Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

This homemade Costco Chicken Salad is the creamy, tangy, crowd-pleasing deli classic — but fresher, cleaner, and without any preservatives. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a smooth mayo-sour cream dressing that hits all the right notes. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or eating straight out of the fridge with a spoon.

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Costco Chicken Salad Ingredients

1 whole cooked rotisserie chicken (about 3 lb), cooled and shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (use dairy-free if needed)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
½ teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons sugar (optional — skip for sugar-free)
6 celery ribs, finely diced
½ white onion, finely diced

How To Make Costco Chicken Salad

Shred the chicken. Use a food processor with the “S” blade and pulse for 15–20 seconds, or chop finely by hand. Costco’s version is shredded very fine.
Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, sugar, and diced onion until smooth.
Combine: Add the shredded chicken to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and add diced celery. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
Chill or serve: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Recipe Tips

How do I get that classic Costco texture?
Pulse the chicken in a food processor for that ultra-fine, almost fluffy texture. Don’t over-blend — it’s still a salad, not a paste.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use low-fat mayo if you prefer.
Is it freezer-friendly?
No. The mayo-based dressing doesn’t hold up well to freezing and will separate once thawed.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Try it in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, with crackers, or on top of a salad.

What To Serve With Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is versatile, but here are a few great pairings:

Whole grain toast or croissants — For a deli-style sandwich.
Romaine or butter lettuce leaves — A crisp, low-carb option.
Pita chips or crackers — Great for scooping.
Fresh fruit — Grapes, apple slices, or melon balance the richness.

How To Store Costco Chicken Salad

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended. The creamy dressing will separate when thawed.

Costco Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~241 kcal per serving
Protein: 17.5g
Fat: 16.6g
Carbohydrates: 4.2g
Sugar: 2.1g
Sodium: 315mg
Based on 8 servings. Nutritional content may vary by brand or substitutions.

FAQs

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives — several store-bought options work well.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in a sealed container. It actually tastes better on day 2!

Can I use canned chicken instead?

Technically yes, but for best flavor and texture, rotisserie chicken is highly recommended.

Can I add extras like grapes or nuts?

Definitely! It’s a flexible base — try sliced grapes, slivered almonds, or even chopped apples for sweetness and crunch.