The Easiest Most Delicious Chicken Salad Seriously

My Simple Chicken Salad Recipe Like Nan Used to Make

By Diego HartSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? Ever wonder how to turn boring chicken into something spectacular? This simple chicken salad recipe is your answer.

It’s proper tasty, and honestly, it's a doddle to make. Get ready for a creamy, dreamy experience.

Quick Hook

Are you craving something comforting but not too heavy? This easy chicken salad boasts a creamy, tangy flavor with a delightful crunch.

Trust me, it's miles better than anything you can buy in a shop.

Brief Overview

Chicken salad is a classic dish with roots in hearty home cooking. This version takes that heritage and gives it a modern twist.

It's an easy recipe, taking about 35 minutes to make from scratch or just 15 if you use pre-cooked chicken, yields four generous servings.

Perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Main Benefits

This homemade chicken salad recipe is packed with protein. It's also surprisingly versatile. Serve it at a picnic, or as a quick bite, It's ideal for using up leftover chicken.

Plus, making your own means you control the ingredients.

Let’s get started, shall we? I always loved this recipe, because it makes you feel good after eating it.

**What Makes This The Best Chicken Salad Recipe ?**

Seriously, it's all about the flavour. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, and fresh celery creates a symphony in your mouth.

The addition of grapes adds a burst of sweetness, making it the best chicken salad recipe you'll ever try. Honestly, it just works!

You can adjust sweetness to your taste if you add or remove a few grapes.

**The Easiest Chicken Salad Sandwich You'll Ever Make**

Okay, I know what you're thinking: "Another chicken salad sandwich recipe?" But this isn't just any recipe. It's the recipe. This quick chicken salad recipe makes enough to serve 4.

This rotisserie chicken salad recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Sometimes the easiest chicken salad recipes are the best chicken salad .

No need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The key to a good chicken salad is the creamy chicken salad dressing.

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks! We're making a simple chicken salad recipe . Not just any chicken salad, mind you.

We're talking the best chicken salad recipe you've ever had. Forget those dry, flavorless tubs you find in the shops.

We're doing this properly .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty

So, what's in this magic potion, then?

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list for your homemade chicken salad . No need to panic buy!

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best, but if you are short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great alternative. You can also use leftover chicken for an even easier chicken salad .
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g). A good quality sea salt makes a difference, honestly!
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g). Freshly ground is always better, you know?
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (113g). Full fat for extra indulgence, or light if you're watching the waistline.
Greek Yogurt (Optional): 2 tablespoons (30ml). It adds a lovely tang to the creamy chicken salad .
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml). It's got a bit of a kick to it, which is spot on.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml), freshly squeezed. That is, none of that bottled stuff!.
Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g).
Celery: 1/2 cup (75g), finely diced. Crunch factor, sorted!
Red Onion: 1/4 cup (40g), finely diced. Use it sparingly, it can be overpowering.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (25g), chopped.
Grapes (Optional): 1/4 cup (35g), halved. Red or green, your shout! For a chicken salad with grapes

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Alright, let's chat about flavors. A good quick chicken salad recipe hinges on the seasoning.

We're keeping it simple: salt, pepper, Dijon. But don't underestimate the power of those flavors! Garlic powder adds a lovely depth.

And a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper is a game changer.

For spice, I would recommend it for sure!.

Substitutions? If you haven't got Dijon, wholegrain mustard works a treat. No fresh lemon? Bottled is fine in a pinch but use less.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this chicken salad sandwich .

Just a few basics:

A large skillet or pot for cooking the chicken.
A mixing bowl. It's where the magic happens!
A chopping board and knife. Obvious, but still!

You can shred the chicken with two forks if you haven't got shredders or whatever gadget, don't worry. I've done it a million times! That's your lot! Told you this easy chicken salad was simple.

Now, let's get cooking!

Crackin' Chicken Salad: From Clucking to Chucking it Down!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken salad ? But, you know, the shop bought stuff can be a bit…naff. So, let's make a proper homemade chicken salad , something worthy of your best sarnie.

This easy chicken salad is dead simple, proper tasty, and far better than anything you'll find pre-made. This might be the best chicken salad recipe you try, no cap!.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place, Sorted!

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Dice your celery and red onion. Chop that parsley like you mean it.

And get your mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice ready. This mise en place lark isn’t just for fancy chefs. It genuinely makes cooking easier, less stressful, and quicker.

For this quick chicken salad recipe you don't wanna be faffing about halfway through, do you?

The Secret Steps to Simple Chicken Salad

Right, ready to get cracking?

