Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like a chicken salad that feels fresh, tangy, and creamy all at once. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe. It strikes that perfect balance between zesty lemon brightness and that satisfying creaminess you crave, making it a go-to for quick lunches or light dinners on busy days. Trust me, the fresh celery crunch and green onions elevate this classic salad in the best way possible.

What makes this Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe really stand out for me is how versatile it is—whether you’re scooping it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or piling it onto your favorite bread for a hearty sandwich, it always hits the spot. Plus, it’s so simple to put together, and the fresh lemon juice and zest give it that delightful zing that keeps you coming back for more. You’ll want to have this recipe handy for picnics, potlucks, or just casual lunches when you want something tasty and wholesome in a flash.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—all bringing their own magic to the mix. When you grab fresh celery and green onions, you’re getting natural crunch and a subtle onion bite, while the lemon juice and zest keep the flavors bright and fresh. Make sure to pick good quality chicken and fresh herbs for the best flavor!

• Cooked diced chicken breasts: Leftover or pre-cooked chicken works great; just make sure it’s cold so the salad stays fresh.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant acidity; always use fresh, never bottled for best taste.
• Diced celery: Adds crunch and a slight peppery note; pick firm stalks.
• Chopped green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor that enhances depth without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens flavor with a subtle herbaceous note.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything; light mayo or Greek yogurt can be substitutions.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and complexity to the dressing.
• Lemon zest: Concentrates lemon flavor without extra liquid.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Bread slices or lettuce leaves: Your canvas for serving; choose your favorite based on how light or hearty you want to go.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences or what you have on hand. I often swap out green onions for red onion if I want a punchier bite or add a handful of diced apple for a bit of sweetness. Feel free to experiment – that’s half the fun!

• Variation: I love stirring in some halved grapes or crispy bacon bits sometimes, which adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy salad.
• Healthier option: Try swapping half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to lighten it up without losing creaminess.
• Spice it up: For a little kick, a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne mixed in can give the salad some exciting depth.

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

Step 1: Start with Cold, Diced Chicken

I like to use leftover cooked chicken breasts that I’ve diced into bite-sized pieces—cold chicken keeps the salad fresh and the texture perfect. If you don’t have leftovers, poach or roast chicken breasts ahead of time and chill them well before dicing. Then, toss the chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour fresh lemon juice over it; this adds brightness and prevents the chicken from tasting dry.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Fresh Herbs

Next up, mix in the diced celery and chopped green onions. The celery gives it that satisfying crunch, and the green onions add just the right amount of oniony zing. Stir in the finely chopped parsley too — it brings a subtle herbiness that keeps things fresh and light.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dressing

Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest in a small bowl before folding into your chicken mixture. This makes sure every bite is coated with the creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper—seasoning is key here!

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can serve this salad immediately—piled high on your favorite bread or cradled in lettuce leaves for a lighter meal. Or if you have the time, refrigerate it for up to one day to let the flavors meld even more. Either way, it’s delicious and ready to enjoy!

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

Garnishes

I usually top this salad with some extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color—and sometimes I add sliced avocado for creaminess and lettuce leaves for crunch. You really can’t go wrong with fresh herbs here, and a little extra green always makes it look appetizing.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. On warmer days, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit like grapes or sliced apples to complement the lemony tang. It’s also perfect with crunchy crudités or your favorite chips if you’re in snacking mode.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual lunches, I pile the salad on toasted sourdough bread or sandwich rolls. But for a party, try serving it in hollowed-out avocados or as mini chicken salad lettuce cups garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers—that always gets a great reaction. It’s a simple way to turn this everyday salad into something special and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. It holds up well without getting soggy, especially if you keep it separate from bread or lettuce. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s great for making ahead.

Freezing

This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; I don’t recommend freezing it because the mayo and celery textures can break down and become watery upon thawing. Instead, freeze cooked chicken separately and make the salad fresh when ready.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat this salad—you really want to enjoy it cold or at room temperature. If you want warm chicken salad, try warming the chicken gently before mixing it with the other ingredients to preserve the salad’s freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Salad with Celery and Green Onions Recipe has become one of my absolute kitchen favorites because it’s bright, easy, and endlessly adaptable. I always feel like I’m serving something fresh and satisfying, even on rushed days or casual get-togethers. You’ll enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes so much more special than the effort it takes. Honestly, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to, just like it did for me—so grab that lemon and get mixing!

Print