This is the ultimate Chicken Salad recipe! We call this ‘fancy’ Chicken Salad because of the dressing, grapes, and pecans, but it’s truly easy. This is a fresher and lightened-up version of classic chicken salad, and it’s perfect as a side dish, main course, or for meal prep. It’s especially easy if you use leftover rotisserie chicken.
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Helpful Reader Review
“I have long struggled to find a chicken salad recipe that tasted fresh and fabulous – nix all the ready made ones we’ve tried at the grocery store and forget the several I’ve tried making from recipes. They always taste gloppy and left me feeling overdosed on mayonnaise. Ugh! I wanted something light and fresh for my ladies luncheon this past weekend and Natasha’s recipe didn’t disappoint! We used half mayo and half greek yogurt to lighten it up as Natasha recommended and the addition of the dill was genius!! I can’t tell you what a difference it made and everybody raved about it – even my husband who is notorious for not liking creamy mayo based salads of any type loved it and asked for seconds…” – Tanya ★★★★★
Chicken Salad Video
Watch the video tutorial where I walk you through all of my tips for making the best Chicken Salad.
Chicken Salad
I’ve made and tasted more chicken salads than I can count, and after years of tweaking, this is the one! It has a creamy dressing, but it feels so light and bright because of the lemon and fresh herbs in the dressing. The combination of sweet and savory flavors and different textures makes this salad exciting and one you’ll make on repeat. This is my go-to lunch salad during busy work days, and it never disappoints. Plus, there are so many ways to serve and keep it exciting (see my serving suggestions below).
We love protein-packed salads like our Chicken Avocado Salad, Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad, and Cobb Salad. This creamy chicken salad is really the best combination of chicken salad and Waldorf salad that will become a go-to for lunch. As a busy working mom, I always appreciate quick and easy lunch ideas.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Salad
The 5 ingredients in this chicken salad are so simple, but each one is important for the best taste, texture, and color.
- Chicken – we use 2 large chicken breasts from a whole roasted chicken, but you can use rotisserie chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, or sauteed chicken breasts instead. Dark-meat chicken, like our quick-cooking Air Fryer Chicken Thighs will also work.
- Celery – adds a great crunch to the salad and lightens up the flavor (if you aren’t a fan of celery, we can still be friends! See variations below).
- Grapes – add sweet juiciness to the salad. Just like in our Broccoli Grape Salad, the grapes are a refreshing addition and make the salad feel ‘fancy.’
- Pecans – we toasted nuts on a dry skillet to give them even more flavor.
- Red onion – finely chop half of a medium red onion, or you can add red onion to taste. You can also substitute for chopped green onion, but red onion keeps better when refrigerated.
Chicken Salad Variations
- Nuts – swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or cashews, or leave them out altogether.
- Fruit – try diced apples or pears or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
- Onion – try sweet Vidalia onion, or chives instead
- Celery – replace with diced green apple, bell pepper or seeded diced cucumber.
- Canned Chicken – you can use canned chicken, but fresh cooked chicken will have the best texture in salad.
The Best Chicken Salad Dressing
This is similar to the dressing from my popular Broccoli Apple Salad. It’s creamy and tangy, and adding sour cream makes it lighter than just using mayo.
- Mayonnaise – use real mayo or homemade mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Sour cream – we use full-fat sour cream, but you can substitute it with low-fat sour cream or fat-free Greek yogurt.
- Lemon juice – be sure to use freshly squeezed and not from concentrate.
- Dill – finely chopped fresh dill is our favorite, but you can substitute with 2 Tbsp of finely chopped fresh parsley. Fresh herbs really elevate this salad.
How to Make Chicken Salad
This easy chicken salad comes together so fast in one bowl, which is why it’s the ideal lunch option.
- Toast pecans – Place them on a dry skillet over medium/low heat and toss them frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Do not walk away from them because they can burn easily. Transfer to a cutting board to coarsely chop and set aside to cool, then add to a large bowl.
- Chop Chicken – dice cold chicken breast and add it to the mixing bowl. Note: We prefer the texture of chicken when it’s diced instead of shredded.
- Halve Grapes – Cut grapes in half with a serrated knife and add to the bowl.
- Chop celery and onion – cut celery sticks in half lengthwise then thinly slice and add to the bowl along with the chopped onion.
- Make Dressing – Combine the dressing ingredients in a dish and add dressing to the salad.
- Toss to combine – stir until salad is evenly coated in dressing, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Store Chicken Salad
- To Refrigerate – Store the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, depending on how fresh the cooked chicken is. The USDA recommends storing cooked chicken for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing – I do not recommend freezing chicken salad since the dressing can separate.
How to Serve Chicken Salad
Just like with a classic Tuna Salad, this chicken salad can be served as a side salad or as a main course:
- Over Mixed Greens – place your favorite greens such as arugula or mixed salad greens into a large bowl, top with the chicken salad, and serve.
- Lettuce Wraps – serving in lettuce cups is a great low-carb option for lunch.
- Croissant Sandwiches – Cut the croissants in half without cutting all the way through then fill it with the salad. It tastes like a bakery-quality sandwich.
- Crackers – pair with crunchy crackers for a quick snack. My favorites are Sourdough Crackers, or storebought Ritz or Wheat Thins.
- Pita Bread – we love to stuff a pita with chicken salad, it’s so simple and good.
I hope this creamy Chicken Salad gives you some great lunchtime inspiration. I’m convinced this will become your new favorite creamy dressing – it’s easy and excellent.
Have you tried this chicken salad? I’d love to hear about any special twists or add-ins that you use.
Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat, 4 cups diced*
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, (from 2-3 sticks celery), cut in half lengthwise then sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (1/2 medium red onion)
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
Chicken Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast pecans on a dry skillet over medium/low heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant then transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop and set aside to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and cooled pecans.
- Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add the dressing to the salad to taste and stir until the salad is evenly coated with dressing. Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
*Chicken Salad Variations
- Nuts – leave them out or try walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- Fruit – instead of grapes, try diced apples, pears or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
- Onion – try sweet Vidalia onion, or chives for milder onion flavor.
- Celery – swap with green apple, bell pepper or seeded diced cucumber.
- Canned Chicken – it will work but you’ll have the best texture when using fresh, cooked chicken.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Easy Lunch Ideas
- Taco Salad
- Egg Salad
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Reuben Sandwich
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Chickpea Salad
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Sloppy Joes
What a great salad and thanks for all the different combinations
Fantastic recipe! Love this chicken salad and will continue to make it for our family. Thank you for a great recipe.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lisa!