Looking for the perfect, easy-to-make dish that’s both delicious and versatile? Chicken salad is your answer!
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone simply looking to add some flavor to their meal prep routine, these chicken salad recipes are designed to fit seamlessly into your life.
Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also offer a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits that can satisfy any palate.
In this post, we’ll explore 25 delectable chicken salad recipes that are bound to become staples in your kitchen.
25 Easy Chicken Salad Recipes
1. Classic Chicken Salad
Start with a tried-and-true favorite. Classic chicken salad combines shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and a touch of mustard for a creamy, flavorful base.
Add celery and onions for extra crunch, and season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that never goes out of style.
2. Avocado Chicken Salad
For a healthier twist, try avocado chicken salad. Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado, which adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Mix in chunks of chicken, diced tomatoes, and red onions for a refreshing, nutritious meal.
3. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spice things up with buffalo chicken salad. Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, then mix with celery, carrots, and blue cheese crumbles.
This spicy and tangy salad is perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
4. Curry Chicken Salad
Add some exotic flair with curry chicken salad. Combine shredded chicken with a curry-spiced yogurt dressing, raisins, and chopped apples.
The sweetness of the fruits balances the spiciness of the curry, creating a delightful and unique flavor profile.
5. Caprese Chicken Salad
Inspired by the classic Italian salad, caprese chicken salad features shredded chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a light and elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor.
6. Chinese Chicken Salad
Create a fusion masterpiece with Chinese chicken salad. Mix shredded chicken with Napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, and crunchy wonton strips.
Top with a sesame-ginger dressing for a refreshing and zesty meal.
7. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
For a touch of sweetness and crunch, try cranberry pecan chicken salad.
Combine shredded chicken with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a festive holiday side dish.
8. Greek Chicken Salad
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Greek chicken salad.
Mix shredded chicken with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Toss with a lemon-oregano dressing for a delicious and healthy meal.
9. Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Bring southwestern flavors to your table with Santa Fe chicken salad.
Combine shredded chicken with black beans, corn, red peppers, and avocado. Top with a cilantro-lime dressing for a vibrant and tasty dish.
10. Waldorf Chicken Salad
Combine shredded chicken with apples, grapes, and walnuts for a modern take on the classic Waldorf salad. This sweet and crunchy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing picnic dish.
11. Broccoli Chicken Salad
Add some greens to your meal with broccoli chicken salad.
Mix shredded chicken with steamed broccoli, red onions, and sunflower seeds. Toss with a creamy dressing for a nutritious and satisfying dish.
12. Cobb Salad
Turn your classic Cobb salad into a chicken sensation.
Combine shredded chicken with bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese. Top with a red wine vinaigrette for a hearty and delicious meal.
13. Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad
Combine the crisp flavors of autumn with cranberry apple chicken salad. Mix shredded chicken with diced apples, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing.
This salad is perfect for a seasonal treat or a festive holiday side dish.
14. Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with this nutrient-rich salad.
Mix shredded chicken with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Toss with a lemon-garlic dressing for a light and flavorful meal.
15. Caesar Chicken Salad
Elevate your Caesar salad by adding shredded chicken. Mix with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Toss with a classic Caesar dressing for a simple yet satisfying dish.
16. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, try chicken salad lettuce wraps.
Use large lettuce leaves as wraps and fill with your favorite chicken salad recipe. These wraps are light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick lunch.
17. Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Add a zesty twist with lemon poppy seed chicken salad.
Combine shredded chicken with a lemon-poppy seed dressing and mix in chopped celery and green onions. This bright and tangy salad is perfect for a summer meal.
18. Balsamic Chicken Salad
Combine shredded chicken with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor that’s sure to please.
19. Ranch Chicken Salad
For a savory and comforting dish, try ranch chicken salad. Mix shredded chicken with a ranch dressing, diced celery, and chopped green onions.
This creamy salad is perfect for any occasion.
20. Pesto Chicken Salad
Combine shredded chicken with a vibrant pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. This flavorful and aromatic salad is perfect for those who love Italian cuisine.
21. BBQ Chicken Salad
Bring the flavors of a summer barbecue to your table with BBQ chicken salad.
Combine shredded chicken with corn, black beans, and red onions. Toss with a BBQ dressing for a smoky and delicious meal.
22. Tarragon Chicken Salad
For a sophisticated flavor, try tarragon chicken salad.
Mix shredded chicken with a tarragon-infused dressing, diced celery, and chopped green onions. This herbaceous salad is perfect for a refined lunch.
23. Thai Chicken Salad
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with Thai chicken salad. Combine shredded chicken with shredded carrots, red peppers, and fresh herbs. Toss with a peanut-lime dressing for a spicy and tangy taste.
24. Tahini Chicken Salad
Add a Middle Eastern twist with tahini chicken salad. Mix shredded chicken with a tahini-based dressing, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
This creamy and nutty salad is perfect for a unique and delicious meal.
25. Jerk Chicken Salad
Spice up your meal with jerk chicken salad. Combine shredded jerk-seasoned chicken with mango, red bell peppers, and green onions. Toss with a lime-cilantro dressing for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is a versatile and delicious option that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you prefer classic flavors or adventurous combinations, there’s a chicken salad recipe for everyone.
By incorporating these easy and diverse recipes into your meal prep, you’ll never run out of exciting and nutritious options. Happy cooking!
