10 Creative Chicken Salad Recipes You Need to Try

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Chicken salad is a staple in many households, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your tastes. Here, we’ll explore 10 creative chicken salad recipes that will elevate your next meal or get-together. These recipes range from refreshing to savory, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

1. Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Nuts

This classic chicken salad combines tender chicken with sweet grapes and crunchy nuts, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast

• • 1 cup halved grapes (red or green)

• • 1/2 cup chopped celery

• • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, and nuts.

1. 1. In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well coated.

1. 1. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

2. Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

If you’re in the mood for some heat, this spicy Southwest chicken salad is just what you need. Packed with flavors, it’s perfect for those who like a little kick.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

• • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

• • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

• • 1/2 cup diced red onion

• • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• • 1 tablespoon lime juice

• • 1 teaspoon chili powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and red onion.

1. 1. In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

This Mediterranean chicken salad is packed with flavors, thanks to olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

• • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• • 1/4 cup black or green olives, sliced

• • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• • 1/4 cup olive oil

• • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to combine.

1. 1. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

4. Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

This Asian-inspired chicken salad features crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sesame dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 2 cups napa cabbage, shredded

• • 1 cup shredded carrots

• • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced

• • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• • 2 green onions, chopped

• • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, almonds, and green onions.

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until combined.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

1. 1. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Curry Chicken Salad

This curry chicken salad is a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s perfect for those who love exotic tastes.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken

• • 1/2 cup diced apple

• • 1/4 cup raisins

• • 1/4 cup chopped celery

• • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• • 2 tablespoons curry powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, apple, raisins, and celery.

1. 1. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.

6. BBQ Chicken Salad

For barbecue lovers, this BBQ chicken salad combines smoky flavors with fresh ingredients for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)

• • 1 cup diced tomatoes

• • 1/2 cup diced red onion

• • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• • 2 cups mixed greens

• • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, diced tomatoes, and red onion.

1. 1. Add the BBQ sauce and stir until everything is well-coated.

1. 1. On a serving plate, create a bed of mixed greens and top with the BBQ chicken mixture.

1. 1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and serve immediately.

7. Pesto Chicken Salad

This pesto chicken salad is both vibrant and flavorful. Packed with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a delicious twist on traditional chicken salad.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

• • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Mixed greens for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

1. 1. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or in a sandwich.

8. Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries

This delightful salad offers a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors thanks to the apples and cranberries. It’s ideal for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken

• • 1 apple, diced (preferably Granny Smith)

• • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, apple, cranberries, and walnuts.

1. 1. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

1. 1. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

9. Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

This Thai chicken salad is loaded with fresh veggies and features a rich, creamy peanut dressing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a fusion of flavors.

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• • 1 cup shredded cabbage

• • 1 cup shredded carrots

• • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers

• • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon lime juice

• • 1 tablespoon honey

• • Water – as needed for thinning

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cilantro.

1. 1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and enough water to reach desired consistency.

1. 1. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

1. 1. Serve immediately or let it chill for a short time for the flavors to blend.

10. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

For a healthier, low-carb option, try chicken salad served in lettuce wraps. These make for great appetizers or a light lunch!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken

• • 1/4 cup diced cucumber

• • 1/4 cup shredded carrots

• • 1/4 cup diced bell peppers

• • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• • 1 tablespoon lime juice

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.

1. 1. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss well to combine.

1. 1. Serve the chicken salad in lettuce leaves as wraps or cups.

Conclusion

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be adapted with a variety of ingredients to suit different palates and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a classic mix or a more adventurous flavor profile, the recipes shared in this article provide a great starting point for your next culinary creation. Each recipe offers its unique blend of flavors and textures, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. So grab your chicken and get cooking! You won’t be disappointed with these creative chicken salad recipes.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken for these recipes?

Yes, canned chicken can be used in any of these recipes as a convenient alternative, but fresh cooked chicken is generally preferred for flavor and texture.

2. How do I store leftover chicken salad?

Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may become a bit soggy over time, so try to eat it within a couple of days for best quality.

3. Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Most chicken salads can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. What can I serve with chicken salad?

Chicken salad can be served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers. It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes.

5. How can I make chicken salad healthier?

You can make chicken salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, adding more vegetables, and using lean protein like grilled chicken breast.