Chicken Salad (Traditional), Digi Product Reviews

This Traditional Chicken Salad is creamy, tangy, and full of tender shredded chicken. It’s like having a taste of the deli counter at home!

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When my dad comes to visit us here in Tennessee, I know I must be armed and ready with a menu that can please the pickiest eater in the world—him! That’s where this Traditional Chicken Salad recipe comes in handy. It’s creamy and tangy, and the tender pulled-apart chicken gives it the best texture. My oh-so-picky father eats with his eyes, too, and this beautiful salad doesn’t disappoint. It’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy fruits and veggies for loved ones who prefer meat for every meal.

What Is Chicken Salad?

In the world of salads, we certainly aren’t lacking in variety. And while I love a good pasta salad or barley salad, there’s something about a classic chicken salad that just hits the spot. Tender chicken is tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing and mixed with juicy red grapes, crisp celery, red onion, and chopped walnuts. I can’t think of one baby shower, potluck, or picnic that hasn’t had a bowl of chicken salad on the table. And it’s so easy to make! No deli counter, no waiting in line, and no hefty price tag—just simple ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen are all it takes to make this family favorite.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best chicken salad recipe ever:

Rotisserie Chicken: This is a kitchen shortcut I’m happy to take! Shredded rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and adds so much flavor. You could also make a roasted chicken yourself or use leftover chicken from a previous meal. You need roughly 4 cups of shredded chicken.
Red Grapes: If you’ve never had a chicken salad with grapes, you’re missing out! Seedless red grapes add the most amazing sweetness and perfectly contrast the savory chicken.
Celery: The crunchiest of vegetables! It adds texture and a fresh taste to the salad.
Red Onion: Adds a little sharpness and a mild onion flavor.
Walnuts: I prefer chopped walnuts, but you can also use slivered almonds or pecans for a little crunch.
Mayonnaise: Gives this traditional chicken salad its signature creamy texture.
White Vinegar: Cuts through the mayonnaise and adds a tangy element.
Salt and Pepper: The rotisserie chicken is already seasoned, but a little salt and pepper helps bring everything together.

What Else Can I Add?

This recipe for chicken salad is the perfect ‘let’s clean out the fridge’ dish. Add some apples and dried cranberries for a Waldorf salad vibe, or mix in some halved cherry tomatoes and avocado for extra freshness. Other ingredients that work well in a traditional chicken salad include hard-boiled eggs, bacon, diced bell peppers, and cooked pasta. Basically, if it’s in your fridge and you think it would taste good in this salad, toss it in!

What to Serve With Chicken Salad

The fun thing about this salad is that it can be served as a main meal or as a side dish. Here are some ways me and my family enjoy it:

Served in a halved croissant, in dinner rolls, or between two slices of bread as a sandwich.
Smothered on crackers or crostini.
Wrapped in lettuce leaves or tortilla wraps (for the quickest lunch ever!).
Alongside fried green tomatoes, cooked pasta, or air fryer sweet potato fries.
On top of lettuce greens for a hearty salad.
In a baked potato!

Storage Instructions

How long this traditional chicken salad recipe will keep totally depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Cooked chicken can last for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you make this salad on the same day you buy your rotisser