Simple Chicken Salad
This Simple Chicken Salad is creamy, healthy, quick to make, and only a few ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, scooping with crackers, or simply eating with a fork.
Simple Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Versatile
Having a simple chicken salad recipe to prep for busy weeks is a meal-time lifesaver. This quick and easy salad is packed with fresh herby flavors, lemon, and a simple creamy base dressing made from mayo and Greek yogurt. The best part about this recipe is it's easy to adapt to your dietary needs, or jazz it up as much as you like depending on your mood.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad
- So easy. This recipe comes together in just 10-15 minutes with basic ingredients you probably have. Perfect for busy weekdays, last-minute lunches, or meal prep.
- High protein. We all need a bit more protein fortified meals and this one packs a whopping 54 grams per serving!
- Versatile. Enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, lettuce cup, salad bowl, or even straight from the fridge with crackers.
- Simple to customize. Whether you like it creamy, crunchy, sweet, spicy, or tangy-this chicken salad can be tailored with mix-ins and substitutions to suit any preference or dietary need.
Basic Ingredients
- Chicken- Use leftover chicken or purchase a rotisserie at the grocery store for convenience.
- Celery
- Mayo, mustard, and Greek yogurt- This combo offers a rich yet fresh tangy twist. Plus a few less calories using Greek yogurt.
- Fresh herbs- Dill and chives.
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Chicken Salad Variations
Whether you're watching your diet or just looking to switch things up, try these simple swaps:
- No Mayo Option: Replace mayo with plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus.
- Low-Fat Version: Use light mayo or a 50/50 blend of mayo and Greek yogurt.
- Vegan Option: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan mayo or tahini.
- Add-Ins for Texture: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Sweet Twist: Add halved red grapes or dried cranberries for a fruity touch.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño.
Best Way To Make This Chicken Salad
- Make creamy dressing- Combine mayo, Greek yogurt, mustard, herbs, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl until creamy.
- Assemble chicken salad- Add the chicken and celery to a serving bowl and toss with the dressing. Taste for seasonings and serve.
Endless Ways To Serve Simple Chicken Salad
- Classic Sandwich - Serve on whole grain bread, croissant, or a toasted bagel.
- Low-Carb Wrap - Spoon into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
- Chicken Salad Bowl - Serve on top of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
- Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes - Hollow out and fill with the salad for a light lunch.
- Crackers or Pita Chips (my personal fav) - Use as a dip for an easy appetizer, snack, or light lunch.
Simple Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 medium serving bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon full-fat, plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ lemon, juiced, about 2 tbsp
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine ¼ cup mayo, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon mustard, ½ lemon, juiced, 1 tbsp each fresh chives and dill, salt and pepper to taste. Stir until creamy.
- In a medium serving bowl add 1 ½ pounds cooked chicken, ½ cup celery, and all the dressing. Toss to combine and adjust seasonings to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Check Out These Salad Combos!
If you loved this salad, you'll also enjoy these delicious combinations---Mexican Chicken Salad, Kale Crunch Chicken Salad, Mediterranean Coleslaw Chicken Salad, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, and Easy Chicken Salad with Bacon.
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