11 Chicken Salad Recipes, From Classic to Creative

There’s no shortage of ways to whip up a delectable chicken salad. Whether you’re craving something classic or bursting with creativity, these dishes have long been a go-to for their versatility and ease of preparation.

Chicken salad appeals to both the busy weekday cook and the weekend gourmet, providing something for everyone’s palate. From tangy twists to comforting classics, having an array of recipes on hand allows you to shake things up or stick to the tried-and-true.

Join me as I walk you through 11 chicken salad recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

1. Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad has always been a staple at family picnics and casual gatherings. I remember my grandmother crafting a magnificent chicken salad whenever the weather turned warm enough for a backyard party.

She believed in minimalism—it was all about fresh ingredients and letting the flavors shine. This classic version is rich yet balanced, packed with a range of textures and the perfect combination of seasonings that hit just right.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• ½ cup sweet relish
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced red onion
• 1 cup halved red or green grapes
• ½ cup 5% plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, relish, celery, red onion, and halved grapes.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. Combine & Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Serve with crackers, croissants, or over fresh greens.

2. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

My discovery of this delicious blend happened quite by accident at a potluck. The juicy red grapes paired with the crunchy pecans create a delightful contrast, transforming humble chicken salad into something extraordinary.

It’s sweet and savory, with just the right hint of nuttiness to make each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup halved red grapes
• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1½ tsp honey
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, halved grapes, and chopped pecans.
2. Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix & Serve: Pour the dressing into the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
4. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy chilled over arugula, in croissants, whole grain sandwiches, or lettuce wraps.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

When traveling through the Mediterranean, I found inspiration in the fresh, vibrant ingredients that seemed to be in every meal. This salad brings those bold, sun-kissed flavors to your table, perfect for when you’re looking to spice up your lunchtime routine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and red onion.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve immediately.

4. Chicken Salad with Fresh Herbs

Nothing transports me back to my mother’s garden like the aromatic burst of fresh herbs. This herbaceous chicken salad is perfect for lounging in the backyard with a good book and a glass of iced tea.

The earthy tarragon and parsley create an elegant dish that’s effortlessly simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix Chicken with Herbs: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with tarragon and parsley.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine & Serve: Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and toss until well-coated. Serve on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

5. Buffalo Chicken Salad

For those who like a little heat, this Buffalo chicken salad was a game-changer. I created it after a long day at a tailgate, craving something different yet familiar.

The spicy buffalo sauce mixed with the coolness of blue cheese is an unbeatable combination that’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of a kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup mixed greens
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for tangy balance)

Instructions:

1. Combine Chicken with Buffalo Sauce: Toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated.
2. Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in the crumbled blue cheese, diced celery, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt (if using).
3. Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, in a tortilla wrap, or as a sandwich filling for a spicy, satisfying meal.

6. Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad

When I’m yearning for something with an exotic flair, this salad delivers every time. Influenced by my travels to Asia, it features a vibrant array of colors and flavors that make each bite exciting and deliciously unique.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or a mix)
• ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mixed greens, sliced bell peppers, and almonds.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
3. Mix & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, toss to coat evenly, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

7. Chicken Salad with Avocado and Bacon

This is the salad you turn to when you’re craving something rich and indulgent. With creamy avocado and crisp bacon, it’s hard to go wrong. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and an instant hit at any gathering, offering a touch of decadence with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter texture)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Chicken, Avocado & Bacon: In a large bowl, gently mix the shredded chicken, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Mix & Serve: Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and toss gently until well coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on its own.

8. Low-Carb Chicken Salad

When you’re watching your carbs but still want something satisfying, this salad is just the ticket. Refreshing and crisp, it offers the crunch and taste without the guilt. It’s inspired by my attempts to eat cleaner, showing that healthy and tasty can go hand-in-hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mixed greens, cucumbers, and red onion.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix & Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, toss well to coat evenly, and serve immediately for a fresh, low-carb meal.

9. Chicken Salad with Dill and Capers

Dill and capers bring a tangy, fragrant dimension to chicken salad, which I’m particularly fond of. It was inspired by a trip to the Nordic countries, where dill seemed to grace every plate. This dish brings back those memories with each aromatic bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• 1½ tbsp capers, finely chopped
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix Chicken with Dill and Capers: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped dill, and capers.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine & Serve: Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir well until evenly coated. Serve with crispbread, in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.

10. Chicken Salad with Pineapple and Coconut

This tropical twist was born out of my love for beach vacations and the vibrant flavors they offer. The pineapple and coconut bring a sweet, island-inspired variation to the traditional recipe that will transport your senses to a sunny, breezy day at the shore.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
• ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

1. Combine Chicken with Pineapple and Coconut: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, pineapple chunks, and toasted coconut.
2. Prepare the Tropical Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
3. Mix & Serve: Add the dressing to the chicken mixture, toss well to coat evenly, and serve chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for poolside dining, summer picnics, or when craving tropical flavors.

11. Chicken Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables changes their flavor entirely, giving them depth and sweetness. This recipe combines those rich flavors with juicy chicken, making for a hearty and flavorful salad that stands out as a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup roasted bell peppers, diced (see instructions below)
• 1 cup roasted zucchini, diced (see instructions below)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the bell peppers and zucchini with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the roasted bell peppers and zucchini.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
4. Mix & Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, toss to coat, and serve warm or chilled.

Final Thoughts

With these 11 chicken salad recipes, you have an arsenal of flavors at your fingertips, ready to impress and delight at any mealtime. Whether you’re sticking to classic favorites or exploring creative twists, each recipe offers something unique to enjoy.

Feel free to customize these dishes based on your personal preferences—add or omit ingredients to suit your taste. I encourage you to experiment with new additions like nuts, fruits, or spices to create your own signature salad.

Share your favorite recipes or variations with me, as I’m always eager to discover new delicious combinations!