Start with leftover chicken and this Chicken Salad Recipe takes just 5 minutes to toss together. Ideal for meal prep or a quick make-ahead lunch idea, this Chicken Salad can be dressed up with your favorite mix-ins and herbs.
Some recipes are perfect as-is and don’t need to be reinvented a million ways. As a classically trained chef, I knew I could give you a chicken salad recipe that tastes just like you remember it, without having to be changed to fit today’s tastes.
Toss it together in 5 minutes or less or slather on a flaky croissant, crunchy toast, or buttery crackers. It tastes great on grilled bread as a Chicken Salad Melt! Want something different? Try Curry Chicken Salad or Tuna Salad instead.
Are you planning a party potluck, or family gathering and wondering exactly how much chicken salad to make? You’re not alone! Getting the portions right can be tricky – too little and your guests go hungry too much and you’re eating chicken salad for days. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you nail those portions perfectly.
I’ve learned that the right amount of chicken salad to serve depends on a number of things after having a lot of parties. Let’s make it easy for you to understand so you can confidently plan your next event.
Quick Reference Guide
For those in a hurry here’s what you need to know
| Serving Type | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|
| Main Course | 6-8 oz (170-225g) or about 1.5 cups |
| Side Dish | 4 oz (115g) or about 1 cup |
| Appetizer | 2 oz (57g) or 1-2 tablespoons |
| Children (under 10) | Half the adult portion |
Factors That Affect Portion Sizes
Before we get into exact numbers, let’s look at what makes your guests eat more or less chicken salad:
1. Meal Type & Time of Day
The role chicken salad plays in your meal makes a huge difference
- Main Course: When chicken salad is the star (like in sandwiches or over lettuce), you’ll need more per person
- Side Dish: If it’s accompanying other foods at a BBQ or potluck, you can reduce portions
- Appetizer: For pre-meal nibbles, much smaller amounts are needed
Also, people eat less at brunch or events in the afternoon than they do at dinner or lunch.
2. Your Guest Demographics
Think about who’s coming:
- Adults vs. Children: Kids typically eat about half what adults do
- Gender Mix: On average, men tend to eat larger portions than women
- Age Groups: Teenagers might eat more than elderly guests
- Known “Big Eaters”: We all have those friends who always go for seconds!
3. Other Food Options
What else are you serving?
- Multiple Options: If there’s a variety of other dishes, people will take less chicken salad
- Limited Choices: If chicken salad is one of few protein options, expect guests to take more
- Bread Type: Thicker, denser breads like brioche need more filling than lighter breads
Detailed Portion Guidelines
Now let’s get specific about exactly how much chicken salad you’ll need per person:
Main Course Portions
When chicken salad is the primary dish:
- Per Adult: 6-8 ounces (170-225 grams) or about 1.5 cups
- For 10 Adults: You’ll need approximately 5 cups total
- For a Family of 5: Plan for about 3.75 pounds or 7.5 cups
For sandwich filling, plan on 4-6 ounces per sandwich, depending on bread size.
Side Dish Portions
When chicken salad is served alongside other foods:
- Per Adult: 4 ounces (115 grams) or about 1 cup
- For 10 Adults: Around 2.5 cups total
- For a Family of 5: About 2.5 pounds or 5 cups
Appetizer Portions
For serving with crackers or as a small bite:
- Per Person: 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams) or 1-2 tablespoons
- For 25 Guests: Approximately 3-6 cups total
Mixed Group Calculation Example
Let’s say you’re hosting a BBQ for 30 people (20 adults and 10 children) and serving chicken salad as a side dish:
- Adults: 20 × 1/4 cup = 5 cups
- Children: 10 × 1/8 cup = 1.25 cups
- Total needed: 6.25 cups (round up to 6.5 cups to be safe)
Real-World Scenarios
Let me share some practical examples:
Scenario 1: Office Lunch for 15
If you’re bringing chicken salad sandwiches for an office lunch:
- 15 people × 6 oz per person = 90 oz (or about 5.6 pounds)
- This equals about 11.25 cups of chicken salad
Scenario 2: Family Dinner Side Dish
For a family dinner with 6 people where chicken salad is a side:
- 6 people × 4 oz per person = 24 oz (or 1.5 pounds)
- This equals about 3 cups of chicken salad
Scenario 3: Large Party Appetizer
For serving 50 guests as an appetizer with crackers:
- 50 people × 2 oz per person = 100 oz (or 6.25 pounds)
- This equals about 12.5 cups of chicken salad
Making the Perfect Amount: My Simple Calculator Method
I’ve found that the easiest way to calculate is:
- Count your total guests
- Decide if chicken salad is a main dish (1.5 cups per person) or side dish (1 cup per person)
- Adjust for kids (half portions)
- Add 10-20% extra if you want leftovers or have big eaters
Presentation Affects Consumption
Lots of people don’t know this, but the way you serve chicken salad impacts how much people eat:
- Elegant Buffet Settings: With small plates and delicate serving utensils, guests tend to take smaller portions
- Casual Family-Style: With larger bowls and serving spoons, people often serve themselves more generously
- Pre-Portioned Options: Individual servings in lettuce cups or on small plates control portions precisely
Creative Serving Ideas
Since we’re talking about portions, let me share some fun ways I like to serve chicken salad that also help with portion control:
- Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Natural portion control with a pretty presentation
