World’s Best Chicken Salad

Here’s a bright, creamy take on a classic that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear at the table.

introduction

World’s Best Chicken Salad is a simple, crowd-pleasing mix of tender cooked chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a tangy mayonnaise-Dijon dressing. It’s light enough for a summer lunch but satisfying enough to double as a picnic or potluck favorite. Ready in minutes when you have cooked chicken on hand.

why make this recipe

This recipe is fast, versatile, and forgiving. It transforms leftover or rotisserie chicken into an elevated salad with a pleasing balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s also kid-friendly, portable for lunches, and easy to adjust for dietary preferences.

how to make World’s Best Chicken Salad

Toss the diced cooked chicken with celery, red onion, and halved grapes for texture and sweetness. Whisk mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, season with salt and pepper, then fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until everything is evenly coated. Chill briefly if you like it cold, then serve on lettuce leaves or use as a sandwich filling.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves, for serving

Directions :

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, red onion, and grapes. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined. Serve on lettuce leaves or as a sandwich.

how to serve World’s Best Chicken Salad

Serve chilled or at room temperature on crisp lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb option. Pile it between slices of your favorite bread or in a croissant for a classic sandwich. It’s also great scooped into avocado halves or served with crackers for an appetizer.

how to store World’s Best Chicken Salad

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the salad chilled and discard if it sits out longer than two hours. If you prefer firmer texture, add grapes or mayo just before serving.

tips to make World’s Best Chicken Salad

• Use cooked chicken that’s cold and diced uniformly for best texture.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing—Dijon can mask saltiness.
• For extra creaminess, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
• To keep the salad from getting soggy, toss grapes and onions in last or drain very well.
• Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

variation (if any)

• Add chopped toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
• Stir in a tablespoon of honey or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter or tangier profile.
• Mix in chopped apple or dried cranberries for fall flavors.
• Substitute celery with finely diced fennel for a mild anise note.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — it stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor.

Q: Is there a low-fat option?
A: Use low-fat mayo or replace half with plain Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

If you want more ideas and variations on classic chicken salad recipes, check this detailed recipe for inspiration: Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.