This Best Chicken Salad truly lives up to its name. Creamy without being heavy, fresh yet satisfying, and packed with texture, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your kitchen rotation. Tender cooked chicken is folded into a bright, lemony mayo dressing, then finished with crisp celery and toasted almonds for irresistible crunch.

What makes this chicken salad special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you get a versatile dish that works just as well for weekday lunches as it does for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Juicy Roasted Chicken

Why This Chicken Salad Is a Favorite

Fast & easy: Ready in 10 minutes, no complicated steps
Perfect for leftovers: Great use for roast or baked chicken
Balanced texture: Creamy dressing with crunchy celery and almonds
Highly customizable: Endless add-ins and variations

Ingredients

½ cup blanched slivered almonds
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 rib celery, finely chopped

Step by Step Instructions

1. Toast the Almonds

Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Toast, shaking the pan frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. This takes just a few minutes—watch closely, as almonds can burn quickly. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Combine the Salad

Add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, and toasted almonds to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

4. Serve

Serve immediately, or cover and chill briefly to let the flavors meld.

Ways to Serve Chicken Salad

Spoon over crisp salad greens
Spread onto sandwiches or croissants
Fill pita pockets or wraps
Scoop into halved avocados
Serve with crackers for an easy lunch

Easy Variations & Add-Ins

Make this recipe your own with simple additions:

Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, tarragon, or basil
Fruit: Grapes or diced apples for a sweet contrast
Crunch: Walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds
Lighter version: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream
Flavor boost: Curry powder, Dijon mustard, or a pinch of paprika

Storage Tips

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days
If serving over greens, keep salad and greens separate to prevent sogginess
Do not freeze: Mayonnaise-based salads separate when thawed

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 779
Fat: 63g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 44g

This Best Chicken Salad proves that simple ingredients, when treated well, can create something truly crave-worthy. Creamy, crunchy, fresh, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.