There’s something magical about a well-made chicken salad. It’s comforting, cool, and perfect for any time of year — especially when you’re in need of a quick lunch or a dish to impress at a picnic. This chicken salad recipe isn’t just your average throw-together meal. It brings together tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing with the perfect balance of tang and seasoning.
Whether you’re looking for a classic chicken salad sandwich or a low-carb lettuce wrap, this version is flexible, flavorful, and fast. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 15 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your fridge.
What Makes This Chicken Salad Recipe Special
This version takes all the best elements of the classic and enhances them with smart flavor choices and make-ahead convenience.
● Fresh and light – It’s not overloaded with mayonnaise or heavy seasoning. The balance between creamy and crisp is just right.
● Meal prep-friendly – You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it for days.
● Perfect for all diets – Swap the bread for lettuce cups, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
● Versatile flavor base – Grapes, celery, and lemon juice offer brightness, crunch, and sweetness without needing extra sugar or filler ingredients.
Ingredient Breakdown with Purpose
Here’s a simple breakdown of each ingredient and why it belongs in this chicken salad recipe:
Chicken (Cooked & Shredded)
Lean protein that makes this recipe filling and satisfying. Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken both work well.
Red Grapes (Halved)
These add a natural sweetness and juicy texture, balancing the savory base without adding sugar.
Celery (Diced)
Provides a crisp texture and freshness to contrast with the soft chicken.
Red Onion (Minced)
Mild yet flavorful, red onion adds just the right amount of sharpness.
Mayonnaise
Gives the salad its creamy texture. Light mayo works great for a lighter version.
Lemon Juice
Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the mayo.
Garlic Powder + Onion Powder
Boosts savory depth without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
Salt + Black Pepper
Essential seasoning to round out the flavor and bring all the ingredients together.
Expert Tip – How to Cook and Shred Chicken Quickly
Cooking chicken for this recipe doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to do it in 20 minutes flat:
Boiling Method
● Place 2 boneless chicken breasts in a pot.
● Add enough water to cover the chicken.
● Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
● Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
● Let it cool for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks or a hand mixer.
Rotisserie Shortcut
● No time to cook? Just grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
● Remove the skin, shred the meat, and you’re ready to go.
This step is often glossed over in many articles, but ensuring your chicken is tender and properly seasoned before mixing makes a major difference in texture and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Salad Step by Step
Making this chicken salad recipe is about as easy as it gets. There’s no need for complicated cooking methods or fancy tools. It comes together in one bowl and tastes even better the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions
● Step 1 – Prep the Chicken
Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or quickly poach your own (see tips in Chunk 1). Make sure it’s cooled before mixing so the dressing stays creamy.
● Step 2 – Dice the Ingredients
Cut grapes in half, dice celery and onions finely. You want uniform bites for perfect texture in every spoonful.
● Step 3 – Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
○ ½ cup mayonnaise
○ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
○ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
○ ½ teaspoon onion powder
○ ½ teaspoon salt
○ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Taste and adjust as needed before combining.
● Step 4 – Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix:
○ 3 cups cooked chicken
○ 1 cup grapes
○ 2 diced celery stalks
○ ½ small red onion
Then pour the dressing over and gently stir until evenly coated.
● Step 5 – Chill or Serve Immediately
You can eat it right away, but chilling for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld. Perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Creative Serving Ideas
One of the best things about this chicken salad recipe is how adaptable it is. You can dress it up or keep it simple — no rules, just flavor.
Try These Serving Styles
● Classic Sandwich
Use buttery croissants or whole grain bread. Add crisp lettuce and thin tomato slices if you like.
● Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps
Spoon the chicken salad into Bibb or Romaine leaves for a fresh, crunchy bite.
● Chicken Salad Bowl
Serve it over a bed of baby spinach, spring greens, or quinoa for a power-packed lunch.
● Picnic Favorite
Pack it in a jar with a fork for a mess-free picnic meal or road trip snack.
● Stuffed Avocados
Halve an avocado, remove the seed, and fill the center with chicken salad for a protein-rich, keto-friendly meal.
Customization Tips
To make the most out of this chicken salad recipe, here are a few tweaks based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
● Add Toasted Nuts
A handful of chopped walnuts or almonds can add crunch and healthy fats.
● Try Dried Fruits
No grapes? Dried cranberries or chopped apples work beautifully.
● Swap the Mayo
Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter, dairy-forward version.
● Add Herbs
Chopped dill, parsley, or even a hint of tarragon brings extra flavor and brightness.
● Make It Dairy-Free
Skip the cheese, and use a dairy-free mayo alternative. The flavor still holds strong.
How to Store Chicken Salad Safely
Proper storage ensures that your chicken salad remains fresh and safe to eat for days. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead or saving leftovers, follow these storage tips.
Storage Guidelines
● Refrigeration
Place the chicken salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 5 days. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
● Freezing? Not Recommended
Because the dressing contains mayonnaise, freezing can separate the ingredients and affect texture. If needed, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and mix fresh salad later.
● Meal Prep Tip
If making a large batch, consider storing the salad base and dressing separately. Combine them when ready to serve to maintain crispness.
Chicken Salad Recipe Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at what’s inside one serving of this wholesome chicken salad. It’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and a great fit for balanced diets.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4% DV |
| Vitamin C | 6% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 5% DV |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds depth of flavor. Just shred or chop it and you’re good to go.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or mashed avocado work well as healthier alternatives. You can also try a mix of yogurt and mayo to cut back on fat while keeping it creamy.
How do I keep chicken salad from getting watery?
Make sure your grapes and celery are well-drained and pat dry. If you’re prepping it ahead, consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Can I make chicken salad the day before?
Yes! In fact, the flavors get better with time. Just store it in an airtight container and stir well before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe is gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it on—choose gluten-free bread, lettuce wraps, or eat it plain.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not ideal for this recipe because the mayo-based dressing can separate when thawed, resulting in a watery, unappetizing texture.
What if I don’t like grapes in chicken salad?
You can swap them with chopped apples, dried cranberries, or omit them entirely. The salad will still be flavorful.
How long can chicken salad sit out at room temperature?
No more than 2 hours. After that, bacteria can start to grow. If you’re outdoors on a hot day, limit it to 1 hour.
Final Thoughts on Making the Best Chicken Salad
A well-made chicken salad is more than just a simple lunch—it’s a versatile, wholesome option for any time of day. With this upgraded chicken salad recipe, you’re not only getting a delicious and creamy mix, but also flexibility to tweak it to your taste.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, prepping lunches for the week, or tossing together a quick dinner, this recipe fits the bill. Add a little crunch, swap in seasonal ingredients, and make it your own.
Now that you know how easy it is to make a standout chicken salad at home, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll never look at store-bought versions the same way again.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoons salt
- ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- ½ tablespoons onion powder
- ¼ tablespoons black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, grapes, red onion, and celery.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve on bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or salad greens.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 220IU |
| Vitamin C | 4mg |
| Calcium | 30mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
