30-Minute Classic Chicken Salad
This hearty chicken salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and crunchy almonds in a creamy homemade dressing. The combination of celery, bell peppers, and onions adds freshness and texture, while the egg-based dressing provides richness. Perfect for lunch sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, this versatile salad offers a satisfying blend of protein and vegetables that can be prepared ahead for easy weekday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons celery, diced
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup lettuce, sliced
- ¼ cup almonds
- 1 egg
- ½ tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon mustard
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Cook chicken in a frying pan over medium heat until cooked through
- 2
Dice onion, celery and bell pepper into small pieces and place in a small bowl
- 3
Cut lettuce and tomatoes into thin slices and place in a separate bowl
- 4
Place almonds in a third small bowl
- 5
Whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper and salt in a large mixing bowl to make dressing
- 6
Add all prepared ingredients to the large mixing bowl with dressing and mix gently until everything is coated evenly
- 7
Divide the salad into serving bowls and serve
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on preparation
Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together
Dice vegetables uniformly for the best texture and presentation
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Consume within this timeframe for best quality and food safety.
Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store covered in refrigerator and stir gently before serving.
Serve chilled on bread for sandwiches, in wraps, over greens, or with crackers.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the chicken to avoid dry, tough meat
Mix gently to prevent breaking up the chicken pieces
Add dressing gradually to avoid making the salad too wet
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this salad without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the egg and increase mayonnaise slightly for creaminess. The salad will still be delicious and hold together well.
How long will this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always check for freshness before eating and discard if it smells off.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables will separate and become watery when thawed, affecting texture and taste.