in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!
✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this quick and easy chicken salad recipe!
✅ Foolproof results – Follow my simple method for perfect chicken salad every single time!
✅ Versatile recipe – Easily customizable with ingredients you already have in your pantry!
✅ Budget-friendly – Save money with this homemade chicken salad that tastes better than restaurant quality!
Ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With my detailed tips below, you’ll get professional results from the very first try.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the salad:
- 4 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast (about 2 pounds)
- 3/4 cup small diced Granny Smith apple
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Must-have ingredients for chicken salad:
Quality ingredients: For the best chicken salad, always use fresh, well-seasoned chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, as it significantly affects the final flavor. However, if you can’t find premium quality, a standard version will still produce good results.
Best seasonings for chicken salad: The perfect blend includes Dijon mustard, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for that authentic flavor.
Dietary alternatives: For gluten-free chicken salad, just ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free (most are). Make a dairy-free version by replacing Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
How to Make Chicken Salad – Step by Step
Preparing the Dressing
Step 1
First, in a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt until smooth. The combination of mayo and yogurt creates the perfect creamy base with a lighter, tangier flavor than using mayo alone!
Step 2
Next, add 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the dressing mixture. Whisk until completely incorporated – this ensures every bite of chicken salad will be perfectly flavored!
🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for an incredible flavor boost that will make everyone ask for your secret!
Step 2: Preparing the perfect creamy dressing ensures even flavor distribution
Adding the Chicken and Mix-ins
Step 3
Add 4 cups of cooked, chopped chicken to the dressing. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until all pieces are evenly coated. Making sure every piece of chicken is properly coated with dressing ensures consistent flavor throughout!
Step 4
Dice 3/4 cup Granny Smith apple into small pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes) and add to the chicken mixture. The tartness of Granny Smith apples perfectly balances the creamy dressing and adds wonderful texture!
🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Cut your apple just before mixing to prevent browning, or toss the diced apple with a teaspoon of lemon juice if preparing ingredients ahead of time!
Step 5
Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped pecans to the mixture. Fold these add-ins gently to maintain their texture while ensuring even distribution throughout the salad!
Final Touches
Step 6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor!
Pin For Later
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
🌡️ Perfect temperature – The secret to amazing chicken salad is serving it properly chilled, but not ice-cold. Too cold and the flavors become muted; slightly cool showcases the balance of flavors perfectly.
⏱️ Timing is everything – Can I prepare chicken salad ahead? Absolutely! Make the mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve after the first few hours as they meld together.
👁️ Visual test for perfect chicken salad – What makes chicken salad extra special? Look for chicken pieces that are evenly coated but not drowning in dressing – that’s when you know it’s perfectly done!
🔪 Quick flavor variations – Transform this recipe by adding: 1) 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 2) 1/4 cup diced celery for extra crunch, or 3) 2 tablespoons curry powder for an exciting twist!
🥣 Quality ingredients hack – Can’t find Greek yogurt? Use sour cream with a splash of lemon juice to recreate that signature tangy flavor profile.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mistake: Using chicken that’s too warm when mixing – Solution: Instead, ensure chicken is completely cooled to avoid melting the dressing
- Mistake: Chopping ingredients too large – Solution: Rather, dice everything into similar small pieces for the perfect bite
- Mistake: Oversalting the dressing – Solution: To prevent this, start with less salt and adjust after mixing with the chicken
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Salad
The best way to serve chicken salad is chilled, with a variety of serving options so everyone can customize their own meal. This showcases the incredible flavors and textures at their peak!
Perfect pairings:
- Serving options: Serve on croissants, whole grain bread, in lettuce cups, or stuffed in tomatoes or avocado halves
- Side dishes: Serve alongside fresh fruit, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal
- Drinks: This pairs beautifully with iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to complement the flavors
- Occasions: Perfect for picnics, office lunches, baby showers, or a simple family dinner
Serving suggestion: Chicken salad with croissants and fresh greens for a complete meal
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Approximate values per serving. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.
Dietary adaptations
- Low-carb version available! Replace dried cranberries with diced bell peppers, bringing the total down to just 4 g of carbs per serving.
- High-protein option: Add an extra cup of chicken to boost protein content to 32 g per serving – perfect for fitness enthusiasts!
- Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free – just be sure to serve on gluten-free bread or lettuce cups!
Storage & Leftovers
🧊 How to store chicken salad leftovers?
After preparing this dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before doing so, make sure it has cooled completely to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.
❄️ Can I freeze chicken salad?
I don’t recommend freezing traditional chicken salad with mayonnaise-based dressing. The mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture. For meal prep, it’s better to freeze plain cooked chicken, then mix with fresh dressing and add-ins after thawing.
♨️ What’s the best way to refresh leftover chicken salad?
For that fresh-made taste, stir in a small spoonful of fresh mayonnaise or yogurt to leftover chicken salad that’s been refrigerated. This method refreshes the creamy texture that can diminish slightly when stored. You may also want to add a few more crisp add-ins, like fresh diced apple or pecans, to restore the texture contrast.
4 FAQs About Chicken Salad
How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
When properly stored in an airtight container, chicken salad will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always use your judgment, though – if it smells off or looks discolored, it’s better to discard it. For the freshest taste and texture, consume within the first 2 days.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
Don’t worry if you’re avoiding mayonnaise! You can easily use mashed avocado or hummus instead. Just adjust the amount slightly by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain the perfect creamy consistency in your chicken salad.
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When your guests arrive, just give it a quick stir before serving. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more for an extra-tasty chicken salad!
What’s the best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?
For the most flavorful chicken salad, I recommend poaching boneless, skinless chicken breasts with aromatics (like onion, garlic, and herbs), or using a rotisserie chicken. Both methods produce tender, juicy chicken that shreds or dices beautifully. Avoid grilling or high-heat methods that can dry out the meat.
Have You Tried This Recipe?
If you’ve made this chicken salad, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me with the hashtag #BestChickenSaladRecipe so I can feature your masterpiece!
Rate This Recipe
★★★★★ from 38 votes
Ready to Make the Best Chicken Salad Ever?
There you have it – all my secrets for making the perfect chicken salad that will have everyone asking for your recipe! This dish truly brings together incredible flavors with minimal effort – the ideal combination for both special occasions and busy weeknights.
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments when you try this recipe! What did your family think? Did you add your own special twist? I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!
Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken salad!
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Freshly prepared homemade Best Chicken Salad, Ready in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken salad featuring a perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast (about 2 pounds)
- 3/4 cup small diced Granny Smith apple
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in chopped cooked chicken until well coated.
- Add diced apple and mix gently to combine.
- Stir in dried cranberries and pecans, folding gently to avoid breaking them.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and develop flavor before serving.
Notes
- Customize with chopped celery, sliced grapes, or fresh dill if desired.
- Use certified gluten-free mayonnaise for gluten-free assurance.
- Tastes better after chilling; prepare up to 2 days in advance for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, quick lunch, meal prep, gluten free
