If you love quick, easy, and ultra-creamy chicken salad, this Food Processor Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe. Using a food processor gives you perfectly chopped chicken and mix-ins in seconds—no more uneven chunks or tired arms from hand-chopping. This classic recipe is delicious on sandwiches, crackers, wraps, or lettuce cups, and it’s ideal for meal prep, picnics, or last-minute weekday lunches. With just a few pulses, you get a smooth yet textured chicken salad that tastes as if it came from your favorite deli.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins (using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: About 3 cups of chicken salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, poached, or leftover), roughly chopped
- 2 ribs of celery, cut into chunks
- 2 green onions, trimmed and cut into thirds
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons fresh dill, ⅓ cup sliced almonds, ¼ cup dried cranberries
Directions
Step 1: Chop the Chicken
Place the cooked chicken in your food processor. Pulse 3 to 5 times until the chicken is finely chopped but not pasty. Avoid over-processing—creamy chicken salad still needs texture.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add celery and green onions to the processor. Pulse 2 to 3 times, just until they’re incorporated. You want small, even pieces without turning the veggies into liquid.
Step 3: Mix in the Dressing
Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse 1 to 2 times to blend the dressing into the chicken mixture. Scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.
Tip: When working with a food processor, pulsing is key. Continuous processing will turn your chicken salad into a smooth spread rather than a lightly textured salad.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. If you want a creamier salad, add 1–2 tablespoons more mayo. Stir in optional mix-ins like dill, cranberries, or almonds for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 18g
Pro Tip:
Using a food processor doesn’t just make this Chicken Salad Food Processor Recipe faster—it elevates the entire texture and consistency of the dish. Instead of uneven chunks or overworked ingredients, a quality food processor gives you perfect control with just a few pulses, creating that classic deli-style chicken salad everyone loves. If you don’t own a food processor yet—or if your current one struggles with power or precision—this is the perfect recipe to justify upgrading. A reliable model will save you time, reduce prep effort, and open the door to countless quick, homemade meals.
Ready to explore top-rated options? Click below to check out food processors on Amazon and find one that fits your kitchen perfectly.
Conclusion
This Chicken Salad Food Processor Recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and smart kitchen tools can transform your meals. With just a few pulses, you get a versatile, flavorful chicken salad that’s ideal for sandwiches, snacks, meal prep, or entertaining. Whether you prefer a classic deli-style salad or want to experiment with add-ins, this recipe is flexible enough to make your own. Keep it in your recipe rotation any time you need something quick, comforting, and delicious!
