This chicken salad recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to lunch and dinner recipes. It’s super easy to make, is packed with flavor in every bite, and is loaded with protein. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I often find that store-bought chicken salad misses the mark. Its either too salty, too creamy (or not creamy enough), and is just plain lackluster in flavor. Say goodbye to less-than chicken salad with this recipe! Enriched with pickles, celery, red onion, dijon mustard and spices— this chicken salad recipe checks all the boxes. It’s perfectly creamy, has the perfect amount of crunch, and is packed with flavor.
Plus, it’s made with ingredients that are actually good for you! Store-bought chicken salad is made with mayonnaise that is loaded with canola and soybean oil— which are inflammatory and harmful to our health. With my chicken salad recipe, you can enjoy each and every bite knowing that it’s made from nourishing ingredients, like mayonnaise made from avocado oil.
I also packed extra protein into this chicken salad recipe by adding cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is not only creamy and delicious, but it’s loaded with protein! So if you’re trying to hit your protein goals— then this chicken salad recipe is for you!
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken- This chicken salad recipe is great for when you have leftover chicken in the fridge. I personally love to use my homemade rotisserie chicken for this recipe, but you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or any other boneless chicken that you have at home.
Cottage Cheese- Cottage cheese not only adds a delicious creamy texture and flavor, but it adds even more protein to the chicken salad.
Dill Pickles & Pickle Juice- Dill pickles lend a delicious flavor to the chicken salad, but you can use any kind of pickle you’d like! Spicy, bread and butter, or whichever pickles you have on hand will work just fine.
Mayonnaise- You can’t have chicken salad without mayo! I always opt for avocado-oil based mayo and avoid mayo made with canola or soybean oil. You can learn how to make your own healthy homemade mayo here!
Celery & Red Onion- Chopped celery and red onion not only add a nice crunch to this chicken salad recipe, but a delicious flavor as well.
Dijon Mustard- Dijon mustard adds a delicious pop of flavor to this chicken salad. You can substitute with yellow mustard or spicy mustard if that’s all you have on hand, though I highly recommend using Dijon for the best flavor!
Herbs & Spices- I love to add dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to this chicken salad recipe. The flavor combination is absolutely delicious!
To Shred or Cube the Chicken?
I personally love to shred my chicken using my stand mixer. If you have a stand mixer at home, simply place the cooked chicken into the mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, turn the mixer on low, and let it run for about 1 minute or until the chicken is shredded to your desired consistency. You can also shred the chicken using two forks. Otherwise, cubing the chicken is another great option that tastes just as good!
How to Make The Best Chicken Salad Recipe
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cottage cheese, pickles, celery, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, mayo, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve chilled with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or on sandwiches. Enjoy!
How to Store
Store your leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this chicken salad in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours. If freezing, I recommend adding the cottage cheese fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
The Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked boneless chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 & 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup dill pickles chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tbsp chives minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cottage cheese, pickles, celery, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, mayo, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or on sandwiches. Enjoy!
Notes
Want to Learn How to Make More Healthy Recipes From Scratch?
Once you start swapping store-bought staples for healthier, homemade alternatives– you won’t ever go back! There is nothing better than creating wholesome meals for your family that are nourishing and delicious! Which is why I created a recipe guide full of healthier, from-scratch versions of your favorite kitchen staples that you and your family will love. Grab a copy today, and fill your kitchen with delicious and simple recipes just like this one!
Did you make my chicken salad recipe? Let me know in the comments! And to explore the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: