Classic Creamy Chicken Salad
This Classic Creamy Chicken Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed favorite that’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, picnics, or light dinners. Tender shredded chicken is combined with crisp celery, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing for a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Serve it on croissants, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ cup red grapes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, grapes, onion, pecans, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, crackers, or over a bed of fresh greens.
💡 Tips
- Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
- For extra crunch, add diced apples or sliced almonds.
- Replace grapes with dried cranberries for a sweet-tart variation.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the creamy dressing can separate after thawing.
What chicken works best?
Cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken all work well.
How can I make it lighter?
Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or reduce the mayo and increase the yogurt.
⭐ Pro Tips
- Dice all ingredients into similar sizes for the best texture.
- Toast the pecans before adding them for richer flavor.
- Add fresh dill or chives for a delicious herbal twist.
- Serve with lettuce cups for a naturally low-carb meal.
