I wanted this chicken salad to feel a little more special than the classic version—the kind you can make for an easy weekday lunch but would be just as happy serving to friends.

Tender rotisserie chicken is tossed with crisp celery, shallot, briny cornichons and plenty of fresh herbs, then folded into a creamy Dijon dressing seasoned with my French Countryside blend. The result is savory, herbaceous and bright, with just enough tang to keep it from feeling heavy.

And while it’s wonderful tucked into a buttery croissant or piled onto toasted sourdough, my favorite way to serve it may be the simplest: spooned generously over a thick slice of ripe tomato. The juicy freshness of the tomato against that creamy, savory chicken salad is just so good.

It’s easy, elegant, and proof that chicken salad absolutely does not need grapes or anything sweet to be delicious.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• ROTISSERIE CHICKEN: Tender, flavorful, and wonderfully convenient. Using both white and dark meat gives the salad a richer flavor and keeps it from feeling dry.
• MAYONNAISE: Use a good-quality mayonnaise here—it really makes a difference in a simple salad like this. Duke’s is my favorite for its rich, creamy texture and signature tang, which makes the perfect base for the dressing.
• SOUR CREAM: Lightens the mayonnaise while adding a subtle tang that keeps the dressing creamy without feeling too heavy.
• DIJON MUSTARD: Adds a little sharpness and savory depth, giving the creamy dressing just enough bite.
• FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE SEASONING: The flavor backbone of the salad. This herbaceous French-inspired blend adds layers of savory herbs and aromatics that turn a simple chicken salad into something special.
• DUKES MAYONNAISE: If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know Duke’s is my mayonnaise of choice. Its rich, tangy flavor makes the dressing extra creamy and is the backbone of this recipe.
• SOUR CREAM: A little sour cream lightens the mayonnaise while adding a subtle tang that keeps the dressing from feeling too heavy.
• DIJON MUSTARD: Just a spoonful adds depth and a gentle sharpness that ties everything together without making the dressing taste overly mustardy.
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: Just a touch adds savory umami and depth without announcing itself in the finished salad.
• FRESH LEMON: Brightens all of those creamy, savory flavors and gives the dressing a fresh finish.
• CELERY: Essential for that crisp, fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy dressing
• SHALLOT: Milder and more delicate than a traditional onion, adding subtle savory sweetness and just the right amount of bite.
• CORNICHON: Tiny but mighty. Their briny, tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the dressing and makes every bite a little more interesting.
• FRESH CHIVES: A delicate oniony freshness that complements the shallot without overpowering the other flavors.
• SALT & FRESH CRACKED PEPPER: The finishing touch that brings all of those savory, creamy and herbaceous flavors into focus.

Jump to printable recipe for precise measurements

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, French Countryside seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, keeping in mind that the cornichons will add another layer of saltiness and tang once everything comes together.

A Note About the Seasoning

This recipe was created using my French Countryside seasoning, which gives the chicken salad its signature savory, herbaceous flavor and a subtle French-inspired twist. It’s the blend I use and recommend for the recipe, but if you don’t have it in your pantry just yet, don’t let that stop you—I’ve included an easy substitution using everyday herbs and seasonings below.

Step 2 – Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, celery, shallot, cornichons, and fresh chives to a large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute all those fresh, savory flavors before adding the dressing.

Step 3 – Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined and evenly coated. Take your time here—you want every bite to have a little of that creamy, herbaceous dressing while keeping the chicken nice and chunky.

SERVE

For a fresh, simple way to serve this chicken salad, spoon it generously over a thick slice of ripe tomato. The juicy acidity of the tomato is the perfect contrast to the creamy, savory chicken salad and lets all those French Countryside herbs shine.

Add a little freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. It makes a beautiful light lunch all on its own—no bread required.