This updated guide keeps the original's flexible spirit while modernizing methods and serving ideas. It offers four easy recipes - an everyday classic, a Santa Fe-style mix, a cheesy version, and an avocado sandwich - plus tips on using canned or rotisserie chicken, bread choices, flavor variations, storage, and freezing.

Why chicken salad still works

Chicken salad is one of those flexible dishes you can dress up or keep simple. Use canned shredded chicken for convenience, leftover or rotisserie chicken for depth of flavor, and mix in fruit, cheese, herbs or spices to match your mood.

Serve it on toast, between slices of Italian or sourdough bread, over mixed greens, or as a chip-friendly dip. Here are four easy, modernized recipes and a few safety and serving tips.

Easy Chicken Salad (5-10 minutes)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans shredded chicken breast (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz sweet pickle relish
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Drain the canned chicken and combine all ingredients in a bowl. Adjust salt and pepper. Serve on white, Italian, or potato bread.

Santa Fe Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges or 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp minced jalapeño (adjust for heat)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: squeeze of lime
Whisk olive oil, green onion, mustard, jalapeño, garlic and lime (if using). Toss with chicken, cilantro, tomatoes and diced onion. Serve as a sandwich, on tacos, or with tortilla chips as a dip.

Cheesy Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
  • 1/2 cup diced olives
  • 1/3 cup diced onion
  • 1/3 cup diced green pepper
Combine ingredients, season to taste, and serve on Italian bread or in a lettuce wrap.

Avocado & Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients:

  • 1 can shredded chicken (or 1-2 cups cooked chicken)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp diced avocado (or mashed for creaminess)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
Mix gently to keep some avocado texture. Spread onto sourdough, top with greens, and add crushed chips or shredded cheese if you like crunch.

Tips and food safety

  • Variations: Add grapes, peaches, apple, nuts, paprika, or Cajun seasoning to personalize flavors.
  • Bread: Try sourdough, French, potato, or a hearty multigrain loaf.
  • Storage: Refrigerate chicken salad within 2 hours of making and use within 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Mayonnaise-based chicken salads lose texture when frozen; freeze cooked chicken separately if you plan to store long-term.
Chicken salad is a blank canvas - mix and match ingredients until you find your favorite combination.

FAQs about Chicken Salad Recipes

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned?
Yes. Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken adds more flavor and texture than canned chicken and works in all recipes here.
How long does chicken salad keep in the fridge?
Refrigerate within 2 hours of making and consume within 3-4 days.
Are there lighter substitutes for mayonnaise?
You can use plain Greek yogurt, a yogurt-mayo blend, or mashed avocado to reduce calorie content and add tang.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing mayonnaise-based chicken salad isn't recommended because the texture changes. Freeze cooked chicken separately and add mayo after thawing for best quality.
What breads or ways can I serve chicken salad?
Try sourdough, Italian, French, potato, or multigrain bread. You can also serve chicken salad over greens, in wraps, or with tortilla chips.

News about Chicken Salad Recipes

I made the delicious chicken and bread salad from Meghan Markle's show. It taught me how to be a better home cook. - Business Insider [Visit Site | Read More]

I Tried 7 Celebrity Chicken Salad Recipes—This One's the Real Star - Allrecipes [Visit Site | Read More]

Bethenny Frankel's Perfect Chicken Salad Is as Simple as It Gets - EatingWell [Visit Site | Read More]

Chicken Hawaiian Salad Recipe: Protein-Rich, Tropical Chicken Salad - Slurrp [Visit Site | Read More]

I Asked Southern Chefs Their Secrets To The Best Chicken Salad—This Is What They Said - Southern Living [Visit Site | Read More]

How To Use Mushrooms To Make A Nutritious ‘Chicken’ Salad - Plant Based News [Visit Site | Read More]

Tomato basil soup, Mediterranean chicken salad and more healthy recipes from 'Shred Happens' - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos [Visit Site | Read More]