Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

You know those days when you just want something quick, tasty, and homemade? Yeah, me too. That’s why I love this easy chicken salad recipe—it’s fresh, creamy, and comes together in minutes!

No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just simple, delicious chicken salad you can whip up anytime.

It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or just eating straight from the bowl (because, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there). Plus, you can make it ahead of time—hello, easy meal prep!

So, grab your chicken, a few pantry staples, and let’s make the easiest, tastiest chicken salad ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Comes together in just 10 minutes with minimal prep.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches.
• Balanced Flavors: A mix of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy textures.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with different nuts, fruits, or seasonings to match your taste.
• Light but Satisfying: A protein-packed meal that won’t weigh you down.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None (Uses pre-cooked chicken)
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or weekly meal prep.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly – No cooking required, just mix and serve!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather these simple kitchen tools:

• Cutting Board & Knife – For chopping chicken, grapes, celery, and onion.
• Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients easily.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures the right balance of dressing and seasonings.
• Spatula or Spoon – For gently mixing everything together.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy and flavorful chicken salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Easy Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This simple chicken salad comes together in minutes with just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook and Dice the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts in a pan, oven, or slow cooker until fully done (165°F internal temperature). Let it cool, then dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the Vegetables and Grapes: Thinly slice the celery, finely dice the red onion, and cut the grapes in half.
• Toast the Pecans: For extra crunch and flavor, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop them coarsely.

2. Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• Lemon juice
• Chopped fresh dill
• Salt and black pepper

This dressing provides the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors.

3. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked chicken, grapes, celery, onion, and pecans into the bowl with the dressing.
• Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill and Serve

• For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, on crackers, or over a bed of greens.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Variations

Want to customize your chicken salad? Here are some tasty variations and add-ins to change things up:

1. Nut and Seed Swaps

• Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different crunch.
• Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

2. Fruit Variations

• Replace grapes with chopped apples, dried cranberries, raisins, or diced mango for a sweet twist.
• Add pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.

3. Different Herbs and Seasonings

• Swap dill for parsley, basil, or chives for a different herb flavor.
• Add a dash of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Dijon mustard for more depth.

4. Lighter Version

• Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier, high-protein version.
• Reduce calories by using light mayo or skipping the nuts.

5. Extra Protein Options

• Mix in hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Add crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad

This versatile chicken salad can be enjoyed in several ways:

1. Classic Sandwich

• Spread the salad on toasted bread, croissants, or sandwich rolls for a satisfying meal.
• Add lettuce, tomato slices, or avocado for extra freshness.

2. Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option)

• Spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce cups (romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg) for a lighter, low-carb option.

3. On Crackers or Crostini

• Serve it as an appetizer or snack with buttery crackers, crostini, or pita chips.

4. Over a Salad Bowl

• Scoop the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a healthy, protein-packed salad.

5. Stuffed in Vegetables

• Hollow out tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocados and stuff them with chicken salad for a fun presentation.

6. Meal Prep Option

• Divide into meal prep containers and store for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How to Store Chicken Salad

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly over time.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

• Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing can separate and change texture once thawed.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep ingredients separately (chop the chicken, celery, and grapes) and store them in the fridge.
• Mix everything fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.

✅ Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor – A quick toast in a dry pan enhances their crunch and nuttiness.

✅ Adjust Dressing to Taste – