They’re bright, healthy, and irresistible. Plus, they’re often hearty enough that you don’t need anything on the side! There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer, especially when it comes to food. And nothing screams “warm weather” quite like a big bowl of greens with plenty of toppings. Add some lean, protein-packed chicken, and you’re good to go! So, whether you’re in the mood for a simple side or something more complex, this round-up of salad recipes with chicken has something for everyone.
Chicken Salad Recipes We Adore
1. Classic Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a timeless dish that’s been served at potlucks, picnics, and BBQs for generations. It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This recipe is so easy to make, and it can be served on a bed of greens or inside a flaky croissant for lunch. Yum!
2. Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is one of those perennial picnic favorites, but sometimes it can get a little boring. That’s why you should spice things up with this Mediterranean recipe. The grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor, while the lemon and herbs give it a bright, fresh taste. Healthy and low-carb, you can enjoy this salad guilt-free. So get your ingredients ready and get cooking.
3. Chicken Waldorf Salad
This is a must-try recipe! It is a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors, and the crunch of the apples and celery is pretty much perfect. This recipe is straightforward, which is always a bonus in my book. Simply combine cooked chicken, diced apples, celery, grapes, raisins, and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Then give it all a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. Foolproof, amirite?
4. Mexican Grilled Chicken Salad
This Mexican salad is the perfect recipe for a summer BBQ! The juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing come together to create a dish that’s jam-packed with flavor. And best of all, it can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy your party worry-free. So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious salad!
5. Green Goddess Salad
On the hunt for a healthy and flavorful salad recipe that’s not boring? Look no further than this green goddess salad. It’s fully loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients, including lettuce, cucumber, and avocado. Meanwhile, the dressing is a tantalizing blend of yogurt, lime juice, and olive oil. And to top it all off, the whole thing’s garnished with crumbled goat cheese for a wonderfully tangy finish. Trust me, this salad will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So go ahead and give it a try!
6. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Need a new way to use up that leftover rotisserie chicken? This simple salad is brimming with flavor, and it’s crazy easy to make too. Simply combine chopped chicken, grapes, celery, whipping cream, and seasonings in a bowl. Then, give it all a good mix and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors marry. Serve chilled on a bed of greens or enjoy as is. So good, so easy, and so versatile!
7. Coronation Chicken Salad
Traditionally served to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, this recipe is fit for royalty. It is made with chicken, mayonnaise, dried apricots, and mango chutney. That alone is bright and tasty. But there’s also curry powder in the dressing, making it super complex. I like to serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a crusty roll.
8. Easy Chopped Chicken Salad (Meal-Prep)
Between the easy method, healthy proteins, and yummy veggies, this recipe is ideal for meal prep. Just chop up some chicken, veggies, and fruit, and you’re good to go. It’ll hold well in the fridge for up to four days, so there’s no need to gobble it all up at once. But I wouldn’t blame you if you did! This salad is pretty darn scrumptious. I like combining olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing, but you can use any sauce you like.
9. Costco Chicken Salad
Costco’s chicken salad is absolutely legendary. The recipe is simple, but the flavor is complex and intensely satisfying. The key ingredients are chicken, dried cranberries, celery, mayonnaise, spices, and pecans. The berries offer some delightful chewy goodness, while the seasoning brings a subtle smokiness that takes it to the next level.
10. Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad
This is a wonderfully light and healthy salad packed with yummy ingredients. But the secret to success is the succulent and tender rotisserie chicken. Try as you might, you’ll never replicate that incredible flavor at home – so why bother trying? It’s cheap enough to buy a whole bird, and it’ll last a solid few days in the fridge. Pull the meat off the bones and toss it with crunchy veggies like cabbage, scallions, and carrots.
11. Balsamic Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
Made with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a balsamic vinegar dressing, this salad is super zesty and filling. The chicken is cooked in a balsamic vinegar and olive oil mixture, giving it a flavorful and tender taste. The avocado provides a creamy texture to the salad, while the tomatoes and mozzarella add a fresh flavor. Balsamic vinegar dressing ties all of the flavors together and gives the salad a slightly sweet taste.
