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252

How to Make Chicken Salad (Delicious)

Zainab Khan

Posted in Salads

19 March 2025

Chicken salad, chicken salad sandwiches, canned chicken salad, or Mexican chicken salad—discover all these recipes with minimal effort and time to match your desired taste. Let’s make it!

Cooking is simple, so let’s keep it easy for everyone.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup grapes or dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans)


Before We Start

  • Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or mix light and dark meat for added flavor.

  • Texture: Add crunch with nuts or seeds and adjust the creaminess by balancing mayo and yogurt.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture.

  • Customizations: Incorporate your favorite mix-ins like chopped apples, cucumbers, or bell peppers.


Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Step 1: Take 2 cups of cooked chicken (use any chicken). In a pot with water, simmer the chicken over medium heat until cooked. Let it cool after boiling, then dice or shred it.

Mix the Dressing
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (or yogurt), 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Ingredients
Step 3: Add the boiled shredded (or diced) chicken, celery, red onion, grapes (or cranberries), and herbs to the bowl with the mayonnaise dressing. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Adjust Seasoning
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Chill
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Serve
Step 6: Serve the chilled chicken salad with lettuce leaves or as a topping for crackers.


How It Can Be Served or Paired With

  • Bread or Wraps: Serve on sandwich bread, croissants, tortilla wraps, or flatbread.

  • Rice or Pasta: Spoon over cooked white or brown rice, or mix with cooked pasta for a pasta salad.


These are the ways you can pair it, but what about the following one?

Choose your bread (soft white bread, whole grain, sourdough, or a buttery croissant). Spread the chicken salad between two slices of your chosen bread. For extra flavor, add crisp lettuce leaves or cheese slices. Cut the sandwich in half and serve on your best plate.

Enjoy your chicken salad with your desired pairing!




Related Recipes to Chicken Salad

How to Make Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftovers work great)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (red or white)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 slices of bread (white, whole-grain, or sourdough)

  • Optional: lettuce leaves and tomato slices

Instructions

First, prepare the chicken salad by mixing shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise (or sour yogurt), lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the taste as needed.
Next, assemble the sandwich by spreading the chicken salad evenly over one side of a slice of bread. You can add lettuce leaves and tomato for crunch to give it a complete sandwich style. Top with another slice of bread.
Finally, slice the sandwich from the center and enjoy your chicken salad sandwich!


How to Make Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 can (12 oz) chicken, drained and shredded

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or avocado for a creamy alternative)

  • 1/4 cup pickles, diced (or relish for a sweeter twist)

  • 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)

  • Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

  • Optional: 1 boiled egg, diced

Instructions

To make chicken salad with canned chicken, take a bowl and combine the ingredients. Add canned chicken, mayonnaise, pickles, mustard, and spices. If you want, you can add a boiled egg for extra flavor, but it’s fine to leave it out.
Serve the chicken salad with crackers (rice cakes, whole grain), or use it as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.
Enjoy your canned chicken salad!


How to Make Mexican Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or canned chicken, drained)

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or a mix of sour cream and mayo)

  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned)

  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or taco seasoning)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 avocado, diced, and fresh cilantro

Instructions

We’re going to make Mexican chicken salad (yes, you can also use canned chicken).
First, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Then, add chicken, corn, black beans, bell pepper, and onion. Mix everything well so it’s evenly coated.
Next, garnish with avocado chunks and fresh cilantro.
Finally, serve it with tortilla chips, as a taco filling, or on a bed of lettuce.
Here’s your Mexican chicken salad recipe!

Conclusion

  1. Take boiled chicken (wash the chicken, simmer it in a pot with water for 5 to 10 minutes until soft and tender). Cool it down, then shred or dice it.

  2. In a bowl, add mayonnaise (or sour yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. Combine the shredded (or diced) chicken with the mayo dressing. Add celery, red onion, grapes (or cranberries), and herbs to the bowl. Coat all ingredients evenly.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or lemon juice) according to your preference.

  5. Cover with plastic wrap or a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

  6. Serve chilled with lettuce leaves or as a topping for crackers.

Enjoy your chicken salad with your desired pairings!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and ideas🌿

FAQs

What does a chicken salad contain?

Chicken salad is made from boiled, shredded or diced chicken (can be canned), fresh vegetables, creamy dressing (mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, seasoning), and a few vegetables (lettuce for serving, red onion to combine flavor).

What should be done in the preparation of chicken salad?

To prepare a delicious chicken salad:
Use cooked and cooled chicken (shredded or diced), dice vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Use a dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice. After mixing well, coat the ingredients, and chill before serving.

Why is chicken salad called salad?

It’s called salad because it’s made with a combination of raw and cooked ingredients, dressed with cream, herbs, seasonings, and vegetables. The base ingredient is chicken, and it can be mixed with macaroni or potato salad. Its versatility allows it to be served cold, just like other salads.

What is chicken salad dressing made of?

Traditional dressing includes mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or garlic powder. 
For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of mayo, and olive oil or vinaigrette for a lighter dressing. You can also add honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a flavor boost.

What is Chick-Melt Chicken Salad Chick?

Chick-Melt Chicken Salad from Chicken Salad Chick is a popular, hot, melty sandwich topped with melted cheese and chicken salad. It's served on toasted bread or a croissant and often paired with fresh fruits, soup, or crackers. It offers a combination of sour, sweet, classic, and spicy flavors, and can be customized to your taste.