Can I make chicken salad without mayo?

Yes! Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream for a chicken salad without mayo that’s still creamy and delicious.

How long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last 3–4 days. Always check freshness before serving.

What’s the best chicken to use for chicken salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a favorite for convenience, but you can also use grilled, roasted, or poached chicken. Try different flavors like Quick ginger chicken dinner for a twist.

Can I prepare chicken salad for parties ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the salad a day ahead, but keep some mix-ins (like nuts or apples) separate until right before serving to maintain crunch.

The BEST Chicken Salad Recipe

Description

This BEST chicken salad recipe is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful dish made with rotisserie chicken, fresh celery, juicy grapes or cranberries, toasted pecans, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a dip with crackers, it’s a timeless classic that works for meal prep, parties, and quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 cup grapes or dried cranberries
1/2 cup diced apple (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pecans or almonds
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, dill, or chives
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Shred or chop rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups).
Toast pecans lightly in a skillet until fragrant.
Dice celery, apples, grapes, or cranberries and chop fresh herbs.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Stir in chicken, celery, fruits, nuts, and herbs until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a dip with crackers.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace mayo with all Greek yogurt. Mix-ins like pineapple, avocado, or pesto give fun variations. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Mixed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg