The Best Chicken Salad Recipe for Your Summer Gatherings

Whipping up a delightful chicken salad offers a refreshing twist on classic comfort food.

Crisp vegetables and tender, juicy chicken create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients bring unexpected zest to this simple dish.

Lean protein meets vibrant greens in a delectable combination that feels both light and satisfying.

Summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this versatile recipe.

Crunch meets creaminess in every single bite, promising a meal that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Ready to transform your lunch routine with something truly special?

Why Chicken Salad Recipe Is A Healthy Must-Try

• Quick and Customizable Meal: Perfect for busy individuals who want a delicious lunch packed with protein and variety, this chicken salad allows endless ingredient swaps and personal touches to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: Combining smooth, creamy mayonnaise with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and crisp apples creates a multi-textural experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying for all ages.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Sandwich: Loaded with lean protein from chicken, probiotics from Greek yogurt, and fresh fruits and vegetables, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily transform this chicken salad from a croissant sandwich to a lettuce wrap, salad topping, or dip, making it an adaptable recipe for different dietary needs and meal situations.

Items Needed For Chicken Salad Recipe

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that forms the hearty foundation of the salad.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy protein that adds a tangy and healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Smooth ingredients that help blend the salad components and provide rich flavor.

• Celery, Apple: Fresh vegetables that add crisp texture and natural sweetness to the chicken salad.
• Grapes: Juicy fruits that provide a burst of sweetness and additional moisture.

• Chopped Nuts: Crunchy elements that introduce a nutty flavor and extra protein.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chicken salad.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the final dish.

• Croissants: Soft, buttery bread that serves as the perfect vessel for the chicken salad mixture.

Steps To Prep Chicken Salad Recipe Easily

Step 1: Shred and Mix Chicken Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and add shredded chicken. Pour in mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they create a smooth, well-blended mixture that looks super creamy and appetizing.

Step 2: Toss in Crisp and Sweet Add-Ins

• Diced celery
• Halved grapes
• Diced apple
• Chopped nuts

Gently fold everything into the creamy chicken base, ensuring an even distribution of textures and tastes.

Step 3: Enhance with Seasonings

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the mixture. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly, creating a balanced and tasty filling.

Step 4: Prepare Croissant Vessels

Slice large croissants in half horizontally. Generously spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the bottom half of each croissant, creating a luscious and hearty sandwich base.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Crown each sandwich with the top half of the croissant. Optional: Scatter fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

Kitchen Tips For Chicken Salad Recipe Success

• Swap Mayonnaise for Healthier Options: Replace traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce calories and boost nutritional value while maintaining creamy texture.
• Customize Protein Choices: Substitute chicken with canned tuna, shredded turkey, or plant-based alternatives like chickpeas for diverse dietary preferences and protein sources.
• Control Crunch and Texture: Adjust nut quantities or experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to add varied crunch and nutritional benefits.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Experiment with different fruit combinations like diced pears, mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make Ahead and Store Smartly: Prepare chicken salad mixture in advance and store separately from croissants to maintain freshness and prevent soggy bread.

Ways To Switch Up Chicken Salad Recipe

• Protein-Packed Greek Option: Replace chicken with grilled Greek-style chicken souvlaki, add feta cheese, and use tzatziki instead of mayonnaise for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip croissants and serve chicken salad inside crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative.
• Vegan Chickpea Transformation: Substitute chicken with mashed chickpeas, use vegan mayonnaise, and incorporate similar herbs and chopped vegetables for a plant-based protein-rich option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap grapes for corn kernels, include chopped cilantro, and mix in chipotle mayo for a zesty, southwestern-inspired chicken salad variation.

What Goes Well With Chicken Salad Recipe

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, tangy chicken salad with their light, refreshing notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the salad's delicate flavors.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula or mixed greens salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy croissant chicken salad, adding a crisp, bright counterpoint to the rich filling.
• Match with Chilled Fruit Spritzer: Create a homemade cucumber-mint or strawberry spritzer that provides a cool, sweet contrast to the savory chicken salad, making the meal feel light and summery.

How To Keep Chicken Salad Recipe Fresh And Tasty

• Store the chicken salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption from other foods.
• Carefully transfer the chicken salad to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1-2 months, but note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Warm the chicken salad in short 15-20 second bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the mayonnaise separate.
• For best taste and texture, enjoy the chicken salad straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps maintain its creamy consistency and keeps the ingredients crisp and fresh.

FAQs On Chicken Salad Recipe

• Is this chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it combines lean protein from chicken, probiotics from Greek yogurt, and nutrients from fruits and vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time, providing tender and flavorful meat for your salad.

• How long can the chicken salad mixture stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the chicken salad mixture remains fresh for 3-4 days.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture ahead of time and assemble the croissant sandwiches when ready to eat, making it perfect for quick lunches.

Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “chicken salad” elevates classic comfort with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Fresh Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) celery, diced
• 1 cup (237 ml) red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) apple, diced (Granny Smith)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 4 large croissants
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational mixture by combining shredded chicken with creamy elements in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Introduce textural components like crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy apple pieces, gently folding them into the chicken base to ensure even distribution.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and freshly ground pepper, stirring delicately to maintain ingredient integrity.
4. Select plump croissants and slice horizontally, creating a perfect canvas for the chicken salad filling.
5. Generously layer the prepared chicken mixture onto the croissant bottom, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor potential.
6. Crown the sandwich with the croissant top, creating a complete and enticing meal package.
7. Optional: Refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and develop deeper complexity before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant visual and aromatic finishing touch, elevating the overall presentation and taste experience.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado to create a lighter, healthier version that reduces calories and adds extra nutrients.
• Toast nuts briefly to enhance their natural flavor and create a more robust crunch in the chicken salad mixture.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving technique that delivers tender, pre-cooked meat with minimal effort.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like dill, tarragon, or chives to add unexpected depth and brightness to the classic chicken salad profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg