This Best Chicken Salad Recipe brings together juicy chicken, crisp celery, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts in a creamy, flavor-packed dressing. The perfect balance of savory and sweet elements creates a refreshing dish that’s versatile enough for lunch boxes, picnics, or elegant gatherings. Ready in just 15 minutes, this chicken salad delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort – making it the ultimate go-to recipe for busy weekdays and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This chicken salad comes together in just 15 minutes – perfect for those busy days when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, with crackers as an appetizer, or straight from the bowl. It’s adaptable to any occasion from casual lunches to fancy gatherings.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of creamy dressing, tender chicken, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s utterly satisfying.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve when made a day ahead, making this perfect for meal prep or planning for events.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of the dressing that brings everything together. Use full-fat for the richest flavor, but light works too if you prefer.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tangy kick that balances the creaminess and wakes up your taste buds.
  • Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and a pop of color. Fresh herbs make all the difference here.
  • Lemon juice and zest: The secret weapons that add freshness and zing, cutting through the richness of the mayo.
  • Garlic and onion powder: These provide depth of flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic or onion.
  • Seasonings (salt, paprika, pepper): Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
  • Chicken: The star of the show! Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own for maximum tenderness.
  • Celery: Provides that essential crisp texture and subtle peppery flavor.
  • Red grapes: Their sweet juiciness creates little bursts of flavor in every bite.
  • Honeycrisp apple: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a touch of tartness that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Red onion: Just enough to add complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Dried cranberries: Their chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor create interesting contrast.
  • Pecans: Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful crunch factor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your chicken salad? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

  • Mediterranean Style: Swap the fruits for chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a dash of oregano to the dressing.
  • Curried Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the dressing for a warm, exotic twist. Throw in some golden raisins for sweetness.
  • Tropical Version: Replace grapes and apples with diced pineapple and mango. Add toasted coconut flakes instead of pecans.
  • Herb Lover’s Delight: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and tarragon for an herb-forward version that’s bright and fragrant.
  • Lighter Option: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed dressing with fewer calories.

How to Make the Best Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Take a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients

To the bowl with the dressing, add your diced chicken, celery, halved red grapes, diced apple, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix – you want the ingredients to maintain their distinct textures.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (though you can certainly enjoy it right away if you’re in a hurry). This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Chicken Preparation: For the most flavorful chicken, season it well before cooking. I love using a rotisserie chicken for convenience, but poached chicken breasts work wonderfully too. Just don’t overcook them!
  • Texture is Key: Cut all ingredients to a similar size for the perfect bite. Too large, and you’ll miss out on the flavor combinations; too small, and everything becomes mushy.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: If not serving immediately, toss your diced apple in a little extra lemon juice before adding to the mix to prevent browning.
  • Toasting Nuts: Never skip toasting the pecans – it takes just 5 minutes in a dry skillet and transforms their flavor from good to amazing.
  • Dressing Consistency: If your salad seems too dry, add a touch more mayo. Too wet? Add a bit more chicken or other solid ingredients to balance it out.

How to Serve

This chicken salad shines in so many serving styles:

Classic Sandwiches

Pile it high between slices of toasted bread with lettuce and tomato for the ultimate chicken salad sandwich. Croissants make it feel extra special!

Light Lunch Option

Serve a scoop over a bed of mixed greens or inside a hollowed tomato for a lower-carb option that’s still satisfying.

Party Platter

Offer it as a dip with an assortment of crackers, cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or mini toast points for an elegant appetizer spread.

Stuffed Avocados

Fill halved avocados with chicken salad for a beautiful presentation that’s creamy, rich, and perfect for lunch guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare all components separately up to a day ahead. Store the dressing in one container and the chopped ingredients (except apples) in another. Combine everything just before serving, adding freshly chopped apples at the last minute.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate upon thawing, and the crisp vegetables and fruits will lose their texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

    While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best flavor and texture, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it very well and break up any large chunks. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since canned chicken can be milder in flavor. Give it a try when you’re really pressed for time!

  2. How do I keep my apples from turning brown in the salad?

    The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, but if you’re prepping ahead, toss your diced apples in a tablespoon of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. Another option is to add the apples just before serving if you’re making the rest of the salad in advance.

  3. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise if I don’t like it?

    Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute – it’s tangier but still creamy. You can use all Greek yogurt or do a half-and-half mixture with mayo to ease into the different flavor profile. Sour cream or mashed avocado can also work, though they’ll change the flavor profile more significantly.

  4. Why did my chicken salad turn out watery after being in the refrigerator?

    This happens when fruits and vegetables release their moisture over time. To prevent this, make sure your chicken is well-drained before adding it, and pat dry your celery and grapes after washing. If you still notice excess moisture after refrigeration, simply drain it off before serving or stir in a little more mayo to recombine.

Final Thoughts

This Best Chicken Salad Recipe strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s the kind of versatile dish that fits just as well at a casual family lunch as it does at an elegant garden party. The combination of creamy dressing, tender chicken, and the medley of fruits and nuts creates something truly special that goes beyond ordinary chicken salad. Give it a try – I’m confident it will become your new go-to recipe for everything from quick weekday lunches to special gatherings!

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Best Chicken Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Best Chicken Salad Recipe is a creamy, delicious, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet, tangy fruits coated in a flavorful homemade dressing, this salad offers the perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s easy to prepare and can be served as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or even as a hearty snack with crackers.

 

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad:

  • 2 1/2 cups small diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup small diced celery
  • 3/4 cup halved red grapes
  • 1 cup small diced Honeycrisp apple
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup toasted finely chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, sweet paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the Salad Ingredients
    To the bowl with the dressing, add the diced chicken, celery, halved grapes, diced apple, red onion, cranberries, and toasted pecans. Gently mix together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
  3. Combine and Serve
    Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and the dressing is evenly distributed. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Notes

  • Chop Evenly: Ensure all ingredients are diced into small, uniform pieces for even flavors and textures in every bite.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dressing before tossing it with the salad. You can adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
  • Serve Cold: Let the salad chill before serving for the best flavor and texture. It also makes the dish extra refreshing.
  • Versatile Serving Ideas: This chicken salad works beautifully in sandwiches, over lettuce, or even as a dip for crackers.
  • Experiment: Add variety by swapping red grapes for green grapes, or pecans for walnuts. Consider trying dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different burst of flavor.
  • Use Fresh Chicken: For the best results, use tender, freshly cooked chicken like a rotisserie or poached chicken pieces.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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