Best Chicken Salad Recipe

This classic chicken salad combines tender chicken, crunchy almonds, crisp celery, and a creamy mayo dressing. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad recipe stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The toasted almonds add a delightful nutty crunch that elevates it beyond ordinary chicken salad. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The recipe is also incredibly versatile – enjoy it on crackers, in a sandwich, or over fresh greens. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use leftover chicken, helping you reduce food waste while creating a delicious meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken forms the protein-packed foundation of this salad. Using leftover roast chicken or baked chicken breasts seasoned with herbs like basil or rosemary adds depth and saves preparation time. If you don’t have leftovers, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too.

Slivered almonds bring essential crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. When toasted, they develop a deeper, more complex taste that complements the chicken perfectly. Be sure to watch them carefully when toasting, as they can burn quickly.

Mayonnaise creates the creamy base that binds everything together. It provides richness and a smooth texture that coats each ingredient evenly. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.

Lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the mayo and prevents the salad from tasting heavy. It also helps preserve the freshness of the salad.

Black pepper contributes a mild heat and depth of flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. Freshly ground pepper will give you the best flavor.

Celery introduces a refreshing crispness and subtle peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy dressing. It also adds a pleasant textural element that makes each bite interesting.

Directions

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the preparation process smooth and efficient.
2. Place the slivered almonds in a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast them, shaking the pan frequently, until they turn golden brown. Watch them carefully as they can burn easily. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Add the chopped cooked chicken, toasted almonds, and chopped celery to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the mayonnaise mixture.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Preparation takes just 5 minutes, with another 5 minutes for toasting the almonds, bringing the total time to only 10 minutes. If you’re preparing chicken specifically for this recipe rather than using leftovers, add 20-25 minutes for cooking time. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Variations

Fruity Chicken Salad: Add halved grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet-savory contrast.

Mediterranean Style: Mix in chopped olives, feta cheese, and diced cucumber, then substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the mayonnaise mixture along with a tablespoon of mango chutney for an exotic twist.

Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon for a fresh, aromatic version.

Nutty Alternatives: Substitute walnuts, pecans, or cashews for the almonds to create different flavor profiles.

Asian-Inspired: Add a teaspoon of soy sauce, some grated ginger, and substitute sliced water chestnuts for the celery.

Storage/Reheating

This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best quality and safety, refrigerate it promptly after preparation and keep it chilled until serving.

The texture is best on the day it’s made, as the celery will gradually lose some crispness. If making ahead, consider adding the celery just before serving.

This dish is designed to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended as it can cause the mayonnaise to separate and affect the texture of the ingredients.

For food safety, never leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).

When taking this salad to picnics or potlucks, keep it in a cooler with ice packs until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative, though the texture will be slightly different from roasted or baked chicken. Be sure to drain it well and consider giving it a quick rinse to remove excess sodium before using it in the salad.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To reduce calories, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped broccoli florets.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

Chicken salad is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, with crackers, as a sandwich filling, or stuffed in a tomato or avocado half for a low-carb option.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free as traditional mayonnaise contains no dairy. Just ensure you’re using a dairy-free mayonnaise if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

How far in advance can I prepare this for a party?

You can prepare chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance for the best quality. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this chicken salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate when frozen and thawed, resulting in an unappetizing texture.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

While any cooked chicken works well, chicken breasts or thighs that have been roasted, baked, or poached with herbs provide the best flavor. Rotisserie chicken is also an excellent convenient option.

My chicken salad seems dry – what should I add?

If your salad seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise, a splash of olive oil, or a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Adjust according to your preference for creaminess.

Can I add other nuts if I don’t have almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, cashews, or even sunflower seeds make great substitutions for almonds. Just remember to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.

How do I prevent the almonds from burning when toasting?

To prevent burning, toast almonds over medium heat rather than high, shake the pan frequently, and remove from heat as soon as they turn golden and become fragrant. Never leave them unattended, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Salad recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy toasted almonds, and crisp celery, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for gatherings, this versatile recipe delivers. It’s easy to adapt to your taste preferences and what you have on hand, making it a reliable staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and deliciousness in every bite of this classic chicken salad.

Print