f you’re like me—Marissa Hale, mom of four always answering the “What’s for lunch?” question—you’ll love this no-fuss 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe. It’s light, fresh, and ready in minutes, which means I can make it while helping with homework and signing permission slips. Whether you’re looking to meal prep, pack school lunches, or serve a quick dinner, this recipe delivers. In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps, a short story from my own kitchen, and why this is one of my go-to family-friendly meals.
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Why This 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe Became My Weekly Habit
A salad I didn’t have to beg the kids to eat
I still remember the first time I tossed together this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe. It was a Thursday, the fridge was bare, and I was juggling Zoom calls and toddler tantrums. I had half a rotisserie chicken, a dollop of mayo, a handful of grapes, and some celery. Dijon mustard added just enough zing. I stirred it all together and hoped for the best. My kids? They polished it off in five minutes flat.
Since then, this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe has become a staple in our house. I make a double batch every Sunday, especially when I’m prepping meals for the week. It works beautifully in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or even scooped over greens for a light dinner. And let’s be honest—when you’re a mom of four like me, a recipe that takes ten minutes and zero brainpower is gold.
Why this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe is better than overloaded versions
I’ve tried versions that call for everything from chopped apples to paprika and pecans. But the more ingredients I added, the less my family liked it. This 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe keeps things simple and satisfying: shredded chicken for protein, mayo for creaminess, grapes for sweetness, celery for crunch, and Dijon for that unexpected flavor twist.
It’s balanced, not boring—and it holds up well in the fridge for a few days. That means I can pair it with something warm like this 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe or serve it with crackers alongside our 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip on a weekend afternoon.
This isn’t just another basic salad. It’s a flavorful, family-tested favorite. And if you’re looking for a go-to meal that’s fast, fresh, and flexible, this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe delivers every time.
Ingredient Breakdown for the Best 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe
The essentials that make this recipe work
When you hear “5 ingredient chicken salad recipe,” it might sound too basic—but each ingredient pulls its weight. Here’s what you need:
- Cooked shredded chicken – I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works just as well. Make sure it’s not overly seasoned; plain or lightly salted is best.
- Mayonnaise – It adds creaminess. Use real mayo for full flavor or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Just don’t skip the cream factor.
- Grapes – Red or green, they add a natural burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the mayo.
- Celery – The crunch keeps the texture exciting. Chop it finely so it spreads evenly through every bite.
- Dijon mustard – This is the unexpected ingredient that takes the flavor up a notch. A little goes a long way, adding brightness without overwhelming the dish.
If you’re looking for different chicken prep ideas, check out 5 ingredient chicken breast recipes or try a warm version like 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole for variety.
What chicken works best and how to prep it fast
The best part about this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe is that it doesn’t require fancy chicken cuts or cooking methods. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s juicy, flavorful, and pre-cooked. If you prefer homemade, boneless skinless chicken breasts poached or baked with light seasoning are perfect.
Want to save even more time? Batch cook chicken in advance or use your slow cooker like in this ingredient crockpot chicken and dumplings. Once it’s cooled, shred and store it in the fridge for quick use.
Consistency matters too—aim for small shreds or medium dice, depending on how chunky you want your salad. Dry chicken can be revived with a little extra mayo. And for best results, let your finished salad chill for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
How to Serve and Prep Your 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe
Creative ways to serve it—beyond just a sandwich
Once you’ve made a batch of this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe, the possibilities are wide open. Yes, it’s amazing between two slices of bread, but you can do so much more with it. My kids love it rolled into tortillas for easy wraps—especially when I pair it with something warm like our 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe – healthy version. On busy nights, I scoop it onto buttery crackers with cut veggies for a no-cook dinner.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- In lettuce cups with avocado slices
- Over greens as a quick salad bowl
- Stuffed in mini croissants for weekend brunch
- On cucumber slices for a fresh snack
You can even build a lunch platter using this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe as the centerpiece, then add baby carrots, nuts, grapes, and a boiled egg. It’s one of the fastest ways I keep lunches healthy and interesting.
Meal prep tips that save time all week
This salad is meal prep gold. I make it on Sundays and keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight, which is a huge win when you’re staring at Monday with zero lunch ideas.
To streamline even more, I often pair this with freezer-friendly recipes like our 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole – easy edition. That way, I’ve got both cold and hot meals covered with minimal effort.
Here’s a trick I swear by: keep the components separate if packing lunch for picky eaters. A sectioned container with chicken salad, crackers, and grapes gives them control—and I avoid the lunchtime complaints.
When time is tight and tummies are rumbling, this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe saves me from stress. It’s one dish I know will get eaten every single time.
Print
5 Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe
A fast, family-friendly chicken salad using just 5 ingredients. Light, fresh, and perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup halved grapes (red or green)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, grapes, celery, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl.
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, over greens, or with crackers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
Great for meal prep and kid-friendly. For variety, try adding nuts or using Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken salad, 5 ingredient, quick lunch, easy meal, meal prep
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients to put in chicken salad?
For a classic 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe, stick with cooked shredded chicken, mayo, grapes, celery, and Dijon mustard. These basics give you creaminess, crunch, sweetness, and just enough tang. Want to go fancy? Add chopped nuts, herbs, or hard-boiled eggs—but keep in mind that simplicity is what makes this version shine. Just like our 5 ingredient buffalo chicken dip, it’s proof that less really can be more.
What is the secret ingredient in chicken salad?
It’s the Dijon mustard. A small spoonful totally transforms this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe. It cuts through the richness of mayo and makes everything brighter. If you’re not a mustard fan, try lemon juice or a splash of pickle brine for a similar effect. But trust me, Dijon is the game-changer here.
What are the 6 ingredients in chicken salad?
While this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe keeps it tight with just five essentials, if you want to stretch it to six, add a pinch of salt or black pepper—or even chopped pecans for a little texture. That said, with chicken breast recipes already offering plenty of flavor, there’s no need to overcomplicate this salad.
What are 5 components of a satisfying salad?
Whether it’s a green salad or this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe, the keys are:
Protein – like chicken
Crunch – celery does the trick
Creaminess – hello mayo
Sweetness – grapes balance the richness
Acid/Tang – Dijon mustard rounds it out
These five make it satisfying and well-balanced, just like our family-style meals that keep everyone happy at the table.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dish that hits every note—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy—this 5 ingredient chicken salad recipe is your answer. It’s become a weekly ritual in my kitchen because it’s fast, flexible, and guaranteed to get eaten without complaint. Whether you’re scooping it into wraps, packing it for lunch, or serving it alongside dinner, it always delivers.
Simple meals like this are precisely why I started 2to5ingredients. As a mom juggling a full plate, I needed recipes that didn’t stress me out—and this chicken salad checks all the boxes. Just like our chicken and broccoli classics or family-approved dips, this is proof that simple still tastes amazing.
Try it once, and I bet it’ll land a permanent spot in your fridge too.
