ucalorie If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying for lunch, dinner, or even a light meal prep option, this Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yet tangy dressing, this classic dish brings together nutrition, convenience, and taste in one bowl. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, looking for a healthy work lunch, or planning a simple family meal, this homemade chicken salad hits the spot every single time.
One of the best things about this Chicken Salad Recipe is its flexibility. Not only can you whip it up in under 30 minutes, but you can also get creative with your ingredients. From crunchy celery and red onions to creamy avocado, juicy grapes, or even a spicy kick of Dijon mustard, the mix-ins are completely customizable. Additionally, the balance of lean protein and vibrant veggies ensures that this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re serving it on a bed of lettuce, scooping it into sandwich bread, wrapping it in a tortilla, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this chicken salad recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. With a light yet creamy dressing and a satisfying crunch in every bite, you’ll quickly realize why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.
Preparation Time for Chicken Salad Recipe
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 10 minutes (if using fresh chicken)
- Chilling (optional): 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients for Chicken Salad Recipe
Main Salad Base:
- Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded or diced) – 2 cups (~330 calories)
- Celery (chopped) – 1/2 cup (~8 calories)
- Red Onion (finely chopped) – 1/4 cup (~15 calories)
- Red or Green Grapes (halved) – 1/2 cup (~52 calories)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped) – 2 tablespoons (~1 calorie)
- Chopped Walnuts or Almonds – 2 tablespoons (~100 calories)
Creamy Dressing:
- Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (~720 calories)
- Plain Greek Yogurt – 1/4 cup (~34 calories)
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon (~15 calories)
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (~3 calories)
- Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed) – 1 tablespoon (~4 calories)
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (~0 calories)
- Garlic Powder (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon (~1 calorie)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Avocado (cubed) – 1/2 fruit (~120 calories)
- Boiled Egg (chopped) – 1 egg (~78 calories)
- Cucumber (chopped) – 1/2 cup (~8 calories)
- Cherry Tomatoes (halved) – 1/2 cup (~15 calories)
Instructions: How to Make Chicken Salad
1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies
Cook and Cool the Chicken:
Firstly, if you’re using fresh chicken breasts, season them lightly with salt and pepper, then grill, boil, or bake them until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C). Let them cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If you’re short on time, feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Chop the Veggies and Fruits:
Meanwhile, finely chop the celery, red onion, and grapes. If you’re adding cucumber, avocado, or tomatoes, prepare those as well. Having all ingredients prepped makes mixing everything together much easier and keeps the texture consistent.
2: Make the Creamy Dressing
Whisk the Dressing Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk until smooth and well emulsified. This dressing is the key to balancing creamy richness with a zesty lift.
Adjust to Taste:
At this point, taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. For more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Prefer a creamier texture? Add a spoonful more mayo or yogurt.
3: Mix It All Together
Combine Chicken and Mix-Ins:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, grapes, nuts, and fresh parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the top.
Gently Fold to Coat:
Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until well combined. Take your time here to ensure the dressing coats every bite without mashing the ingredients.
Optional Chill Time:
While you can serve the salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes enhances the flavor and lets the dressing soak into the chicken.
4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve in Multiple Ways:
There’s no one right way to enjoy chicken salad! Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Spoon it over fresh greens for a low-carb lunch
- Sandwich it between two slices of whole grain bread
- Stuff it inside pita pockets or lettuce wraps
- Serve it as a dip with crackers or veggie sticks
Garnish for Visual Appeal:
For presentation, sprinkle with extra parsley, a pinch of black pepper, or a few chopped nuts on top.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
Since it stores well, this chicken salad is ideal for weekly meal prep. Portion it into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Calorie Breakdown
- Chicken Breast: ~330 calories
- Mayonnaise: ~720 calories
- Greek Yogurt: ~34 calories
- Grapes, Celery, Onion: ~75 calories
- Walnuts/Almonds: ~100 calories
- Dressing Extras: ~23 calories
- Optional Add-Ins (Egg, Avocado, Cucumber, etc.): ~221 calories
Total Calories (with optional add-ins): ~1,503 calories
Per Serving (makes 4 servings): ~375 calories each
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavor Profile:
With creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes from the grapes and Dijon mustard, every bite offers a wonderful contrast in flavors.
Textural Variety:
The crunchy celery and nuts pair perfectly with the tender chicken and juicy grapes for a dynamic mouthfeel.
Quick and Convenient:
It’s incredibly fast to prepare—especially if you’re using pre-cooked chicken—making it perfect for last-minute meals or on-the-go lunches.
Nutritionally Well-Rounded:
Thanks to the lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from mayo and nuts, and fiber from the veggies, this salad keeps you full and energized without being heavy.
Customizable to Taste:
Whether you prefer more fruit, less mayo, or additional spices, this recipe easily adapts to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken is recommended for texture and flavor, canned chicken is a convenient alternative.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any additional products (like bread) are labeled gluten-free if needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the Greek yogurt or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut-based yogurt.
What’s the best way to store chicken salad?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate once thawed.
Can I make it keto-friendly?
Definitely. Skip the grapes and opt for more avocado or eggs. Also, choose a sugar-free or keto-friendly mayonnaise brand.
How can I reduce the calories?
Use light mayo, increase the yogurt ratio, and reduce the amount of nuts or skip them entirely. The taste remains satisfying while lowering the fat content.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can replace part or all of the mayo with mashed avocado, hummus, or additional Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Can I add herbs or spices?
Yes! Fresh dill, chives, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile to your liking.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Comfort in Every Bite:
Chicken salad is more than just a meal—it’s comfort food with a refreshing twist. It reminds you of family picnics, Sunday brunches, and wholesome packed lunches.
Ideal for Every Season:
While it’s a favorite in summer, this recipe is just as enjoyable during colder months. You can even serve it warm if preferred.
Versatility That Delivers:
Whether you’re on a health kick, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, chicken salad fits the vibe every time. It’s satisfying enough to be a main dish, yet light enough to be a side.
No-Fuss Ingredients:
Everything you need is probably already in your fridge or pantry. And if not, substitutions are easy and plentiful.
A Meal That Brings People Together:
From family dinners to potlucks, chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in a large bowl and let everyone build their own sandwich or wrap—it’s an interactive, tasty experience.
