No matter the season, it’s always a perfect time to (learn how to) make chicken salad. It’s cool, refreshing, filling and a great alternative to the common sandwich or hot meal. No, it’s not a salad with chicken on top although the ingredients are similar. With chicken being the star, you really have permission to get creative with it.

Include your favorite fruits, veggies and/or seeds to really spice it up. Think grapes, cucumbers or sunflower seeds. However, if you’re looking for a simpler go-to that’s reliable, quick and easy to make, look no further than this. Everyone has their own version, but here’s our take on the 4-ingredient chicken salad.

What’s Needed For A 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is universal for an array of cultures and celebrated yearlong. 

Here’s what you’ll need: chicken, celery, onion and a dressing of sorts. Unless you’re serving a large crowd, the chicken (preferably roasted and shredded) needs to be no more than three cups. The celery and onion, both no more than one-fourth cup, are best when finely diced. (They both have the potential to overpower the salad with their potent flavors.) The dressing, around one-half cup, could range from Romano Caesar to traditional mayo. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider Greek yogurt.

Prepare and Customize Your 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad

Once you’ve prepared your ingredients, it’s time to mix them all to make a veggie-heavy chicken salad, chunky or small-sized chicken salad, or a more moist salad. With a spoon, give it a sturdy toss. Add seasoning (i.e. salt and pepper) according to your taste. (Technically, this is a fifth and sixth ingredient. Add as much as you like.)

Is Chicken Salad Healthy?

According to nutritionists, chicken salad is rich in protein and iron. The chicken and the veggies do a good job of providing us with these elements. However, the dressing used is what can determine the level of calories and/or fat added. The mayo-forward blends are suggested to be enjoyed moderately in an effort to achieve a more well-rounded diet. However, if it’s a meal that makes things easier and a bit healthier for you, consider mixing one-fourth cup of the mayo with one-fourth cup of Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-based dressing. If you’re comfy straying from the four-ingredient detail, add in those extra fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts.

Your taste buds will let you know whether to change things up. Have fun with it, knowing that your next delicious meal is this simple to make.