- Lettuce Wraps: Lighter option that defines serving size
- Cucumber Rounds: Perfect for appetizer portions
- Croissant Sandwiches: Defines the portion size clearly
- Individual Ramekins: Pre-portion for a formal touch
Storing and Using Leftovers
Despite our best calculations, you might end up with leftovers. Don’t worry! Chicken salad keeps well:
- Store promptly in airtight containers
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality
- Don’t refreeze chicken salad as the texture will suffer
Leftover ideas:
- Mix into pasta for a quick pasta salad
- Stuff into pita pockets for lunch
- Top a green salad for extra protein
Final Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad Portioning
After years of making chicken salad for various events, here are my top tips:
- Make a test sandwich before your event to gauge how much filling you need per serving
- Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate portions
- Prepare slightly more than your calculations suggest (it’s better than running out)
- Consider the density of your recipe – a chicken salad with lots of add-ins (nuts, fruit, celery) will be more filling
- Label your serving spoons with suggested portion sizes for self-service situations
Figuring out how much chicken salad per person doesn’t have to be stressful! For most situations, remember these simple guidelines:
- Main dish: 6-8 oz (1.5 cups) per person
- Side dish: 4 oz (1 cup) per person
- Appetizer: 2 oz (1-2 tablespoons) per person
Adjust based on your specific crowd, accompanying dishes, and whether you want leftovers. With these guidelines, you’ll have just the right amount of this crowd-pleasing favorite at your next gathering!
Ingredients for Chicken Salad
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe. Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
- Any brand of mayonnaise will do. My favorites are Hellman’s, Duke’s, and Best Foods. (Just skip Miracle Whip or other mayo-style dressings. Not a fan of mayo? Use the same amount of plain Greek yogurt instead.
- Lemon juice adds a sour and sour taste that makes the flavors stand out. You could also pick any kind of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or champagne vinegar.
- Celery seed: I really like celery seed in chicken salad. But if you don’t have it and don’t want to buy it, you can leave it out.
- Chicken: You can use extra rotisserie chicken or even Cajun chicken that you have left over. (Beginning from scratch with a package of chicken breasts? Read on; I’ll show you how to cook the chicken for this Chicken Salad.) ) Try this same idea with leftover turkey instead of chicken at Thanksgiving.
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Tips & Variations
Transfer extra Chicken Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Cheap and Easy Meal Prep: Grilled Chicken Salad
FAQ
How many people will 1lb of chicken salad feed?
Chicken Salad by the Pound: Priced per pound, each pound serves four to five people and comes with crackers; you can also add croissants.
How many sandwiches does 2 pounds of chicken salad make?
the average serving size is 4 oz( 1/2 cup) At that rate 2 lbs makes 8 sandwiches.
How much chicken for chicken salad for 50 people?
ingredients5 (4 -5 lb) baked whole chickens. 2 quarts chopped celery. 1 lb sliced almonds, toasted. 2 quarts mayonnaise. 8 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. 2 quarts red seedless grapes, halved.
How many pounds of salad do I need for 25 people?
Average Salad Serving Size if it’s a Side Dish = 1. 5 ounces as a side dish or a component of a buffet. This means if everyone took some a 2 pound bag of lettuce will serve about 20 people as a side dish or component of a buffet.
How much chicken is in chicken salad?
Approximately 20% of chicken salad is made up of chicken breast and other ingredients such as celery, nuts, grapes, parsley, or your own unique ingredients. How Do You Calculate Chicken Salad per Person? – As a rule of thumb, approximately 0. 75 of a cup is a safe amount to serve per person.
How much chicken salad for 20 people?
For 20 People you will need to serve 5 lb (90 oz) of chicken salad. If you’re serving Chicken salad alongside other foods, then you can reduce the total amount needed. It will need to be an estimate – but when serving with 2 other main salad choices you can reduce the quantities below by 30 percent. How Much Chicken Salad Per Person for 20 People?.
How much chicken salad can a pound of chicken make?
In summary, 1 pound of chicken can make approximately 8-16 servings of chicken salad depending on serving sizes and recipe variations. Aim for 1/2-1 cup of chicken salad per person, then adjust for appetites and menu. Consider serving chicken salad sandwiches or scoops over greens to make a little chicken salad go farther.
How much chicken salad should a group eat?
If no one in a group has trouble with gluten, this would be the way to go. As previously mentioned, the recommended serving size for chicken salad served by itself is three-quarters of a cup per person.
Does chicken salad need more chicken salad than side dish?
Note: Chicken salad as main dish would need more chicken salad than side dish. The main purpose of this converter is to convert a certain number of persons into the amount of chicken salad they need and back.
How do I convert chicken salad to person?
Just enter the amount of chicken salad together with its corresponding measurement and dish type, choose from these choices: Example of Chicken Salad to Person Conversion: How many persons does a 1 cup of chicken salad as main dish feed? How many persons will my 228 grams of chicken salad as side dish feed?.