Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you on the hunt for a delicious and easy chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or a tasty lunch? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing my go-to chicken salad recipe that’s not only mouthwatering but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for 30-minute meals or someone who loves easy pasta recipes (yes, you can serve this over pasta too!), this chicken salad is a versatile winner for any mealtime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
• Light and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness from the grapes
• Customizable to your taste preferences
• Great for meal prep or a quick lunch
• Kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious chicken salad recipe. Don’t worry, it’s simple and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the steps to make this tasty chicken salad. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, red grapes, red onion, and celery. I like to use a mix of dark and white meat for added flavor, but feel free to use whatever you prefer!
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I always start with a little salt and pepper and add more to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Don’t overmix—it should still have a nice texture!
4. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just a heads-up: if you’re planning to serve this at a picnic or outdoor gathering, make sure to keep it chilled and discard any leftovers that have been out for more than 2 hours.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to take your chicken salad game to the next level:

• For extra crunch, add some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or pecans.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
• Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Dill weed or paprika are great additions!

How to Serve

One of the best things about this chicken salad is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing salad.
• Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. I love it on whole-grain bread with a side of pickles!
• Spoon it over a bed of pasta for a quick and easy pasta salad.
• Enjoy it as a topping for crackers or crostini for a quick snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

This chicken salad is a great option for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. It’s perfect for packing in lunches or having on hand for a quick weeknight dinner. Just give it a good stir before serving and you’re good to go!

And there you have it, folks! A simple, delicious, and versatile chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or just a tasty lunch, this chicken salad is sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to check out some of my other chicken salad recipes, like the Best Delicious Classic Chicken Salad Recipe or the How to Make Southern-Style Chicken Salad Recipe, for even more inspiration. Happy cooking! 🍽️

Chicken Salad

A fresh and flavorful mix of chicken, grapes, and veggies in a creamy dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup red grapes cut in half
• 1/2 small red onion diced small
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise light
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, red grapes, red onion, and celery.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Stir the dressing into the main ingredients until well combined.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. Discard if left out for more than 2 hours.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Always keep refrigerated and consume within the recommended time frame.

Keyword chicken