After much trial and error, I present to you the best chicken salad recipe. In addition to tasting great, it's gluten, dairy and mayo free, and packed with nutrients. It has quickly become my favorite chicken salad recipe and makes the perfect lunch for busy days!
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe (with a Healthy Twist)
This easy chicken salad recipe is quick to make (even quicker if you use leftover chicken!) and makes a great lunch, dinner or snack. Pack it in a container for a quick meal on the go. It's also a hit at potlucks.
The best way I've found to get this going is to put some in the bottom of a jar, add some lettuce or spinach and squeeze it tight. This will keep well for a few days in the fridge and is a great way to meal prep for the week.
Chicken salad ingredients
This chicken salad uses probiotic-rich yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a unique flavor. Greek yogurt has even more protein, but regular, plain yogurt will work too. If you prefer to keep it classic and use mayo instead, then try this homemade version with healthy fats. For an eggless version, I like this one too avocado “can”.
And of course, you can't have chicken salad without cooked chicken! I will often make boneless chicken breasts in advance for the week to use in various dishes. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or roast chicken for a quick prep time and added flavor. I like diced chicken in this recipe, but shredded chicken works too.
Chicken salad can be pretty simple, but adding some tasty ingredients really makes your taste buds pop. I experimented with different combinations to finally find something my whole family loves! Walnuts and celery add a nice crunch, while diced apple, red grapes and honey add a touch of sweetness. I also add basil, garlic and black pepper to balance out the sweeter flavors.
Additions and substitutions
The best thing about chicken salad is that you can mix and match the ingredients with what you have on hand. Instead of walnuts, try some chopped pecans. Don't have grapes? Cranberries will also work. Here are some other ideas:
- Fresh herbs such as chives, cilantro, tarragon or fresh dill
- Finely chopped red onion
- Yogurt (or mayonnaise) mixed with yogurt
- Diced avocado
What should we serve with chicken salad?
Most restaurants offer chicken salad sandwiches (especially on croissants), but we don't eat many sandwiches in our house. My favorite way to eat this is over a bed of lettuce as a salad. Another good low-carb option is to make lettuce wraps with romaine or butter lettuce.
It also tastes great as a snack over sliced cucumber. Or eat it with a spoon!
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Creamy chicken salad with probiotics, tender chicken and crunchy nuts and fruits. Perfect for a lunch or snack!
-
Place the chicken, walnuts, celery, diced apple and grapes in a large bowl.
-
Add yogurt, honey, lemon juice and spices.
-
Mix all the salad ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
-
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition facts
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 308
Calories from fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10 g15%
Saturated fat 2 g13%
Trans fat 0.02 g
Unsaturated fat 5 g
Monounsaturated fat 2 g
cholesterol 97 mg32%
Sodium 586 mg25%
potassium 784 mg22%
Carbohydrates 18 g6%
Fiber 2 g8%
Sugar 14 g16%
Protein 36 g72%
Vitamin A 173 IU3%
Vitamin C 7 mg8%
Calcium 54 mg5%
Iron 1 mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe makes a great jar salad for lunches or light meals on the go. Simply place the chicken salad in the bottom of a mason jar and top with lettuce or spinach and swirl the lid on.
Also, try these variations of the chicken salad recipe…
What is your favorite way to eat chicken salad? Leave a comment and let us know!
