What are the basic ingredients of chicken salad?

The basic ingredients of any good chicken salad are simple: cooked chicken , something creamy like mayonnaise , and a crunchy element like celery . That’s what makes the classic 3 ingredient chicken salad recipe so popular—it’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.

How to make a 4 ingredient chicken salad?

It’s easy! Just start with the base: chicken , mayo , and a crunchy add-in (like celery or apple). Then, add a fourth ingredient to enhance flavor—like grapes, nuts, mustard, or herbs . That extra component brings complexity while keeping prep time short.

What do you mix in chicken salad?

Besides the usual chicken and mayo, you can mix in a wide range of add-ins: diced apples, grapes, almonds, pickles, onions, cucumbers , or even spices like paprika or curry powder . Your choices depend on whether you want it creamy, sweet, crunchy, spicy—or all of the above.

How to make a chicken salad more interesting?

To upgrade your 3 ingredient chicken salad recipe , try adding fresh herbs , a squeeze of lemon juice , or a dash of your favorite seasoning blend . You can also experiment with different dressings like Greek yogurt , avocado , or sour cream , and switch up how you serve it—try it in lettuce wraps, on toast, or stuffed into an avocado.

Can I make a 3 ingredient chicken salad recipe with mayo only?

Absolutely. The most basic version includes shredded chicken , mayonnaise , and one more ingredient—often celery for crunch. If you prefer it creamier or more tangy, you can add lemon juice or mustard, but it's totally optional.

How to make a 3 ingredient chicken salad without celery?

If you're skipping celery, try using diced apples, cucumbers, radishes, chopped nuts , or even pickles . These all add texture and flavor without relying on celery—and they keep your salad feeling fresh and balanced.

3 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe That’s Seriously Delicious -2025

Description

This simple, creamy, and flavorful 3 ingredient chicken salad recipe is perfect for busy lunches, light dinners, or quick meal prep. Made with just cooked chicken, mayo, and your favorite crunchy add-in, it’s endlessly customizable and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
⅓ cup mayonnaise (adjust to preference)
¼ cup celery (or substitute: apple, cucumber, or nuts)

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded or chopped chicken with mayonnaise.
Stir in celery or your chosen crunchy add-in.
Mix well until fully combined.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Serve on toast, in lettuce cups, or with crackers.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
For a healthier version, substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking the chicken)
Category: Lunch, Salad, Meal Prep
Method: No-cook(if using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~230
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: ~70mg