How To Make Classic Chicken Salad – Creamy, Crunchy & Perfect for Sandwiches Or Wraps

If you could bottle the feeling of a sunny picnic day — fresh air, crisp greens, and that first bite of a perfectly made chicken salad sandwich — it would taste exactly like this. Classic Chicken Salad is comfort food at its finest: tender shredded chicken, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a hint of lemon and herbs. It’s rich in protein, endlessly satisfying, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind. Whether you serve it on crusty bread, in a croissant, wrapped in lettuce, or straight from the bowl (no shame), this recipe might just become your new daily obsession. Let’s make something deliciously simple — and utterly irresistible. Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad Ready in 15 minutes – Faster than delivery! Packed with protein & texture – Tender, crunchy, juicy, creamy Meal-prep friendly – Tastes better after chilling overnight Customizable – Add apples, cranberries, or swap nuts No cooking required (if using rotisserie chicken!) This isn’t just lunch — it’s elevated comfort in every bite. Classic Chicken Salad Serves 4 | Prep: 15 min | Chill: 30+ min (optional) | Total: ~20 min

Ingredients

3 cups (about 450g) cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

(rotisserie, grilled, or poached)

½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds tang and depth)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (brightens flavor)

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¾ cup (75g) celery, finely diced (for crunch)

½ cup (75g) red seedless grapes, halved (sweet burst in every bite)

⅓ cup (35g) toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (adds richness)

2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for freshness)

Pro Tip: Toast the nuts first — deepens flavor 10x!
Step-by-Step Instructions

Next Page