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 for meal prep.

This is the perfect side dish or main course. It’s especially easy if you use leftover rotisserie chicken. Watch the video tutorial and see how simple it is.

Chicken salad in mixing bowl garnished with dill

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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.

Chicken Salad Video Tutorial

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Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich

Ingredients for 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. Even if you aren’t a fan of celery, don’t skimp on it and I hope you give it a try.
  • 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 refrigerated.
Ingredients for making chicken salad with roasted chicken, celery, grapes, pecans and onion

The Best Chicken Salad Dressing

This is similar to the dressing we love for our popular Broccoli Salad, except we didn’t add any sugar or honey since the grapes add plenty of sweetness. This dressing is creamy, tangy and adding sour cream makes it lighter than just using mayo.

  • Mayonnaise – use real mayo 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.
  • Salt and Pepper – added to taste
Ingredients for the best chicken salad dressing

Chicken Salad Substitutions

  • Nuts – You can swap out the 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 – if you prefer a milder onion flavor, try sweet Vidalia onion, or chives instead of yellow onion.
  • Celery – if you don’t like celery, you can omit it or substitute it with diced bell pepper or even diced cucumber, but leftovers don’t keep as well with cucumber.
  • Canned Chicken – you can use canned chicken, however, we recommend fresh, cooked chicken for the best texture.

How to Make Chicken Salad

This salad comes together so fast in one bowl, which is why it’s the ideal lunch option.

  • Toast pecans – place on a dry skillet over medium/low heat and toss frequently until pecans are golden and fragrant. 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 – trim off ends and finely chop, cut celery sticks in half lengthwise then thinly slice and add to the bowl.
  • 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.
Making chicken salad in a bowl

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. We love to serve it for lunch because it’s easy to turn it into a meal.

  • 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 Cups – serving in lettuce cups is a great low-carb option for lunch.
  • Croissant Sandwiches – Cut the croissant in half without cutting all the way through then fill it with the salad. It tastes like a bakery-quality sandwich.
  • Pita Bread – we love to stuff a pita with chicken salad, it’s so simple and good.

Pro Tip

The best way to reheat a croissant is to toast it in an air fryer at 350˚F for 3 minutes until it’s lightly crisp on the outside and warmed through. This is what we do with store-bought croissants and they taste like they just came out of a bakery oven.

Serving suggestions for chicken salad mix over salad, lettuce cups and crossants

Make-Ahead

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.

More Easy Lunch Ideas

If you love this Chicken Salad, then you won’t want to miss these lunch recipes that keep well in the refrigerator and are perfect for meal planning.

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.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

5 from 264 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Chicken salad in bowl
We call this 'fancy' Chicken Salad but it's truly easy. Its a fresher and lighter version of classic creamy chicken salad and it keeps well so it’s perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people as a side salad

Chicken Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat, 4 cups diced*
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, cut in halve lengthwise then sliced, (from 2-3 sticks celery)
  • 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 mayo
  • 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

  • Place the 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.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion and cooled pecans.
  • In a small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Add all of the dressing to the salad, or add it to taste and stir until salad is evenly coated with dressing. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

*You can make a roasted chicken, buy a rotisserie chicken or you can sautee or bake chicken breasts

Nutrition Per Serving

438kcal Calories15g Carbs22g Protein33g Fat6g Saturated Fat13g Polyunsaturated Fat12g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat71mg Cholesterol398mg Sodium453mg Potassium3g Fiber10g Sugar236IU Vitamin A6mg Vitamin C65mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
438
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
33
g
51
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
13
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
12
g
Cholesterol
 
71
mg
24
%
Sodium
 
398
mg
17
%
Potassium
 
453
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
15
g
5
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
 
236
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
 
65
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Salad
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 438
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

5 from 264 votes (156 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  • Angela
    December 1, 2024

    I just made this recipe using smoked turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving (dark meat only) and we didn’t have grapes but used chopped dried cranberries instead (1/2 cup), and white onion only available; all other instructions followed exactly. My husband tasted it first and said “this is amazing! the best I’ve tasted in a long while!” Thank you again, Natasha!

    Reply

  • D
    November 23, 2024

    Can’t wait to try! Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 24, 2024

      Hi D! We prefer fresh, but yes, you can use dried dill too.

      Reply

  • Stephen J Henning
    November 13, 2024

    Easy recipe? YES! Excellent & tasty? YES!!!!!!

    Reply

  • Saundra Dalhausser
    November 4, 2024

    I loved the recipe and while I was makining it, I noticed it was yours, Natasha! The reviews were great but once I saw your name attached to it I’m like oh yeah it’s gonna be awesome and it was thanks so much. It’s a keeper.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 4, 2024

      Aww that is such a nice review. That made me smile big. I’m so happy you loved the chicken salad recipe.

      Reply

  • Tabinda
    October 27, 2024

    Hi Natasha!
    I am so glad to see that Salad recipe. I am very found of salad . Thanks for it . I am searching for the American salad that i eaten somewhere. In it i noted the sheradid chicken ,apple & muster . If you know real reacipe please shere with me . Thanks ,love you .Regards Tabinda😊

    Reply

  • Ginger
    October 24, 2024

    I just made this so I can take lunch with me to work. It is the right combination of flavors. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s lunch. Bet it will taste even better once all the flavors mingle overnight.

    Reply

  • Jeanne
    October 9, 2024

    I like every one of her recipes.They are always good and perfect

    Reply

  • Jackie
    October 3, 2024

    I’m cooking up a turkey, can substitute turkey for chicken?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 3, 2024

      Hi Jackie, while I haven’t tried that myself, it sounds like that should work. Here’s what one of my readers wrote, I hope its helpful: “Love this salad! So easy to make and tastes great! I used roasted turkey leftovers instead of chicken meat. Will make it again!”

      Reply

  • Louise
    September 30, 2024

    So good as all your recipes are! Followed exactly, delicious !

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 30, 2024

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Louise!

      Reply

  • Chuck
    September 24, 2024

    Chicken Salad Recipe is awesome.
    Used left over Beer Can Chicken & sweet red seedless grapes & yogurt..
    Thanks!

    Reply

  • Judy Trogadis
    September 11, 2024

    Dear Natasha – since I love to cook, I’m selective in my choice of recipes but I have yet to come across one of your recipes which has not been the best!! I love your video style, the simplicity and amazing taste of all that you present. Thank you.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 11, 2024

      Ah! Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment.

      Reply

  • Bob
    August 21, 2024

    I like all your recipes that I have used, Great Job

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 21, 2024

      Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful comment with me, Bob! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying my recipes.

      Reply

  • Tanya
    August 19, 2024

    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. Thank you Natasha!! Now, I’m your newest foodie-groupie and am planning to make your Greek Salad with your homemade Tzatziki next!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 19, 2024

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Tanya! I’m so happy this was a hit! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review with me.

      Reply

  • Cheryl Smith
    August 17, 2024

    Delicious! I just bought some fresh dill, and when you had it in your recipe I was thrilled! I think it made the dressing !!!

    Reply

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