At Regency Cafe, we pride ourselves on taking simple, fresh ingredients and turning them into something memorable. One of our favorite crowd-pleasers is our signature chicken salad recipe — versatile, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, atop greens, or in a wrap, here’s how to make the chicken salad that keeps our guests coming back for more.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken salad that balances creaminess, crunch, and brightness, this is the version you’ll want on hand.
Why This Chicken Salad Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
Before diving into the details, here’s what makes this chicken salad stand out:
- It’s balanced — not too wet, not too dry.
- It uses fresh, simple ingredients that you can source easily.
- It’s customizable — you can add or omit mix-ins for your taste or dietary needs.
- It’s ideal for meal prep or daily service — makes well ahead.
- It works in many ways — sandwich, scoop over greens, or even as a wrap filling.
Ingredients
For the pasta base
Here’s what you’ll need for about 6 servings of this chicken salad (you can scale as needed):
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Alternatives |
| Cooked chicken (breast or thighs), diced or shredded | 2 cups (approx. 10–12 oz) | You can use rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Use full-fat or light, depending on preference |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | ¼ cup | Adds creaminess and tang (optional) |
| Celery, finely diced | 1 rib | For crunch |
| Green onion or red onion, finely chopped | 1 | Use scallions or chives as alternative |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp | Adds a little zing |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp | Fresh lemon brightens the flavor |
| Fresh dill (or parsley) | 1 Tbsp chopped | Optional, but recommended for freshness |
| Salt | to taste | Start with ~⅛ to ¼ tsp |
| Black pepper | to taste | Freshly ground |
| Optional mix-ins: halved grapes, toasted pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, apples, or chopped nuts | ½ to 1 cup combined | These turn the salad into a bit of a “chef’s version”. |
Notes:
- If you want a lighter version, reduce mayo and replace part with yogurt.
- If serving the salad as a sandwich or in bread, slightly reduce dressing (so it’s not overly soggy).
How to Make Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to assemble your chicken salad so it comes out perfect every time.
Step 1: Prep & Chill the Chicken
If your chicken is freshly cooked, chill it in the refrigerator first. Cold chicken helps maintain texture and makes mixing easier.
Step 2: Toast Nuts (if using)
If you’re adding nuts (pecans, walnuts), toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and just golden. Then let them cool before adding.
Step 3: Combine Mix-Ins
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, onion, and any optional mix-ins (grapes, apples, nuts).
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Toss & Chill
Pour the dressing into the bowl with the chicken and mix gently until everything is coated well. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour) so flavors meld.
Step 6: Serve
Serve chilled. Use as a filling for sandwiches, wrap in lettuce leaves, or place a scoop over fresh greens. Garnish with extra chopped herbs or a sprinkle of nuts if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate Estimate per Serving)
Below is a rough nutritional breakdown for one serving (assuming 6 servings total, with the standard version including mayo, sour cream, vegetables, and optional nuts). Because of variations in brands, ingredients, and portion sizes, use this as a guideline:
| Nutrient | Estimate |
| Calories | 200–230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2–5 g |
| Protein | 15–18 g |
| Fat | 14–16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2–3 g |
| Fiber | 0.5–1 g |
| Sugar | 1–3 g |
| Sodium | 250–350 mg |
By adjusting how much mayonnaise or sour cream you use (or switching to lighter versions), you can reduce calorie and fat content while keeping flavor intact.
Tips & Variations to Make It Uniquely Regency Cafe
- Fresh herbs: Use fresh dill, parsley, tarragon, or chives for a burst of green flavor.
- Crunch factor: Add small diced water chestnuts, cucumber, or jicama for extra texture.
- Fruity touch: Incorporate halved grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries for sweet contrast — reminiscent of Natasha’s version using grapes and pecans.
- Nut mix-ins: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds bring depth and crunch.
- Lighter version: Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Tangy twist: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or pickle juice for brightness.
- Spice it up: A pinch of paprika, cayenne, or curry powder (for a curry chicken salad variant) can give it character.
- Meal prep tip: Make it a day ahead for even better flavor. Keep extra dressing on the side to adjust moisture later.
- Serve creatively: Use croissants, pita pockets, artisan breads, or top on mixed greens for a café-style presentation.
Why This Chicken Salad Works for Regency Cafe & Your Customers
When creating menu items or featured recipes, there’s always tension between flavor, consistency, cost, and flexibility. This chicken salad hits the sweet spot:
- Easy to scale: You can easily make small or large batches, perfect for café service or catering.
- Ingredient flexibility: It allows you to adapt to seasonal produce or available pantry items.
- Appeals broadly: It fits into many menu paths — lunch, light dinner, sandwiches, café bowls.
- Make-ahead friendly: It holds well in the fridge for 3–5 days (stir before serving).
- Customizable for guests: Guests can request more crunch, less dressing, or a lighter version.
Chicken Salad That Feels Like Home
At the heart of every great dish is a sense of balance — flavor, texture, and soul. At Regency Café, our chicken salad recipe is more than a mix of ingredients; it’s a canvas for freshness, comfort, and delight.
Whether a guest orders it over greens, in a sandwich, or takes home a container to savor later, this recipe delivers consistency, freshness, and that “just right” feeling.
So go ahead — try this version, add your touches, and share it with your audience. The next time someone asks how to make chicken salad that tastes homemade yet refined, point them here.
Here’s to simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and eating with joy — from Regency Cafe to your table.
