Deli-Style Chicken Salad: A Classic Recipe Made Simple

Deli-style chicken salad is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Creamy, flavorful, and versatile, it can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a topping for crackers, or even served on a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of ingredients come together to create something deliciously satisfying. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making authentic deli-style chicken salad at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
½ cup mayonnaise (or a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 celery stalk, finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra flavor and tang)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (brightens the flavors)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with fully cooked chicken. If you’re using leftover roasted or poached chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces with a fork. If using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones before chopping the meat. Aim for small, even pieces so that the chicken blends smoothly with the dressing.

Step 2: Dice the Vegetables

Finely chop the celery and red onion. These vegetables provide crunch and freshness, which balance the creaminess of the mayonnaise. For a milder taste, you can soak the onion in cold water for 5 minutes before adding it to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. This forms the creamy base of your chicken salad. If you prefer a lighter texture, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.