Quick and Easy Version for Busy People
Life moves fast and meals often need to move even faster. Still, it feels great to enjoy something homemade that doesn’t come out of a package. That’s exactly where this 10-minute classic chicken salad recipe steps in. It’s fast, fresh, and full of flavor without requiring a long prep list or fancy ingredients. The kind of meal that works for lunch at your desk, dinner on a busy night, or even a make-ahead option for the week.
The appeal of this salad is how easy it is to throw together. With cooked chicken, some chopped veggies, a simple creamy dressing, and a quick mix in one bowl, you’ll have something satisfying without standing in the kitchen for more than a few minutes. And while it’s simple at heart, this dish is anything but boring. The contrast of textures and flavors makes every bite taste like you put way more effort into it than you actually did.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or trying to prep a light meal for your family, this chicken salad has your back. You don’t need to be a trained chef to make it taste great. The ingredients are flexible, the instructions are easy, and the end result is something that feels fresh and homemade every single time.
Ingredients Needed
The best part of this recipe is how flexible it is. You only need a few ingredients, and most of them are kitchen staples. The main star is cooked chicken, which can be from last night’s dinner or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. The rest adds crunch, creaminess, and just enough seasoning to make everything come together in perfect balance.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups (280 grams) | 330 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup (75 grams) | 500 |
| Celery, finely chopped | 2 stalks | 10 |
| Red onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup | 15 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | 10 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Optional ingredients for extra flavor or texture:
- Grapes or apples (for a sweet crunch)
- Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
You don’t have to use everything listed as optional, but they’re a great way to keep the recipe interesting if you plan to make it often.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start with cooked chicken that’s already cooled. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, then shred or chop it into small pieces. If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, that works just as well.
Chop the celery and red onion into fine pieces. These two add texture and a bit of freshness to balance the creamy dressing. The key here is to chop small so every bite blends together nicely.
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice. Stir it until it becomes smooth. This is the base that will hold the whole salad together. If you want a little more tang, you can always add a bit more mustard or lemon juice, but start small and taste as you go.
Add the chicken, celery, and onion to the bowl. Mix everything until all the ingredients are fully coated in the dressing. Make sure it’s evenly mixed but don’t mash it. You want the chicken to keep its texture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes a little sprinkle makes a big difference.
You can serve the salad right away, or if you have time, let it chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together even more.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is a great foundation. You can leave it just as it is, or use it as a base and make it your own. A few small tweaks can turn it into something new every time.
If you want a healthier version, swap half or all of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It cuts down the fat and adds a bit of protein. You’ll still get the creamy texture with a little more tang.
Add grapes, apples, or even dried cranberries for a sweet touch. This pairs especially well with chicken and makes the salad more dynamic.
For extra crunch, toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. They add depth and make the salad feel heartier.
Want to brighten it up? A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil can completely change the flavor profile. If you like spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drop of hot sauce gives it a nice kick.
Make it your own. That’s the beauty of it.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional value for one serving of this chicken salad. This recipe makes about four servings.
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 22 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 280 milligrams
Using Greek yogurt or light mayo will reduce the fat and calorie content. Adding fruits or nuts will bump up the sugar or fat slightly but also increase the fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken salad is one of those dishes that works in a bunch of different ways. If you’re making lunch for work, pack it in a container and eat it straight from the bowl. It’s filling and doesn’t need to be reheated.
Make it into a sandwich with toasted bread or a croissant for something more substantial. For a lighter option, scoop it into lettuce leaves and eat it like a wrap. You can also serve it with crackers or pita chips as a dip-style snack, or spoon it onto a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad bowl.
However you serve it, it always feels fresh and satisfying.
Conclusion
You don’t need a long list of ingredients or an hour in the kitchen to make something homemade and enjoyable. This classic chicken salad recipe proves that. It’s fast, simple, and completely satisfying. Perfect for busy days, lazy lunches, or meal prep that you actually look forward to eating.
Give it a try the next time you want something easy but delicious. You’ll be surprised how much you can do in just 10 minutes.