Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a fresh, flavorful chicken salad that’s anything but boring, this Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need in your recipe box. It combines tender chicken with bright lemon, crisp celery, and the subtle bite of green onions for a perfectly balanced bite every time. I love how this salad feels light and fresh, yet still satisfying enough for a quick lunch or a picnic treat.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, prepping for a family gathering, or just want a wholesome dinner idea, this recipe shines. It’s simple, uses everyday ingredients, and you can whip it up in no time—trust me, I’ve made this for last-minute guests more than once! Plus, the lemon juice adds just the right zing to brighten everything up, making it a standout among typical chicken salads.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe plays a part in making each bite bright and satisfying. Freshness is key here, especially with the celery and herbs, so pick crisp veggies and fresh parsley when you shop.

• Cooked diced chicken breasts: Using cold, cooked chicken keeps the salad light and helps it hold its shape well.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity that wakes up all the flavors and keeps things fresh rather than heavy.
• Diced celery: Provides crunch and a subtle, refreshing flavor contrast.
• Chopped green onions: Bring a mild onion bite without overpowering the salad’s delicate balance.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbal note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Mayonnaise: Gives the salad creaminess; using light mayo or mixing with Greek yogurt keeps it from being too rich.
• Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle tang and depth that complements the lemon and chicken.
• Lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor even more without extra liquid.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the tastes.
• Bread slices or lettuce leaves: For serving; pick your favorite bread or swap in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes personal, and this Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe is a fantastic base to get creative with. Sometimes I throw in chopped apples or grapes for sweetness, or add a bit of crispy bacon for an extra savory crunch.

• Variation: I’ve swapped green onions for red onions when I want a stronger bite—just go light if you’re not used to it.
• Dietary Adjustment: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo cuts calories and adds tang without losing creaminess.
• Seasonal Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or tarragon in spring for a garden-fresh version.
• Protein Boost: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or toasted nuts if you want to up the protein and texture diversity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prep your chicken and fresh ingredients

I always start with cold, cooked chicken breast chopped into bite-sized pieces — leftover roasted chicken works perfectly here. Then I dice the celery, chop green onions, and finely mince fresh parsley. Using fresh ingredients really makes a difference for the flavor and texture.

Step 2: Brighten the chicken with lemon juice

Pour fresh lemon juice over the diced chicken in a large bowl. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps keep it moist and fresh-tasting. Let it sit for a minute while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine everything with creamy dressing

Add celery, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. I usually season with salt and pepper to taste here—don’t be shy to taste as you go!

Step 4: Chill or serve immediately

You can enjoy the salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for up to a day to meld the flavors even more. I find that a little rest time makes the salad taste even better. Serve it on fresh bread or crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my chicken salad sandwich with crisp lettuce for crunch, a few slices of creamy avocado for richness, and sometimes a couple of tomato slices for juicy freshness. If you like a smoky twist, crispy bacon pairs wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve this with crunchy pickles or a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette. It also pairs nicely with a bowl of fruit salad or some kettle-cooked chips if you’re going for casual and easy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this salad in a pretty trifle dish with alternating layers of lettuce and tomato slices for a colorful party dish. Another fun way is to serve it in avocado halves for a fresh and elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the celery can get a bit soggy, so I recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later for that perfect crunch.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze chicken salad because the mayo and fresh veggies don’t freeze well and can turn watery or mushy. Fresh is definitely best here for texture and flavor!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t reheat leftovers. If you want warm chicken salad, just use freshly cooked chicken and mix the salad fresh without chilling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chicken Salad with Lemon, Celery, and Green Onions Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. It hits that perfect spot between light and comforting, and I promise you’ll find plenty of ways to make it your own. Give it a try; I think you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how well it satisfies whatever the day calls for.

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