Go Back
Classic creamy chicken salad with red grapes, celery and pecans in a white bowl

Classic Chicken Salad (Creamy, Easy & Healthy)

Tender rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and toasted pecans folded into a tangy mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and dijon dressing with fresh dill. Ready in 15 minutes, no cooking required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (about 450g — 1 rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 cup celery finely diced (about 3 stalks)
  • 1 cup red grapes halved
  • ½ cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Creamy Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise ​
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt ​
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard ​
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ​
  • ¾ teaspoon salt ​
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper ​

Equipment

  • ​ Large mixing bowl ​

Method
 

  1. Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces — you want a mix of chunky pieces and smaller shreds for the best texture. Measure out 3 cups into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Finely dice the celery, halve the red grapes, and mince the red onion. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking the pan, until fragrant and lightly golden; let cool, then roughly chop. Chop the fresh dill. Add everything to the bowl with the chicken.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust — a little more lemon brightens it, a pinch more salt wakes everything up.
  4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold gently until every piece is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash or overmix — you want distinct chunks of chicken, not a paste.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is even better) so the flavors meld and the salad firms up. Give it a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens, garnished with extra dill.