Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
Easy Chicken Salad is a classic for a reason. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it creamy and crispy. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Corn Salad with Lime and Cilantro and Easy White Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce.
Why This Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch
- Juicy grapes and celery keep it refreshing
- Creamy dressing ties it all together
- Perfect for quick dinners and meal preps
What You'll Need for Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food Processor — Quickly chops celery and grapes. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set — Ensures accurate ingredient measurements. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, red onion, grapes, celery, and crumbled bacon. Pour dressing over and mix well.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the salad. It can make the chicken dry. Mix gently to combine.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Pro tip: Add a handful of chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to one day ahead.
Freezing Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
Not recommended.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Microwave: Not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a quick meal, serve over mixed greens or with crackers.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken with canned tuna or salmon for a protein-packed twist.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients a day ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Want to level up this recipe?
Mixing Bowls Set — Perfect for combining and serving the salad. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, red onion, grapes, celery, and crumbled bacon. Pour dressing over and mix well.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a quick meal, serve over mixed greens or with crackers.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken with canned tuna or salmon for a protein-packed twist.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients a day ahead. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to one day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients a day ahead. Combine just before serving.
Overmixing can make the chicken dry. Mix gently to combine.
No, freezing can make the salad watery and the chicken tough.
No, the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe.
Canned tuna or salmon can be used as a protein-packed substitute.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for Quick Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
