Which dressing is traditionally used in a chicken salad?

Mayonnaise is the traditional dressing used in chicken salad primarily due to its creamy texture, which allows it to blend well with the other ingredients, such as diced chicken, vegetables, and spices. Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

In addition, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the ingredients together, resulting in a cohesive salad that is easy to scoop and serve. While variations of chicken salad can use other dressings like ranch, vinaigrette, or honey mustard, they tend to deviate from the classic preparation which typically calls for mayonnaise as the base to achieve that traditional creamy consistency.