Simple Chicken Salad Recipe: A Shockingly Easy 3 Step Fix

Hey there! Clara here from the 911Recipes family. You know, some recipes just stick with you, becoming those go-to s for busy days or when you just need something easy and delicious. This is exactly that for me. It reminds me of my grandmother s kitchen, not her exact recipe mind you, she was more of a stew and bread kind of cook, but the feeling of comfort and ease it brings.

Life gets hectic, right? Trying to juggle everything and still get a good meal on the table can feel impossible. That s why we love sharing recipes like this one. It s proof that you don t need hours in the kitchen to make something truly satisfying.

This simple chicken salad recipe is a lifesaver. Especially when you grab a rotisserie chicken from the store that s my favorite shortcut! It cuts down on prep time so much. We re all about making cooking approachable and fun here, just like my grandmother taught us. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and I can t wait for you to try it.

Why You ll Love This Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, so why is this a total winner in my book? Honestly, it checks all the boxes for a busy home cook. It s the kind of recipe you ll find yourself making again and again because it just works.

• It s super quick to pull together, seriously just minutes!
• Using a rotisserie chicken makes it incredibly easy, no cooking required.
• This simple chicken salad is so versatile; you can eat it a million ways.
• The flavors are spot on, creamy and delicious every time.
• It s fantastic for meal prep, lasting a few days in the fridge.

Simple Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this fantastic simple chicken salad. You probably have most of these things on hand already! Here s what you ll need to make this creamy, delightful mix:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, either shredded or diced small. Leftovers or a rotisserie chicken are perfect!
• 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise.
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped for that nice crunch.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped. It adds a little bite!
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (this is optional, but I love it!).
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a touch of tang.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

Equipment Needed for Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

You won t need a lot of fancy gadgets for this . That s another reason it s so easy! Just grab a few basic kitchen tools and you ll be ready to go in no time.

• A medium-sized mixing bowl.
• A spoon or spatula for mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons to get your quantities just right.

Preparing Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, now for the fun part putting it all together! Making this is really just a matter of mixing things up. There s no cooking involved once your chicken is ready, which is why it s such a weeknight hero. Just follow these easy steps, and you ll have delicious chicken salad in minutes.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients for Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

Grab that medium bowl you set out. This is where the magic starts! Add your cooked chicken first, whether it s shredded or diced. Then, spoon in the mayonnaise. Toss in the finely chopped celery and red onion. If you re using fresh dill, now s the time to add that too. Give it a gentle stir, just enough to coat everything a little.

Step 2: Season and Mix the Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

Next, let s add some flavor! Dollop in the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Don t be shy with the pepper, I love a good crack of black pepper in mine. Now, stir everything together again. Be gentle! We want creamy chicken salad, not mush. Mix until all the ingredients are nicely combined and coated.

Step 3: Taste and Chill Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

This is maybe the most important step! Grab a small spoon and taste your . Does it need a little more salt? More pepper? Maybe a tiny bit more Dijon? Adjust the seasoning until it tastes just right to you. You can eat it right away, but I really recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes. This lets those flavors really get to know each other and meld beautifully. It tastes even better cold!

Simple Chicken Salad Recipe Tips for Success

Even though this is super easy, a few little tricks can make it even better. I ve learned these over time, and they really do make a difference. Think of them as my little secrets from my kitchen to yours!

• Make sure your cooked chicken is well-drained if it was in any liquid. Too much moisture makes the salad watery.
• Don t overmix! Stir gently until everything is just combined. Over-stirring can make the texture less pleasant.
• Taste and adjust! Seriously, tasting is key. Add a little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny squeeze of lemon juice if it feels like it needs a boost.
• If it seems a little dry, add another tablespoon of mayonnaise until it s creamy just how you like it.

Variations on the Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

One of the best things about this is how easy it is to make it your own! It s a fantastic base for adding all sorts of yummy things. I love playing around with different additions depending on what I have or what I m in the mood for.

Want a little sweetness and crunch? Try adding chopped grapes or diced apple. Pecans or walnuts are also great for texture. For a different flavor twist, swap the dill for fresh parsley or chives. Sometimes I add a pinch of curry powder for a bit of warmth. Don t be afraid to experiment; that s part of the fun of cooking at home!

Serving Suggestions for Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

Alright, you ve made your delicious ! Now, how should you enjoy it? The possibilities are pretty endless, and that s part of why I love it so much. It s so versatile!

My absolute favorite way is piled high on toasted bread for a classic chicken salad sandwich. But it s also amazing on crackers for a quick snack. For a lighter option, scoop it into . It s even great as a dip with veggie sticks or pita bread. However you serve it, I bet you ll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Chicken Salad

I get asked a few common questions about this , so I wanted to answer them here! It s always good to know the little details that make cooking easier.

Can I use canned chicken for this simple chicken salad? Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you drain it really well before adding it to the bowl. It s another great shortcut.

How long does simple chicken salad last in the fridge? If stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad recipe usually lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always give it a quick smell and look before eating, just to be safe.

What makes this so easy? It s the combination of using cooked chicken (hello, rotisserie!), minimal chopping, and just stirring everything together. Seriously, anyone can make this!

Simple Chicken Salad Recipe Nutritional Information

Here s a quick look at the estimated nutrition for one serving of this . Remember, these are just estimates and can change based on the ingredients you use, like the type of mayonnaise. It s a pretty satisfying option!

• Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Share Your Simple Chicken Salad Recipe Experience

Well, there you have it! My go-to . I really hope you give it a try. When you do, please come back and leave a comment! Let me know how it turned out for you or if you added any fun ingredients. You can also rate the recipe below. Sharing your kitchen adventures makes this whole cooking journey even more fun!