Freshly prepared homemade Best Chicken Salad, Ready in 15 Minutes

Have you ever tasted a chicken salad so good it makes you close your eyes with pleasure? This perfect chicken salad recipe, perfected over years of testing, delivers exactly that experience. The ideal balance of tender chicken, crunchy elements, and creamy dressing creates a texture and depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret technique.

I’ve spent years perfecting this chicken salad recipe, testing countless variations until I found the magical combination. The secret? A splash of Dijon mustard and a touch of Greek yogurt that transforms this classic dish into something extraordinary. Trust me, this will become your new go-to chicken salad recipe!

Recipe Overview

⏱️ Total time: 15 minutes
🔪 Prep time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
👥 Servings: 6 people
🔥 Difficulty: Easy
💰 Cost: Moderate

Contents

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients you’ll need
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro tips for best results
• Best ways to serve
• Nutritional information
• Storage and leftovers
• Frequently asked questions

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad

✅ Quick and easy – The best way to make chicken salad at home in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!

✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this quick and easy chicken salad recipe!

✅ Foolproof results – Follow my simple method for perfect chicken salad every single time!

✅ Versatile recipe – Easily customizable with ingredients you already have in your pantry!

✅ Budget-friendly – Save money with this homemade chicken salad that tastes better than restaurant quality!

Ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With my detailed tips below, you’ll get professional results from the very first try.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad

For the dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad:

• 4 cups (about 2 pounds) cooked, chopped chicken breast
• 3/4 cup small diced Granny Smith apple
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Must-have ingredients for Chicken Salad:

Quality ingredients: For the best chicken salad, always use fresh, properly cooked chicken breast, as it significantly affects the final flavor. However, if you’re short on time, a high-quality rotisserie chicken will still produce excellent results.

Best seasonings for chicken salad: The perfect blend includes Dijon mustard, onion powder, and a touch of kosher salt for that authentic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Dietary alternatives: For gluten-free chicken salad, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Make a dairy-free version by replacing Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or dairy-free yogurt alternative.

How to Make Chicken Salad – Step by Step

Prepare the Dressing

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creates the perfect creamy base for your chicken salad!

Step 2
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed. The perfect balance should be creamy with a slight tang – this is the foundation of an exceptional chicken salad!

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey to your dressing for an incredible flavor boost that will make everyone ask for your secret!

Step 2: Creating the perfect creamy dressing for your chicken salad

Add the Main Ingredients

Step 3
Add the chopped chicken to the dressing and fold gently with a spatula until the chicken is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the chicken too much!

Step 4
Add the diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the chicken mixture. Fold gently to combine all ingredients while maintaining distinct textures in each bite!

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Chill your mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing for the best texture and flavor development!

Step 5
Cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, if possible. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!

Final Touches

Step 6
Just before serving, give the chicken salad a gentle stir and taste again. If needed, add an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors!

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Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

🌡️ Perfect temperature – The secret to amazing chicken salad is serving it properly chilled, at around 40°F (4°C). Too warm and the mayonnaise becomes runny; too cold and the flavors won’t shine through.

⏱️ Timing is everything – Can I prepare chicken salad ahead? Absolutely! Make the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling.

👁️ Visual doneness test – What makes chicken salad extra special? Look for evenly coated chicken pieces with vibrant mix-ins still visible – that’s when you know it’s perfectly done!

🔪 Quick flavor variations – Transform this recipe by adding: 1) 1/4 cup diced celery for extra crunch, 2) 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, or 3) 1/4 cup halved red grapes for a sweeter profile!

🥣 Quality ingredients hack – Can’t find Granny Smith apples? Use Honeycrisp with a splash of lemon juice to recreate that signature sweet-tart flavor profile.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mistake: Using chicken that’s still warm – Solution: Always ensure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
• Mistake: Overmixing the salad – Solution: Rather than stirring vigorously, fold ingredients gently to maintain texture.
• Mistake: Under-seasoning the dressing – Solution: To prevent this, taste your dressing before adding the chicken and adjust as needed.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Salad

The best way to serve chicken salad is chilled, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. This showcases the incredible flavors and textures at their peak!

Perfect pairings:

• Serving options: Present on a bed of lettuce, in croissants, stuffed in avocado halves, or with buttery crackers
• Side dishes: Serve alongside fresh fruit, potato chips, or a light garden salad for a complete meal
• Drinks: This pairs beautifully with iced tea, white wine, or sparkling water with lemon to complement the flavors
• Occasions: Perfect for summer picnics, elegant luncheons, or a simple make-ahead weekday lunch

Serving suggestion: Best Chicken Salad with crackers and fresh fruit for a complete meal

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	270 mg

Approximate values per serving. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.

Dietary adaptations

• Low-carb version available! Replace dried cranberries with diced cucumber, bringing the total down to just 6 g of carbs per serving.
• High-protein option: Add 1/4 cup chopped hard-boiled eggs to boost protein content to 28 g per serving – perfect for fitness enthusiasts!
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your serving vehicle (bread, crackers) is also gluten-free if needed.

Storage & Leftovers

🧊 How to store Chicken Salad leftovers?

After preparing this dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before doing so, make sure it has cooled completely to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

❄️ Can I freeze Chicken Salad?

Unfortunately, chicken salad with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well, as the mayonnaise tends to separate upon thawing, resulting in an unpleasant texture. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

♨️ What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly. This method preserves the moisture and texture. However, avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours because it can spoil.

4 FAQs About Chicken Salad

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for making chicken salad. Simply remove the skin, pull the meat from the bones, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. The slight seasoning on most rotisserie chickens adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your chicken salad.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Don’t worry if you’re not a mayo fan! You can easily use more Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead. Just adjust the amount slightly by adding an extra tablespoon or two to maintain the perfect creamy texture in your chicken salad.

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When your guests arrive, just give it a gentle stir before serving. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more for an extra-tasty chicken salad!

Is this chicken salad kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love this chicken salad! If you’re cooking for little ones with more sensitive palates, simply reduce the Dijon mustard to 1/2 teaspoon and they’ll still clean their plates. My 7-year-old nephew asks for this dish every time he visits!

Have You Tried This Recipe?

If you’ve made this Chicken Salad, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @LouisaJannet with the hashtag #BestChickenSalad so I can feature your masterpiece!

Rate This Recipe

★★★★★ from 38 votes

Ready to Make the Best Chicken Salad Ever?

There you have it – all my secrets for making the perfect chicken salad that will have everyone asking for your recipe! This dish truly brings together incredible flavors with minimal effort – the ideal combination for both special occasions and busy weeknights.

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments when you try this recipe! What did your family think? Did you add your own special twist? I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken salad!

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