Cook the Chicken: Season your 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of pepper. Cook in a pan with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil over medium heat. Get them cooked to a temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Or even easier, use leftover chicken.
Cool & Shred: Let the chicken cool a bit. Then shred it with two forks. It's like you are Wolverine!.
Dressing Time: Mix 1/2 cup (113g) of mayo, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of Greek yogurt (optional), 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) of pepper and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) garlic powder.
Veggie Prep: Chop 1/2 cup (75g) of celery, 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, 1/4 cup (25g) parsley and 1/4 cup (35g) grapes, if using.
Mix It Up: Bung the chicken and veggies into the dressing. Give it a good mix.
Chill Out: Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those flavours get to know each other.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve on a chicken salad sandwich , crackers, or even just straight from the bowl!.

Pro Tips for a Proper Chicken Salad

Want to take your creamy chicken salad to the next level? Instead of chicken breast, try using leftover roast chicken or a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

It adds loads of flavour and saves you time. Watch out for overcooking the chicken nobody likes dry chicken salad.

Chilling it properly makes a huge difference. Also, get creative! A bit of curry powder can transform this into a chicken salad with grapes .

I remember once trying to rush this chicken salad recipe for a picnic. I didn’t chill it properly and it ended up a bit… meh.

Learn from my mistakes! Make sure to get that chilling time in, it makes all the difference!

**Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe Ever!**

Honestly, whipping up this simple chicken salad recipe is so easy, it’s practically foolproof. But to make sure yours is the bomb , here are a few extra pointers I've learned along the way.

Seriously, even my mate Dave, who can barely boil an egg, managed to make this work.

Ace Plating and Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Salad

So, you've got your creamy chicken salad , now what? Plating it up nicely makes all the difference. For a bit of posh, serve it in lettuce cups, like little edible bowls.

Super refreshing! Alternatively, slap it between two slices of crusty bread for the ultimate Chicken Salad Sandwich . On the side? Crisps are a must, naturally.

And a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio never goes amiss.

Storing Your Homemade Chicken Salad Like a Pro

Listen up, storage is key! You don't want any funny business. Once you've made your easy chicken salad , bung it in an airtight container.

In the fridge, it'll happily keep for 3-4 days - but honestly, it never lasts that long in my house.

Freezing? Not recommended, mate. The mayo gets a bit weird. Reheating isn't really a thing; this is best served cold.

Tweak Your Quick Chicken Salad Recipe to Perfection

Fancy a bit of a twist? Go on, live a little! For a dairy-free version, swap the mayo for mashed avocado.

Trust me, it's lush. Feeling festive? Chuck in some cranberries instead of grapes Christmas Chicken Salad sorted. Or go full-on Indian summer.

Add curry power and some raisin.

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Goodness: Nutrition Basics

Let’s talk nutrition, shall we? This Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is actually pretty good for you. Chicken = protein power.

Celery adds crunch. Grapes bring a touch of sweetness, even if it feels a bit naughty. Each serving is roughly 350 calories, so not bad at all for a quick and tasty meal.

So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to really nail your chicken salad recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite of your chicken salad !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this simple chicken salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's even better if you do. The flavors really meld together when it's had a chance to sit in the fridge for a few hours. Just store it in an airtight container and it'll be good to go for up to 3-4 days.

Think of it as a culinary "set it and forget it" a bit like that slow cooker you haven't used since last winter!

What are some variations I can try with this chicken salad?

Fancy a bit of a change? You can easily jazz up your simple chicken salad recipe. Try adding some chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch, or a dollop of mango chutney for a curry esque twist reminiscent of Coronation Chicken.

For a lighter option, swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt, or even mashed avocado for a completely different (and healthier!) flavour profile.

How long will this chicken salad last in the fridge?

For optimal freshness and food safety, your chicken salad should be consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. Beyond that, the texture and flavour might start to degrade, and it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Nobody wants a dodgy tummy, especially not after putting in the effort to whip up a cracking salad!

Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise I can use?

Definitely! Mayonnaise is a classic, but there are plenty of ways to lighten up your simple chicken salad recipe. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute, offering tang and creaminess with fewer calories. You can also use mashed avocado for a dairy-free and healthy fat-rich alternative.

A little bit of lemon juice will also brighten the flavors.

What if my chicken salad is too dry?

Oops, a bit parched, is it? No worries, easy fix! Simply stir in a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. A splash of lemon juice or even a tiny bit of chicken broth can also add moisture and flavour.

Just remember, a little goes a long way you don't want it swimming!

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

You absolutely can! Canned chicken is a convenient and budget friendly option that works perfectly well in this simple chicken salad recipe. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mix. It's a great time saver for a quick lunch or last minute picnic almost as easy as popping down to the chippy!