This chicken salad recipe is easy to make, just one bowl, and ready in minutes. Perfect on crusty whole grain bread or with crackers. You'll never want store-bought again!
In This Post
Like many of us right now, I've been stocking the refrigerator and pantry with basics the past several weeks. (It's been refreshing but I sure do miss going out.) This includes granola, meatballs, and pulled pork. With warmer days around the corner it seemed like the perfect opportunity to switch things up a bit for lunches.
While I've been making this chicken salad recipe for years— it's in regular rotation in the summer, I recently made a few small adjustments to it that make it even better. (Is that even possible?)
Why You NEED To Try This Chicken Salad Recipe
- From mixing bowl to refrigerator in 15 minutes
- Made in just one bowl
- 8 simple ingredients
- So many textures
- Incredibly satisfying
- Stays fresh for up to 5 days
It's a fact: This disappears in 2 days.
As much as I love chicken salad, I refuse to buy it from the grocery store. While more convenient, store-bought is incredibly expensive, and very bland. This recipe is so simple that I make a double batch to last us for the week. The ingredient list is relatively small and comes together quick.
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Chicken: The star of the show. I normally use rotisserie chicken but you can also use leftover chicken.
- Onion: Adds crunch and zesty flavor. I prefer to use red onion, but any type of onion can be used.
- Celery: Adds crunch.
- Parsley: This is for freshness.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy texture. You can also substitute in some Greek yogurt if you prefer. See the notes in the recipe.
- Salt/Pepper: To taste!
- Lemon juice: Adds a little tartness.
How To Make Chicken Salad
It's really, really simple. All the ingredients are combined together in a large bowl. Stir together until everything is evenly coated.
THAT'S IT.
I told you it was simple.
Serve it piled high on multigrain bread, with crackers, in a tortilla, or even in a salad.
PrintOne Bowl Chicken Salad Recipe
This chicken salad recipe is easy to make, just one bowl, and ready in minutes. Perfect on crusty whole grain bread or with crackers. You'll never want store-bought again!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped or shredded chicken
- ¾ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¾ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 and ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the chicken, onion, celery, and parsley. Stir together.
- Add in the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using), and stir together until everything is coated evenly.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: The individual ingredients can be prepped ahead of time (a few days in advance.) The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Chicken: Any type of chicken can be used. I normally use rotisserie chicken since it's easier.
- Onion: For best results, use red onion— though any type of onion will work.
- Mayonnaise: Any brand of mayonnaise works. You could also do ½ cup Greek yogurt and ½ cup of mayonnaise if you want.
- Lemon juice: This is optional. It tastes great with or without it. If using Greek yogurt, I recommend not adding the lemon juice.
Mindy
Such an easy lunch idea!
Laura
I am all over this recipe, man. It looks so easy and yummy!
Lori MB
I added a little sriracha and made lettuce wraps ;0)
Christina
Such a good idea! I'm going to have to try that next time I make it!