Fresh & Creamy Classic Chicken Salad You’ll Want Every Day

Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the brightest smiles. This classic chicken salad is just that—comfort and freshness wrapped into one bowl. It’s creamy with crunchy bits, a perfect harmony of textures you’ll crave again and again.

I remember the first time I made it; the zing of lemon and Dijon mustard combined with tender chicken and crisp celery instantly felt like a homemade celebration. It’s easy to whip up, and the colors alone brighten any table.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Quick to prepare with boiled, shredded chicken breast
  • Creamy and tangy mayo dressing with a fresh lemon and mustard kick
  • Crunchy celery and red onion add delightful texture
  • Visually inviting with a clean, fresh look and visible colorful chunks
  • Perfectly portioned in a shallow bowl or over crisp lettuce leaves

Simple, fast, and comforting—just how a classic chicken salad should be.

Print
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Close-up of a classic chicken salad made with shredded boiled chicken breast, creamy mayonnaise dressing with lemon juice and Dijon mustard, crunchy celery, red onion, and black pepper, served on green lettuce leaves in a shallow bowl.

Classic Chicken Salad


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

A creamy and crunchy chicken salad made with boiled and shredded chicken breast, dressed in mayonnaise with lemon juice and Dijon mustard, and mixed with celery and red onion.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast, boiled and shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

Boil chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Add shredded chicken, chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Mix all ingredients gently until well combined, maintaining some texture.
Serve neatly piled in a shallow bowl or on a bed of lettuce leaves.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

FAQ

Q: Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It tastes even better after the flavors meld for a few hours. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: What’s the best way to keep it fresh?
A: Keep the salad chilled in an airtight container and add lettuce leaves just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Give this classic chicken salad a try—save it, print it, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.