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chicken salad in a bowl
Nisrine Idrissii

Classic Creamy Chicken Salad

A quick and delicious classic chicken salad that is creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or a light meal. Made with tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a tangy dressing, ready in minutes using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup mayonnaise full-fat recommended for best creaminess
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup red grapes halved (or ¼ cup dried cranberries)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • 1 small whisk or spoon (for dressing)
  • 1 cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula or large spoon (for mixing)
  • 1 sharp knife

Method
 

  1. n a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken and gently fold to coat evenly with the dressing.
  3. Stir in chopped celery, red onion, halved grapes, and nuts (if using) until well combined.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, stir gently. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for the fastest prep.
  • For juicier chicken, poach or bake fresh breasts and cool completely before mixing.
  • The salad tastes even better after chilling, make it ahead for meal prep.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
  • Customize easily: add curry powder, hard-boiled eggs, or swap grapes for apples.
  • For a lighter version, increase Greek yogurt and reduce mayonnaise.
  • Not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing.
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