Easy Basic Chicken Salad Recipe without Celery

This easy basic chicken salad skips the celery but keeps all the creamy, classic flavor everyone loves. Made with simple ingredients and tender chicken, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick protein-packed lunch.

This Easy Basic Chicken Salad Recipe without celery keeps things simple, creamy, and straight to the point.

It’s made with tender chicken, a smooth dressing, and just enough seasoning to let the chicken shine without any crunchy celery getting in the way.

Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or meal prep lunches, this is the kind of no-nonsense chicken salad you can throw together fast and eat all week without getting bored.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• No celery anywhere, perfect if you hate the crunch or just ran out
• Creamy, classic flavor that works for sandwiches, wraps, or crackers
• Quick to make with simple, everyday ingredients
• Easy to customize with add-ins like grapes, nuts, or herbs
• Great for meal prep and stays tasty for days in the fridge

Ingredients Needed

• Canned Chicken: Fully cooked chicken, tender, convenient, protein-packed
• Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus juice adding brightness and tang
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the chicken salad
• Pesto Sauce: Herby, garlicky sauce with rich basil flavor
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic fresh herbs for light, garden-fresh flavor
• Sliced Almonds: Crunchy nutty texture with mild sweetness
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors

How To Make Easy Basic Chicken Salad Recipe without Celery

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy.

Step 2: Serve right away for a fresh, quick meal, or cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes if you want the flavors to mingle before serving.

Chicken Salad Without Celery Recipe Tips

• Drain the canned chicken really well so the salad stays creamy, not watery.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
• For extra texture, lightly toast the sliced almonds before mixing them in.
• This chicken salad works great on sandwiches, crackers, croissants, or lettuce wraps.

Storing Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly chilled.
• Give it a quick stir before serving, since the dressing can settle as it sits.

Easy Basic Chicken Salad Recipe without Celery Recipe Faqs

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use fresh cooked chicken instead of canned? Absolutely! Shredded or chopped cooked chicken works perfectly and will give a fresher flavor.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Can I add extra vegetables? Yes, diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes work well without overpowering the flavors.

How long will this chicken salad stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last 3–4 days.

Can I make it spicy? Definitely! Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.

Is it good for sandwiches or wraps? Yes, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or even on crackers for a quick snack.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

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• AIR FRYER CRACK CHICKEN CRESCENT BITES
• EASY AIR FRYER ONE PAN HONEY LEMON CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS
• AIR FRYER SHREDDED CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS WITH A HOMEMADE DRY RUB
• EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

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