There’s nothing like a classic chicken salad; this easy homemade recipe makes the best creamy salad. There are many ways to serve this traditional chicken salad, and it is easy to make in advance! 

Whether you are meal-planning for the week or looking to enjoy a quick dinner, this salad is for you.

A bowl of creamy chicken salad topped with dried cranberries.

This chicken salad is a classic meal packed with protein and flavor. Like our tuna egg salad, this salad consists of a creamy dressing that brings everything together. This salad is loaded with crunchy nuts and dried fruit for an extra kick of flavor. 

The Perfect Easy Salad Recipe

This salad is a complete meal that can be prepared in under 10 minutes, making it the perfect recipe for both lunch and dinner.

Salad Ingredients

The most simple ingredients for this easy salad recipe:

  • Chicken – canned chicken breast is perfect for a quick and easy protein. 
    Substitute: Use shredded chicken breast or even rotisserie chicken in this salad!
  • Mayonnaise – the perfect base that makes this salad creamy. 
  • Almonds – sliced almonds add a delightful crunch and flavor to this salad. 
  • Dried fruit – use your favorite dried fruit to add a slight tang to this salad. Use raisins or cranberries for the perfect addition. 
  • Seasoning – just a touch of salt and pepper is all this chicken salad needs.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.

A white bowl of creamy chicken salad with a fork.

Salad Variations

Here are some of our favorite things to add to this salad to make it extra delicious. 

  • Fresh fruit: Don’t knock it until you try it, but adding fresh grapes or diced apples is a game changer! Sliced grapes add a great flavor and texture to the salad. 
  • Pasta salad: We love a classic pasta salad and this chicken salad would taste incredible with the addition of cooked pasta. 
  • Veggies: Add an extra crunch to this salad by adding diced celery, red onions, or sliced red bell peppers!
  • Nuts: If you don’t have sliced almonds on hand, walnuts or pecans will work just fine.
  • Fresh herbs: Add fresh dill, chives, or parsley to the chicken salad to add a great pop of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Salad 

The chicken salad is the easiest and simplest recipe. 

  1. Mix all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Store in the refrigerator before serving.
  2. Serve the salad using any method, and enjoy!

Creative Ways to Serve a Salad

There are many ways to serve this salad. Here are some of our favorites: 

  • Salad – Add this salad to a bed of mixed greens and dress it with a balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy!
  • Sandwich – Add this salad to crispy toast or a buttered croissant for the perfect chicken salad sandwich. 
  • With Crackers – This chicken salad makes a delicious dip! Serve alongside some crackers, and enjoy! 
  • Chicken melt – We love a baked chicken canape, and this chicken salad can be used the same way! Add the chicken salad to a sliced baguette, top with cheese, and toast until melted. 
  • Wrap – We love a classic chicken wrap; you can use this chicken salad as the wrap filling! You can even use lettuce leaves to make chicken salad lettuce wraps!

Serving Suggestions

Here are our favorite sides alongside this salad:

A salad bowl of chicken salad over mixed greens.

FAQ’s 

Do you rinse canned chicken?

We do not rinse the chicken, we just drain the liquid from the can.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Use your favorite chicken and shred or finely cube it. 

Can I use something instead of mayo?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also add lemon and oil to the mayo for added flavor. 

Why is my salad dry?

If your salad is dry, add more mayo or olive oil. 

Store & Reheat 

  • Storage. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container, we love these containers. 
  • Freeze. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe. 

More Salad Recipes

If you enjoyed this chicken salad recipe, be sure to try our other easy salad recipes; here are some of our favorites:

If you tried this classic chicken salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!

Chicken Salad Over Mixed Greens

Author: Valentina Ablaev
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5 from 6 votes
This classic chicken salad is the perfect creamy salad recipe. This salad uses simple ingredients making it an ideal chicken salad that can be served in so many ways.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Mix the chicken breast, mayo, almonds, dried fruit, and seasoning in a bowl.
  • Serve, and enjoy friends!

Notes

  • Ways to serve: 
– Salad: Add the chicken salad to a bed of mixed greens and garnish with a balsamic vinaigrette.  
– Sandwich: Add this chicken salad to a croissant or toasted bread for the perfect homemade chicken sandwich.
– Dip: Serve this chicken salad with crackers as a delicious and healthy dip.
– Wrap: Add this chicken salad to a tortilla and wrap for an easy and tasty wrap. 
  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days for peak freshness.

Nutrition

332kcal Calories9g Carbs17g Protein26g Fat3g Saturated Fat50mg Cholesterol185mg Sodium349mg Potassium1g Fiber7g Sugar360IU Vitamin A8.3mg Vitamin C23mg Calcium0.6mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Salad Over Mixed Greens
Amount Per Serving
Calories 332 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 185mg8%
Potassium 349mg10%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 360IU7%
Vitamin C 8.3mg10%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American