This chicken salad recipe is one of my go-to recipes! It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a simple lunch or dinner. This version is a lighter, healthier take on the classic, so you can enjoy it without any guilt. It's great for making sandwiches or prepping meals for the week. Whether you're packing it for lunch or enjoying it at home, it’s a delicious and refreshing cold meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Recipe

This Chicken Salad is simple, flexible, and great for make-ahead lunches. You can enjoy it as a sandwich, on a bagel, or in lettuce wraps. It's my go-to recipe for quick, protein-packed meals during the week or for potlucks.

I call it “fancy” because of the grapes, but it’s super easy to make! This lighter, fresher version of the classic chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. If you're in a rush, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken to save time. Whether you serve it as a side dish or the main course, it's always a crowd-pleaser!

This creamy chicken salad is like a mix of classic chicken salad and Waldorf salad, so good, that it’ll become your new lunch favorite. The juicy chicken is tossed with a creamy dressing, crisp celery, red onions, and sweet grapes. It's healthy, easy to make, and full of bright, fresh flavors. Each bite combines the tang of Dijon mustard, the sweetness of the grapes, and the crunch of celery. Plus, it’s super simple with minimal cooking involved.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe
🧾Chicken Salad Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Prepare a Chicken Salad
📖Variations
🍽 How to Serve Chicken Salad
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Chicken Recipes to Try!
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

Super Quick: You can whip this salad up in minutes, great for busy days or prepping ahead.
Light and Creamy: Greek yogurt makes it lighter but still rich and creamy, how you like it.
Even Better Later: It’s delicious immediately, but chilling makes it even tastier, perfect for meal prep or hosting.
Make It Your Way: Add extras like nuts, dried cranberries, or a bit of spice to suit your mood.
For Any Moment: Enjoy it as a sandwich, on greens, or its own, it works for lunch, parties, or anything in between.

🧾Chicken Salad Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this chicken salad recipe:

Chicken: I use poached boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they’re mild and soak up the dressing beautifully. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken from boneless, skinless breasts, whatever you have on hand!
Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch with a hint of peppery flavor.
Red Onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet kick and a touch of aromatic depth.
Sweet Gherkin Pickles: Sweet, tangy, and a little briny—they add brightness and a nice chewy contrast.
Red Grapes: Juicy and sweet, they balance the creamy dressing with a fresh burst.

For the Dressing:

Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it’s a lighter alternative to all-mayo.
Mayonnaise: Adds that classic richness for a perfectly creamy base.
Dijon Mustard: Tangy and slightly spicy with a hearty texture, whole grain is great, but any Dijon works.
Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch enhances everything and adds a little warmth and spice.
Parsley & Dill: Fresh parsley gives a bright, peppery flavor, and dill adds a citrusy, sweet aroma.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Bright and tangy, they bring the whole dressing to life.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Prepare a Chicken Salad

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Cut the poached chicken breasts into small pieces and put them in a serving bowl.

2. Chop the celery, onion, and pickles finely. Cut the grapes in half. Mix everything with the chicken.

3. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice, until smooth.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the chicken bowl and toss gently to coat. Chill it in the fridge until serving.

📖Variations

Avocado Chicken Salad: Mix in diced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Swap mayo for mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free twist.
Southwest Chicken Salad: Add corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and cheddar. Toss with a dressing made of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and taco seasoning.
Waldorf Chicken Salad: Include chopped apples, walnuts, and raisins. Stick with classic mayo or lighten it up with yogurt.

🍽 How to Serve Chicken Salad

I usually eat this chicken salad straight from the bowl, it’s that good! But if you want to make it a meal, here are some ideas:

Classic: Try it in a sandwich with bread, croissants, or wraps.
Healthy: Spoon it over greens, stuff it into lettuce cups, or pair it with cucumber slices.
Snacks: Serve with crackers or pita chips for a quick bite or appetizer.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning and tanginess of the dressing before combining it with the salad.

Use a Mix of Creamy and Tangy: Balance mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice for a lighter, more flavorful dressing.

Chill Before Serving: Allow the chicken salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and intensify.

Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Store Properly: Keep chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within 3-4 days for the freshest taste and safest consumption.