This creamy chicken salad is loaded with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, red onion, fresh dill, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, crackers, or as a protein-packed meal on its own.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

Chicken Salad

• 4 cups (500g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup chopped dill pickles or relish
• ½ cup halved seedless grapes
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped apples
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (omit for a nut-free version)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Mix until smooth and creamy.

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Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add to the bowl:

• Shredded chicken
• Celery
• Red onion
• Fresh dill
• Fresh parsley
• Chives (if using)

If using any optional add-ins, stir them in now.

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Step 3: Mix

Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.

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Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

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Step 5: Serve

Enjoy:

• On croissants or sandwich bread
• In tortillas or wraps
• In lettuce cups
• With crackers
• Over a bed of mixed greens
• Stuffed into tomatoes or avocados

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Tips for Success

• Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time.
• Chill the salad before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Dice the vegetables finely so every bite has a balanced crunch.
• If the salad seems thick after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
• Fresh dill gives the salad a bright, classic flavor.

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Variations

Healthy Chicken Salad

Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Mash one ripe avocado into the dressing for extra creaminess.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Mix in crumbled bacon and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Add 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce and a little blue cheese.

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and oregano.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate after thawing.

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Nut Information

Contains Peanuts? ❌ No (unless optional ingredients are added)

Contains Tree Nuts? ❌ No (without optional nuts)

Nut-Free Recipe: ✅ Yes, if pecans or walnuts are omitted.

Allergy Note: If preparing for someone with a severe nut allergy, omit the optional nuts and check labels on mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings for potential cross-contamination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes. Drain it well before mixing with the dressing.

2. What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or roasted chicken thighs all work well.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. It’s even more flavorful after chilling for several hours or overnight.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes. You can replace all or part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

5. How long does chicken salad last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. The chicken salad itself is gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.

7. What are the best ways to serve chicken salad?

It’s delicious in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, on crackers, over salad greens, or stuffed into avocados or tomatoes.