Cajun Chicken Salad
Last updated on March 21st, 2026
I love having some cooked chicken on hand because the opportunities are endless! Chicken salad is a classic and this Cajun Chicken Salad brings a new spin to this summery favorite! You’ve got the classic chicken salad ingredients in there but then you get this spicy, smoky addition. The crunch from the onion and jalapeño with the creamy mayo and mustard all fit so well together – and of course you need some fresh herbs and lemon juice to brighten it all up! This was delicious served on bread, but it can also be a wrap, a dip, even a melt!
Where does chicken salad come from?
Chicken salad dates all the way back to the 1800’s, with the earliest versions appearing in European cuisine! In the US, chicken salad became popular around the mid 1800’s after a recipe appeared in Sarah Rutledge’s “The Carolina Housewife!” This version was described as using a homemade mayo which was mixed with cold, cooked chicken!
Another eyebrow raising early version of this salad appeared in 1863 in Rhode Island, when Liam Gray combined leftover chicken with grapes, mayo, and tarragon! Pretty interesting flavor combo, Liam! Today, we are still loving this cold salad all around the world! It makes such a versatile lunch, snack, or even dinner – and it’s incredibly easy to customize!
Did you know?
In a single year, Costco sells 50 million rotisserie chickens! That’s a LOT of chicken! Their customers love it so much, Costco keeps the same low price continuously throughout their stores, even if it means they lose a little bit of cash. These ready to eat whole chickens go quick over there! Literally flying off the shelf!
What do I need to make this Cajun Chicken Salad?
Cooked Chicken – rotisserie or check out my recipe!
Mayo
Red Onion
Jalapeño
Garlic
Lemon
Dijon
Parsley
Cajun Seasoning
Chili Powder
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
How do I make it?
To prep the ingredients:
To get started on this recipe, first wash the veggies and herbs. Next, dice the red onion, then deseed and dice the jalapeño. Mince the garlic and parsley, juice the lemon, then chop up the cooked chicken.
To make the Cajun chicken salad:
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Cover and chill for a while to marry those flavors together.
To serve:
Serve Cajun chicken salad on bread, in a tortilla, with chips – however you like it! Enjoy!
Tips:
- This Cajun Chicken Salad will keep for 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- This wasn’t too spicy at all; it was family friendly! If you want it to be spicier, add some more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper!
- If you don’t have fresh lemon, you could always use bottled lemon juice!
Loved this recipe? Check out some more of my cold salads!
Looking for more ways to use up some cooked chicken?
Cajun Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken chopped, rotisserie or check out my recipe!
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeño deseeded and diced
- ½ cup mayo
- ⅓ cup red onion diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Dijon
- 1 tbsp parsley minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- salt to taste I didn't need any!
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before enjoying!
- Serve Cajun chicken salad on bread, in a tortilla, with chips – however you like it!
Nutrition
Please be aware that nutritional values are approximate and intended as a helpful guide
Discover more from The Wholesome Spoon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
This looks so delicious on a summer day at the park! Also, my dad would LOVE this! 🤩🤩🤩
Awh well I love that! It’s so easy too!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!