This is the ultimate Chicken Salad recipe! We call this ‘fancy’ Chicken Salad because of the dressing, grapes, and pecans, but it’s truly easy. This is a fresher and lightened-up version of classic chicken salad, and it’s perfect as a side dish, main course, or for meal prep. It’s especially easy if you use leftover rotisserie chicken.
“Another winner. I was looking for a summer dinner, this was perfect. I served it on a bed of spinach & lettuce. My husband had 2 servings. It was perfect the next day for lunch, we made into sandwiches. Thank you for sharing!!” – Cindy ★★★★★.
Watch my easy video tutorial where I walk you through all of my tips for making the best Chicken Salad.
I’ve made and tasted more chicken salads than I can count, and after years of tweaking, this is the one! It has a creamy dressing, but it feels so light and bright because of the lemon and fresh herbs in the dressing. This salad is fun because it has both sweet and savory tastes and different textures. You’ll want to make it again and again. This is my go-to lunch salad on busy work days, and it never disappoints. Plus, there are so many ways to serve and keep it exciting (see my serving suggestions below).
We love protein-packed salads like our Chicken Avocado Salad, Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad, and Cobb Salad. Most people eat this creamy chicken salad for lunch. It’s the best mix of chicken salad and Waldorf salad. As a busy working mom, I always appreciate quick and easy lunch ideas.
Only 5 simple things go into this chicken salad, but they all work together to make it taste, look, and feel great. That said, there are plenty of variations that I’m sharing so you can use what you have on hand.
Chicken salad sandwiches are a ubiquitous lunchtime favorite, but what exactly are they made of? This classic sandwich has a few key components that come together to create its signature flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the origins, ingredients, and variations of chicken salad sandwiches so you can make and enjoy the perfect one.
A Brief History of Chicken Salad Sandwiches
While many people associate chicken salad sandwiches with dainty tea sandwiches served at luncheons and bridal showers, the dish actually has much humbler origins. Chicken salad likely first emerged in thrifty colonial kitchens as a tasty way to use up leftover cooked chicken. The earliest published chicken salad recipes date back to the late 19th century, when chicken salad sandwiches began appearing in cookbooks and women’s magazines.
During the first half of the 20th century chicken salad’s popularity spread across the United States becoming a lunch counter staple and potluck favorite. The sandwich came into its own in the 1960s and 70s when new culinary trends like health food and creative cookery expanded the possibilities of the classic chicken salad recipe.
These days chicken salad sandwiches remain a beloved anytime meal. They’re quick and easy to make, taste great, and can be used in many ways—perfect for making sandwiches. Because the basic recipe is so easy to change, chicken salad sandwiches are also great for making your own.
The Core Ingredients
While creative cooks have developed many variations, chicken salad sandwiches are comprised of just a few key components:
Cooked Chicken
This ingredient forms the flavorful base of the sandwich. For best results, use moist, tender cooked chicken – ideally chilled leftovers from a roast chicken or rotisserie chicken. Canned chicken and poached or baked chicken breast also work well. White and/or dark meat can be used.
Mayonnaise
Mayo is the glue that binds everything together while contributing moisture, richness, and tang. Regular, low-fat, or non-fat mayonnaise can be used.
Celery
Finely chopped celery adds welcome crunch and freshness. Other crisp vegetables like bell pepper, jicama, or apple can be used instead of or in addition to celery.
Seasonings
Seasonings like salt, pepper, lemon juice, herbs, and others are added to chicken salad to make the flavors go well together and stand out. Mustard, curry powder, garlic, dill, parsley, tarragon, and onion are all popular choices.
Common Add-Ins & Variations
While the four components above form the foundation of a chicken salad sandwich, cooks often add various ingredients to put their own spin on the classic. Here are some popular chicken salad sandwich additions:
- Grapes, raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruit
- Nuts like pecans, almonds, walnuts, or peanuts
- Pickles or pickle relish
- Onion, scallion, shallot, or leek
- Carrots, radishes, or jicama
- Pasta, rice, or bread crumbs
- Shredded cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack
Regional variations on chicken salad abound as well. Cooks in the American South might add barbecue sauce, corn, pineapple, and bacon. California-style chicken salads feature avocado and sprouts. Italian chicken salads include basil, olives, and tomatoes. The options are endless!.