12. Chinese Grilled Chicken Salad
This Chinese grilled chicken salad recipe is out of this world. Marinated in a Chinese BBQ sauce and then grilled to perfection, it’s one you won’t want to share. The salad includes a variety of fresh vegetables, and it’s all tossed in a lovely light dressing. The vegetables can be anything you have on hand, but I usually use cabbage, carrots, and peppers.
13. Chicken Shawarma Salad
Packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s easy to make? Sign me up! Grilled chicken is the perfect protein for this salad, and the smoked paprika gives it a nice smoky flavor you’ll love. Between the chicken, romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes, red onions, and pickled sliced banana peppers, this is like your favorite shawarma wrap in a bowl. In fact, you could stuff this mix in a pita, and you’d have a pretty yummy lunch or light dinner.
14. Chicken Cucumber Avocado Salad
Chicken, cucumber, and avocado are a match made in heaven. And this yummy salad is proof! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand, cook some chicken breasts with a flavorful spice rub, then dice them when cooled. Be sure to chop the cucumber finely, but leave the avocado chunky. Finally, dress the bowl in a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and lemon juice.
15. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken and Avocado
The combination of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and rich avocado in this salad is out of this world amazing. The blend of flavors and textures makes for a delicious and well-rounded dish. Plus, this salad is packed with nutrients, and it’s low in calories. So, it’s just what you need for a healthy lunch or dinner.
16. Crunchy Pistachio Chicken Salad
Crunchy, fun, and easy to make, you’ll love this jazzed-up chicken salad recipe. The pistachios bring beautiful pops of color and much-needed crunch, while the Greek yogurt adds a touch of sweetness. To make it extra special, serve it on a bed of greens or with a crusty baguette.
17. Chicken Satay Salad
I’m a massive fan of chicken satay, but I usually have it on skewers. So this was a fun one for me to try. And it didn’t disappoint! It has all the same delicious flavors, including perfectly marinated chicken, crunchy cabbage, and green onions. But it’s the sweet and tangy peanut sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more.
18. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this simple summer salad couldn’t be easier to make. Just throw some chicken, veggies, and Asian-inspired dressing into a bowl, and you’re good to go.
19. Caesar Salad – with Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Caesar is one of the most popular salads in the world. Made with Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar salad dressing, it’s tangy, creamy, cheesy, and addictive. While there are many store-bought versions available, nothing compares to the flavor of this homemade salad dressing. Make it once, and you’ll never go back to bottled sauce again.
20. Chicken Pasta Salad
Why make regular pasta salad when you can make this yummy chicken pasta salad recipe? Quick, easy, and super versatile, this is ideal for bringing to work for lunch. Add any veggies you have on hand, or stick with the peppers, carrots, and green onions. Either way, it’s filling yet light and easy to make in bulk.
21. Smoked Chicken Salad
Try this smoked chicken salad when you’re craving the flavor of grilled meat but don’t want to fire up the BBQ. Use store-bought smoked chicken to make the prep quick. Of course, the dressing includes liquid smoke, so regular chicken will still have that hint of BBQ goodness.
22. Thai Minced Chicken Salad (Larb Gai)
The key to making a good Larb Gai is to get the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Luckily, this recipe does just that! It hits all the right notes and is sure to please even picky eaters. It’s a must-try!
23. Grilled Peach Chicken Salad
Between the skinless chicken breasts, peaches, and salad greens, this salad is overflowing with nutrients. You’ll start with perfectly grilled chicken and peaches. And if you’ve never grilled fruit before, you’re in for a real treat. The flavor is enhanced and deeply caramelized. Seriously, the peaches are probably the best part about this dish!
24. Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
This recipe is a fun and easy way to get your salad fix! The grilled chicken is full of flavor, and the fajita veggies add a nice crunch – plus some fun colors! The chili-lime dressing ties it all together for a delicious and healthy meal everyone will love.
25. Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Packed with flavor, this salad features grilled chicken, fresh avocado, and a creamy pesto dressing. Feel free to use store-bought pesto. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own! It’s a terrific way to tweak the recipe to your liking. For example, I use a mix of pine nuts and walnuts along with extra garlic! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, this delicious recipe is sure to hit the spot.
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