Cajun Chicken Salad
Last updated on January 27th, 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 the celery with the creamy flavors from the 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!
What do I need to make this Cajun Chicken Salad?
Cooked Chicken – rotisserie chicken or check out my recipe
Celery
Mayo
Onion
Green Pepper
Garlic
Lemon
Dijon
Parsley
Cajun Seasoning
Chili Powder
How do I make it?
Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir well 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 – the choice is yours! 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!
Loved this recipe? Check out some more of my cold salads!
Cajun Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken chopped – rotisserie chicken or check out my recipe
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 celery rib diced
- ½ cup mayo
- ⅓ cup yellow onion diced
- ¼ cup green pepper diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon
- ½ tbsp parsley minced
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste I didn't need any!
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir well 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 – the choice is yours!
Nutrition
Please be aware that nutritional values are approximate and intended as a helpful guide
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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!