Amish Chicken Salad Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 12, 2025

If you’re craving a delicious, comforting dish that brings together the wholesome flavors of the countryside, then this Amish chicken salad recipe is the perfect choice. Rooted in traditional Amish cooking, this chicken salad is simple yet packed with fresh ingredients that create a creamy, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or looking for a fantastic potluck contribution, this recipe will not disappoint. It combines tender shredded chicken with crisp celery, sweet apples, and a touch of tangy mayonnaise to create a balance of textures and flavors that is both refreshing and hearty.

Amish cooking is known for its focus on fresh, homegrown ingredients, and this salad is a shining example, delivering a taste of rustic comfort. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and versatile enough to suit any occasion. So let’s dive into this classic recipe that will soon become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amish chicken salad recipe stands out for its perfect harmony of flavors and simple preparation. Unlike heavy, mayo-laden salads, this version uses just the right amount of dressing to coat the ingredients lightly, allowing the natural freshness to shine.

It’s ideal for those seeking a lighter yet filling option.

Additionally, the combination of crunchy celery and sweet apple adds a delightful texture contrast that keeps each bite interesting. This dish is also incredibly versatile—serve it on bread for a sandwich, over a bed of greens for a salad, or simply enjoy it by itself as a protein-packed snack.

Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. It holds well in the fridge for several days, making it a convenient and nutritious choice for busy weeks.

If you love wholesome, flavorful meals made with simple ingredients, this Amish chicken salad will quickly become a staple.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tartness and sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use homemade or good-quality store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep apples fresh and add brightness)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl (medium size)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Serving bowl or container
  • Optional: food processor (for chopping nuts or shredding chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow cooling, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop the vegetables and apple: Finely chop the celery and dice the apple into small cubes. Toss the apple cubes with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
  3. Combine the dressing: In your mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Mix the salad: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and apples to the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Add nuts and parsley: If you’re including nuts, fold them in now along with the fresh parsley. This adds texture and a fresh herbal note.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and to serve chilled.
  7. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve on sandwich bread, crisp lettuce leaves, or alongside your favorite crackers.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of sweetness, feel free to add dried cranberries or halved grapes. If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.”

For a dairy-free version, omit the sour cream or replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. You can also swap the apples for pears or add diced cucumbers for a refreshing twist.

If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

To make this salad even more filling, try adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas. For a heartier texture, toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make excellent crunchy additions.

Lastly, to elevate the flavor, try using homemade mayonnaise and freshly ground black pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320
Protein 28g
Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 350mg

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and based on using standard mayonnaise and no nuts.

Serving Suggestions

This Amish chicken salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it piled high on toasted whole grain bread or a buttery croissant for a scrumptious sandwich.

For a lighter meal, spoon it over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of your favorite vinaigrette.

It also makes an excellent filling for wraps or pita pockets, perfect for on-the-go lunches. Pair with a side of fresh fruit, crunchy pickles, or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.

For a more indulgent option, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or warm biscuits to capture that authentic Amish comfort food experience.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like these other wholesome dishes:

Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious

Conclusion

This Amish chicken salad recipe brings a wonderful blend of simplicity, freshness, and heartiness to your table. It’s a dish that celebrates wholesome ingredients and easy preparation without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

The balance of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet apple, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Plus, its versatility means you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

From sandwiches to salads, this Amish chicken salad is a timeless classic worth adding to your recipe collection.

Enjoy making this delightful recipe and don’t forget to explore other wonderful dishes featured on this site to keep your meals exciting and delicious!

📖 Recipe Card: Amish Chicken Salad

Description: A classic Amish chicken salad combining tender chicken, crisp celery, and creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches or a light meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine diced chicken and chopped celery.
  2. Add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and chopped onion to the bowl.
  3. Mix in sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
  4. Fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs gently.
  5. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 6 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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