Whether you’re making a hearty wrap, sandwiches, or a filling standalone dish, these easy chicken salad recipes bring vibrant flavors and are perfect for quick meals. Scroll down to find your go-to salad recipe!
The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Salad Recipes: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun! 🥗
Chicken salad is more than just a standalone meal—it can be a crowd-pleasing party dish, your favorite recipe for meal prep, a satisfying snack, and so much more.
The possibilities are endless with just one recipe!
Whether you’re craving comfort food, seeking bold flavors, or looking for easy recipes to streamline your meal prep, these delicious chicken salad recipes are game-changers and will become your go-to solution.
They are extremely easy to customize, quick to prepare, and anything but ordinary. So, prepare to savor deliciousness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Salad Recipes
💚 Super Versatile
With chicken salads, the possibilities are endless! They are incredibly versatile – you can enjoy them as a wholesome standalone meal, on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, stuffed between slices of bread for a sandwich, or wrapped up with a mix of veggies. These salad recipes are easily customizable for picky eaters or to cater to different dietary needs.
💛 Ease of Preparation
Most chicken salad recipes have less than 20 minutes of prep, making them perfect for busy days when you need to whip up a delicious meal in no time. Minimal effort, minimal prep, and a handful of ingredients!
💚 Healthier Chicken Meals
These salad recipes are an incredible choice when you want to enjoy something lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor. You have full control of what goes into your salads to suit your dietary needs and health goals. Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to nutritious and delicious salad recipes!
💛 Great Way to Use Up Leftovers
Do you have leftover chicken from last night? Don’t let it go to waste! Chicken salad recipes are the perfect way to transform those leftovers into something amazing. Shred, dice, or chop it, add your favorite toppings, drizzle with your preferred dressing, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Dry Chicken 🍗
Try using properly cooked, juicy chicken for salads. Dry, overcooked chicken can definitely ruin your meal. If your chicken ends up overcooked and dry, you can moisten it by adding more dressing or a splash of chicken broth. Alternatively, shred it instead of dicing or chopping. Poaching or roasting chicken are the best methods to keep it moist and juicy.
Under Seasoning Your Salad 🌶️
Don’t be shy about seasoning! A pinch of salt, a sprinkle of your favorite spices, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can make all the difference. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference and taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Not Adding Enough Texture 🥜
A great salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors! Always add a crunchy element to your salad, such as crisp cucumber, celery sticks, apples, toasted nuts, or crispy bits of bacon. It will give your tender chicken salad the delightful crunch it needs!
Overdressing The Salad 🍯
Dress them, don’t drown them! One of the biggest mistakes you can make is adding excessive dressing to enhance the flavor. If you overdress your salads, they will become soggy and too heavy. Always start with a little dressing and add more gradually if needed.
Tips to Use Leftover Chicken Salad
● Store The Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, it is important to store them properly in an air-tight container. They stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
● Be Mindful of Seasoning
Since leftover chicken is already seasoned during its initial cooking, be mindful of adding more salt and seasoning while using it again. Taste the chicken first to avoid over-seasoning.
● Use in Different Meals
Leftover chicken or chicken salad can be used in a wide variety of meals. Get creative and mix and match leftover chicken salad with different ingredients to create satisfying wraps or sandwiches, unique snacks, and add some dressing or extra texture
FAQs about Chicken Salad Recipes
Q: Can I freeze my chicken salad?
A: Well, yes and no! Freezing is not commonly recommended for chicken salads because most recipes use creamy dressings. You can freeze the cooked chicken separately and mix it with other ingredients when you want to serve.
Q: How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
A: Most of the chicken salads last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, when stored in an air-tight container. Always check the recipe for an accurate shelf life.
Whether you’re whipping up a big batch for a party or making a quick lunch, these chicken salad recipes, tips, and answers to commonly asked questions will prove extremely helpful!
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create a chicken salad that is as versatile as it is delicious.
Revamp Your Salad Routine with These Tasty Chicken Salad Recipes!
1. Asian Chicken Salad
Recipe by Tatyana’s Everyday Food
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 45 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ loaded with fresh, colorful veggies and topped with a teriyaki chicken. Crunchy and delicious!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 560kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 39g
GET THE RECIPE FOR ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD!
2. Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad
Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 45 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love it ~ juicy chicken, crunchy veggies drizzled with a lip-smacking sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for a satisfying and wholesome lunch or dinner!
Nutritional Info for 1 serving
Calories: 594cal
Carbohydrates: 34.9g
Protein: 35.9g
GET THE RECIPE FOR SESAME CHICKEN CABBAGE CRUNCH SALAD!
3. Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Recipe by Recipe Tin Eats
Ready in ~ 15 minutes
Yields ~ 3-4 servings as main
Why You’ll Love it ~ full of fresh and bright flavors of herbs and spices! If you love zingy, zesty, and tangy flavors, you have to try this!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 440cal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 28g
GET THE RECIPE FOR VIETNAMESE CHICKEN SALAD!
4. Chopped Thai Chicken Salad
Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Ready in ~ 60 minutes
Yields ~ 4-6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ chopped chicken with crunchy peanuts, tangy lime, and refreshing cilantro all tossed in a homemade peanut dressing.
Nutritional Info For Per Serving
Calories: 456cal
Carbohydrates: 31.9g
Protein: 19.6g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHOPPED THAI CHICKEN SALAD!
5. Honey Hot Chicken Salad
Recipe by Whipped It Up
Ready in ~ 30 mins
Yields ~ 2 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ if you love hot chicken wings, then this salad is a must-try for you!
Nutritional Info For Per Serving
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 58g
GET THE RECIPE FOR HONEY HOT CHICKEN SALAD!
6. Greek Chicken Salad
Recipe by Foodie Crush
Ready in ~ 14 mins
Yields ~ 2 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A light and healthy salad dinner made with Greek-marinated chicken, topped with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and crunchy cucumbers, all tossed in a flavorful yet easy Greek vinaigrette dressing. Plus, it can be meal-prepped ahead of time!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
GET THE RECIPE FOR GREEK CHICKEN SALAD!
7. Curry Chicken Salad
Recipe by The Real Food Dietitians
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with just 10 ingredients, this flavorful curry twist on the classic chicken salad is full of warmth from the spice of curry powder and the delightfully crunchy texture of apples, raisins, and cashews. Plus, it is quick to prepare!
Nutritional Info for heaping ¾ cup
Calories: 378 kcal
Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 23g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CURRY CHICKEN SALAD!
8. Chicken Taco Salad
Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ made with all the good stuff – seasoned ground chicken, savory cheese, and fresh corn, all drizzled with a refreshing cilantro vinaigrette.
Nutritional Info for 1 serving
Calories: 435cal
Carbohydrates: 25.4g
Protein: 23.9g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHICKEN TACO SALAD!
9. Chinese Chicken Salad
Recipe by Craving Home Cooked
Ready in ~20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ is packed with colorful veggies and bold flavors. Comes together in 20 minutes!
Nutritional Info for One Serving
Calories: 272kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 21g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD!
10. Asian Chicken Salad
Recipe by Damn Delicious
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 2 hours 15 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ juicy teriyaki chicken with a delicious peanut dressing. Perfect for a crowd!
GET THE RECIPE FOR ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD!
💡 PRO TIP
Chill Before Serving – A well-chilled salad has better flavor as it has had time to meld together beautifully. Before serving, let your chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Always read the recipe; if the salad is to be served warm or immediately, don’t chill it.
11. Street Corn Chicken Salad
Recipe by Fit Foodie Finds
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ tons of veggies, shredded chicken, and a street corn sauce. It is a fun, flavorful salad that is great for meal prep!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 21g
GET THE RECIPE FOR STREET CORN CHICKEN SALAD!
12. Epic Mason Jar Cobb Salad with Ranch
Recipe by Joyful Healthy Eats
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ every bite is flavorful with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 322 kal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 36 g
GET THE RECIPE FOR MASON JAR COBB SALAD!
13. Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad
Recipe by Dinner then Dessert
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Chill Time: 2 hours
Yields ~ 8 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ a perfect side dish for your next summer cookout!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 374kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 14g
GET THE RECIPE FOR POPPY SEED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD!
14. Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Recipe by Cafe Delites
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This grilled chicken salad is made with a pesto dressing that doubles up as a marinade. It is a well-balanced and wholesome meal-in-a-salad!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 6g
GET THE RECIPE FOR PESTO GRILLED CHICKEN AVOCADO SALAD!
15. Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Recipe by Damn Delicious
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 2 hours 15 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This juiciest, tender honey mustard chicken salad topped with crisp romaine, fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, and corn, all doused in a perfect Dijon mustard dressing, is the summer salad of your dreams!
GET THE RECIPE FOR HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN SALAD!
16. Cranberry Chicken Salad With Apples
Recipe by The Real Food Dietitians
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love it ~ Made with less than 10 ingredients, this healthy and creamy chicken salad is topped with crisp bacon bits, crunchy toasted pecans, diced apple, fresh rosemary, and creamy mayo.
Nutritional Info for 1/4th recipe
Calories: 400 kcal
Carbohydrate: 13g
Protein: 23g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD WITH APPLES!
17. Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Recipe by The Original Dish
Ready in ~ less than 30 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A healthy, hearty, and full of bold classic zesty flavors chicken salad made with grilled chicken, peppers, green onions, lots of herbs, and parmesan cheese, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It works best as a leftover salad and can be eaten cold!
GET THE RECIPE FOR GRILLED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD!
18. Moroccan Chicken Salad
Recipe by Skinny Ms
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 1.5 cups salad
Why You’ll Love It ~ This bright and fun Moroccan salad is a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy texture!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 23g
GET THE RECIPE FOR MOROCCAN CHICKEN SALAD!
19. Chicken Salad Recipe with Eggs
Recipe by I’m Hungry for that
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ This protein-packed chicken salad is made with juicy chicken breasts, hard-boiled eggs, and the perfect mix of crispy veggies, all tossed in a creamy tangy dressing.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 299kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 20g
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHICKEN SALAD WITH EGGS!
20. Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Recipe by The Defined Dish
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A fun chicken skewer salad made with a creamy herby ranch dressing, is the perfect summer BBQ salad!
GET THE RECIPE FOR GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN SKEWER SALAD!
💡 PRO TIP
Let Your Creative Juices Flow – Don’t be shy to get creative, even if you’re a newbie cook. Mix things up by adding a unique twist to your salads. Think of fruits like apples or grapes, nuts like pepitas (pumpkin seeds) almond slices, or even your favorite spices. Who knows, you might create something amazing!
21. Strawberry Chicken Salad
Recipe by The Recipe Critic
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love it ~ A healthy, delicious, and protein-packed salad is made with fresh fruit, goat cheese, almonds, and chicken, drizzled with a strawberry balsamic dressing.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 291kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 16g
GET THE RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD!
22. Whole30 Harvest Chicken Salad
Recipe by Paleo Gluten Free
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love it ~ A healthy salad perfect for family dinner and paleo meal prep made with roasted rosemary sweet potatoes, avocado, nuts, and berries, all tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing.
Nutritional Info
Calories: 812kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 31g
GET THE RECIPE FOR WHOLE30 HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD!
23. Waldorf Chicken Salad
Recipe by All the Healthy Things
Ready in ~ 15 mins
Yields ~ 6 servings
Why You’ll Love it ~ Made with tender chicken, fresh fruit, and veggies, all doused in a creamy herbed dressing. It’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal prep routine!
Nutritional Info for Per Serving
Calories: 304kcal
Carbohydrates: 9.3g
Protein: 28.5g
GET THE RECIPE FOR WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD!
24. Jalapeno Popper Salad (Wendy’s Copycat!)
Recipe by White Kitchen Red Wine
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ A pure Tex-Mex magic that takes just 15 minutes to throw together. It’s a copycat for Wendy’s Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad!
GET THE RECIPE FOR JALAPENO POPPER SALAD!
25. Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Recipe by Mad about Food
Ready in ~ Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields ~ 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It ~ Made with juicy chicken breasts, tangy dill pickles, crisp cucumbers, and mayonnaise or yogurt. It makes a great filling for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone meal!
Nutritional Info
Calories: 264kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 13g
GET THE RECIPE FOR DILL PICKLE CHICKEN SALAD!
And there you have it – easy chicken salad recipes for you to try!
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