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The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

This creamy chicken salad recipe is perfectly balanced with tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a rich, flavorful dressing. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or entertaining.
Course Appetizer, lunch
Cuisine American
Prep Time 14 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb cooked chicken chopped or shredded
  • ½ cup finely diced celery
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp sweet relish
  • ¼ tsp sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp kefir optional
  • 1 cup grapes quartered

Instructions

Combine the base ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, celery, pecans, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, sugar, and kefir (if using).

Mix until creamy

  • Use a hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. This step helps create the signature texture that makes this chicken salad extra delicious.

Fold in the grapes

  • Gently fold in the quartered grapes at the end so they stay fresh, juicy, and intact.

Chill (optional but recommended)

  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together.

Serve and enjoy

  • Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps—or use for entertaining and holiday appetizers.

Notes

  • Kefir is optional – It adds a slight tang and extra creaminess, but the recipe is still delicious without it. You can also substitute Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • Use a hand mixer for best texture – This creates a smoother, creamier consistency compared to mixing by hand and gives it that deli-style feel.
  • Add grapes last – Folding them in at the end keeps them from breaking down and prevents excess moisture.Use rotisserie chicken for convenience – It saves time and adds extra flavor, making this recipe even easier.
  • Chill before serving for best flavor – Letting the chicken salad sit in the fridge allows all the flavors to blend together.
  • Adjust to taste – You can add more mayo for richness, more relish for sweetness, or a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
  • Great for meal prep – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Do not freeze – Mayo-based chicken salad does not freeze well and may separate when thawed.