20 Flavorful Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love

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By Marcy Hoover

Chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer classic flavors or bold, innovative combinations, there’s a chicken salad recipe for everyone. Below, we’ve compiled 20 flavorful chicken salad recipes that are sure to become your favorites. Each recipe includes detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure you get it right every time.

1. Classic Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and red onion.
  • Add lemon juice and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Tip: For extra crunch, soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding it. This reduces its sharpness while keeping it crisp.

2. Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, Greek yogurt, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with pita bread or over a bed of greens.

Tip: Lightly salt the cucumber before adding it to the salad and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and enhances its flavor.

3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, hot sauce, mayonnaise, and celery.
  • Add lemon juice and mix well.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a bun or with celery sticks.

Tip: For an even bolder flavor, mix the hot sauce with melted butter before adding it to the chicken. This creates a rich, authentic Buffalo-style taste.

4. Asian Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
  • Add the chicken, carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
  • Toss to coat evenly.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Tip: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling them on top. This brings out their natural nuttiness and enhances the flavor.

5. Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, mashed avocado, and Greek yogurt.
  • Add red onion and lime juice.
  • Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on toast or in a lettuce wrap.

Tip: To keep the avocado from browning, mix it with lime juice before combining it with the other ingredients.

6. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, mayonnaise, cranberries, walnuts, and celery.
  • Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a croissant or with crackers.

Tip: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for extra crunch and a richer, nuttier taste.

7. Curry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup apples, diced
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, and curry powder.
  • Add raisins, apples, and celery.
  • Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on bread or over a bed of greens.

Tip: Mix the curry powder with a tablespoon of warm water or oil before adding it to the salad. This helps release its full flavor.

8. Ranch Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, ranch dressing, celery, carrots, and cheddar cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve in a sandwich or as a dip with crackers.

Tip: For extra flavor, use homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs instead of store-bought dressing.

9. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup hummus
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, hummus, cucumber, red bell pepper, and feta cheese.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with pita bread or over greens.

Tip: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and a smoother, richer dressing.

10. BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, BBQ sauce, and mayonnaise.
  • Add corn, black beans, and red onion.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a bun or with tortilla chips.

Tip: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before mixing it into the salad for deeper flavor.

11. Pesto Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Add lemon juice and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a baguette or with crackers.

Tip: For a more vibrant pesto flavor, mix in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

12. Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apples, diced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, mayonnaise, apples, walnuts, and celery.
  • Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on bread or in a lettuce wrap.

Tip: Toss the apple pieces in a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a slight tang.

13. Chipotle Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, and chipotle in adobo sauce.
  • Add corn, black beans, and cilantro.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve in a tortilla or over greens.

Tip: Blend the chipotle in adobo sauce with mayonnaise for a smoother, smokier dressing.

14. Tarragon Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grapes, halved
  • 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, mayonnaise, tarragon, grapes, and almonds.
  • Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a croissant or with crackers.

Tip: Fresh tarragon has a more delicate flavor than dried. If using dried, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

15. Mango Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, mango, red bell pepper, and red onion.
  • Add lime juice and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on bread or in a lettuce wrap.

Tip: Use ripe but firm mangoes to keep the salad from becoming too mushy.

16. Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, ranch dressing, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a bun or with crackers.

Tip: Crisp up the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes for even cooking and extra crunch.

17. Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.
  • Add the chicken, carrots, cabbage, and cilantro.
  • Toss to coat evenly.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with rice or lettuce wraps.

Tip: Add a dash of warm water to the peanut butter dressing to thin it out for easier mixing and better coating.

18. Lemon Dill Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, dill, and cucumber.
  • Add lemon juice and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on bread or with crackers.

Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh dill for a brighter, more refreshing flavor.

19. Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix the chicken, mayonnaise, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
  • Add lime juice and stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve in a tortilla or over greens.

Tip: Roast the corn in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding it to enhance its sweetness and smoky flavor.

20. Caprese Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve on a baguette or with crackers.

Tip: Drizzle balsamic glaze right before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming watery.

Conclusion

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. From classic recipes to bold, international flavors, these 20 chicken salad recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these recipes are sure to impress. Try them out and discover your new favorite!

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