Bringing It All Together
Once the chicken salad ingredients come together, the possibilities for serving it are equally diverse. Chicken salad can be:
- Scooped onto rolls, bread slices, croissants, or bagels
- Stuffed into pita pockets or wraps
- Mounded on top of lettuce
- Served open-faced on crackers or toast
- Added to composed salads
- Rolled up in crêpes or stuffed tomatoes
Aside from the chicken salad itself, extras like lettuce, tomato, sprouts, cheese, and bacon heighten the sandwich experience. Mustard, mayo, and pesto make flavorful spreads. Toasted bread or a grilled exterior on sandwiches also adds taste and texture.
Storage Tips
Chicken salad’s portability makes it perfect for grab-and-go sandwiches. To keep chicken salad fresh for multiple meals:
- Store the chicken salad mixture and sandwich fillings separately to prevent sogginess
- Keep chicken salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Mix in fresh mayonnaise after the first 2 days for the best texture
- Avoid freezing chicken salad, as the mayo tends to separate when thawed
With these handy usage and storage tips in mind, it’s easy to whip up chicken salad sandwiches anytime the craving strikes. This lunchbox classic still retains its appeal after more than a century by deliciously merging comfort and convenience. A dab of creativity in the kitchen can turn simple chicken salad sandwiches into exciting new taste adventures.
So next time you’re looking to liven up your midday meal routine, give the venerable chicken salad sandwich a fresh twist. With endless ingredient options and serving styles, it’s a blank canvas open to culinary creativity. Get inspired to make chicken salad your own with original add-ins, global flavors, and artful presentations. The classic chicken salad sandwich may have humble roots, but it can be endlessly refined for sophisticated, satiating fare.
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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This easy chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator, so it’s great for meal prep. If you are serving the salad with greens or on toast (see serving ideas below), store those separately from the salad so they don’t get soggy.
- To Refrigerate: Put the extra chicken salad in a container that won’t let air in. Put it in the fridge for three to four days, depending on how fresh the chicken is. The USDA says that cooked chicken should be kept in the fridge for three to four days.
- Freezing—I don’t think you should freeze chicken salad because the dressing can separate.
The Best Chicken Salad Dressing
This is similar to the dressing from my popular Broccoli Apple Salad. It’s creamy and tangy, and adding sour cream makes it lighter than just using mayo.
- Mayonnaise: For the best taste, use real mayonnaise or make your own.
- Sour cream: We use full-fat sour cream, but you can use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt without added fat instead.
- Make sure the lemon juice you use is fresh squeezed and not from a concentrate.
- Fresh dill that has been finely chopped is our favorite, but you can use 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley instead. Fresh herbs really elevate this salad.
New York Deli Chicken Salad Secrets – How To Make It The Best Way
FAQ
What are the ingredients in a chicken salad sandwich?
Ingredients1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey. 1 medium stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)1 small onion, finely chopped (1/3 cup)1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing. 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 8 slices bread.
What does chicken salad contain?
Chicken salad is any salad with chicken as a main ingredient. Other common ingredients include mayonnaise, hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, pepper, pickles (or pickle relish) and a variety of mustards.
What is chicken salad chick chicken salad made of?
Before we dive into this easy copycat recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes this tasty chicken salad so special. It’s a delightful blend of shredded chicken tenderloins, crunchy celery, onions, and a medley of herbs and spices—all bound together by a creamy, tangy dressing.
What are the four ingredients in chicken salad?
Ingredients3 cups cooked chicken diced. 1/4 cup finely diced celery. 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. 1/2 cup salad dressing, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. salt & pepper if needed.