Dreaming of the creamiest, zestiest, and most unforgettable chicken salad? The Ultimate Chicken Salad is all you’ll ever need for picnic baskets, quick lunches, or a crowd-pleasing potluck centerpiece. Brimming with perfectly seasoned chicken and fresh crunchy veggies, wrapped in a rich but balanced dressing, this recipe takes everything you love about classic chicken salad and makes it even better. With a harmony of flavors and delightful textures, it’s the go-to choice whenever you crave something both comforting and utterly satisfying.

Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Ultimate Chicken Salad lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s protein, creaminess, freshness, or a pop of flavor—making this dish a modern classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, diced or shredded): Lean, tender chicken is your flavorful canvas here—rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for ease!
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Silky mayo gives the salad its signature creamy base; adjust to your liking for extra richness.
Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy lightness that brightens up the whole salad with less heaviness.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a touch infuses subtle spice and depth without overpowering.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Fresh lemon lifts every bite with welcome acidity and a sparkle of freshness.
Celery (2 stalks, finely chopped): For that satisfying crunch and a grassy note to balance the creaminess.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Sharp and sweet, it adds zap and gorgeous color.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Bright and herbal, parsley rounds out the flavors and brings a vibrant green touch.
Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Warm, mellow garlic infuses every mouthful with savory depth.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key—start with a little and let your taste buds guide you.
Optional chopped pecans or sliced grapes: Nuts add crunch, grapes offer bursts of juicy sweetness; both take Ultimate Chicken Salad up a notch!

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dreamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a roomy mixing bowl—this will be your headquarters for flavor! To the bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, plus a couple pinches of salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and gloriously creamy. This is your Ultimate Chicken Salad foundation, so get it tasting just right before moving on.

Step 2: Toss in the Chicken and Veggies

Add your diced or shredded chicken straight into the bowl. Pile in those finely chopped celery stalks, sprinkle in the red onion, and toss in the fresh parsley. Give everything a generous mix, making sure the dressing hugs every piece of chicken and veggie for even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Personalize with Mix-Ins

Here’s where you can let your creativity shine! If you love a bit of crunch, fold in chopped pecans. In the mood for something fruity? Sliced grapes add little pops of sweetness that play so well with the savory base. Mix gently until everything is perfectly combined—this step is where the Ultimate Chicken Salad truly becomes yours.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your mixing bowl and let the salad chill out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short rest time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, enhancing every bite. When you scoop up a serving later, you’ll notice how the herbs, aromatics, and dressing come together in delicious harmony.

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Salad

Garnishes

The Ultimate Chicken Salad looks and tastes even better with a little finishing touch. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a pop of green, some freshly cracked black pepper, or even a scatter of pecans or grape halves on top. These effortless extras turn a humble salad into a showstopper!

Side Dishes

Pairing is where you can have fun: serve the salad alongside buttery crackers, tucked into buttery croissants, or spooned onto a leafy green salad. A side of kettle chips, crisp dill pickles, or a cup of cool fruit salad completes a meal that feels indulgent and refreshing all at once.

Creative Ways to Present

Swap out the sandwich routine and serve your Ultimate Chicken Salad in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist, stuff it into halved avocados for a brunch-worthy look, or spoon it into mini phyllo cups for party-perfect bites. Scooped atop cucumber slices or inside colorful bell pepper boats, this salad always impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Ultimate Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and in fact, the flavors deepen even more after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch extra tasty.

Freezing

Although this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed—but keep in mind that mayo-based dressings may separate and the veggies could lose some crunch. For best results, freeze only the chicken and dressing, adding fresh veggies after thawing.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Ultimate Chicken Salad is all about that chilled, creamy texture. Simply give it a good stir if it’s been sitting in the fridge, then serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Ultimate Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice because it’s already cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. Just shred or dice it, and you’re ready for salad success.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can replace some or all of the mayo with more Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan mayo or mashed avocado for a unique flavor spin.

What’s the best way to get my chicken extra flavorful?

If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, season it generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder before baking or poaching. A splash of chicken broth during cooking also infuses extra taste.

Can Ultimate Chicken Salad be made ahead for events?

It’s perfect for prepping ahead! In fact, a few hours in the fridge deepens the flavors. Just give it a stir before serving to freshen it up.

Are there ways to make this salad even more nutritious?

Sure thing! Add more veggies like shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even baby spinach. Swap pecans for walnuts, or boost fiber with chia seeds or flaxseed sprinkled on top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile, you can’t go wrong with this Ultimate Chicken Salad. Give it a try and let it become your go-to recipe for any gathering, busy lunch, or snack attack. Your taste buds—and your friends—will thank you!

Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ultimate Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: chopped pecans or sliced grapes for added texture and flavor

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Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley. Mix until evenly coated.
Add Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in pecans or grapes if desired.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.