New York: Chicken salad isn’t just for picnics or potlucks anymore. It’s officially the star of the “I want something healthy but crave-worthy” lunch menu. Whether you’re working from home or meal prepping for the week, a good chicken salad recipe hits all the right notes—protein-packed, creamy without being heavy, and endlessly versatile.
The problem? A lot of chicken salads out there are either too dry, too mayo-heavy, or just plain boring. Not this one. This version is cool, crunchy, creamy, and tangy in all the right ways—without being loaded with calories or mystery ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your mood (or what’s in your fridge).
Whether you’re stuffing it into lettuce wraps, sandwiching it between toasted sourdough, or scooping it straight from the bowl, this is a chicken salad you’ll keep coming back to. Let’s make it.
Also Read: How to Make Fresh Mango Salsa in Just 10 Minutes
Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayo (or half-half)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped apples or grapes (for sweetness)
- Slivered almonds or walnuts (for crunch)
- Crumbled feta or cheddar (for creamy bites)
- Diced pickles or capers (for tang)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Prep your chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breast. Shred or dice it into bite-sized chunks.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, stir together yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Add crunch: Stir in celery, onion, and any optional add-ins.
- Combine and season: Fold in the chicken and mix until fully coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill & serve: Let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for flavors to deepen. Serve chilled.
Also Read: How to Make Egg Fried Rice at Home in Under 20 Minutes
How to Serve Chicken Salad (Beyond Sandwiches)
- In lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch
- Over mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic
- Stuffed in a wrap with cucumbers and hummus
- On crackers for a high-protein snack
- Between toasted sourdough or croissants for comfort
Tips for a Healthier Chicken Salad
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for extra protein
- Add veggies like shredded carrots or chopped spinach
- Bulk it with quinoa or chickpeas for fiber and fullness
- Use herbs like tarragon, dill, or chives for natural flavor pops
This chicken salad recipe is the kind that makes you rethink “just salad.” It’s comforting, crave-worthy, and light enough to keep you energized—not sluggish. Once you find your perfect combo of crunch, creaminess, and tang, you’ll want to keep this in your fridge all week long.
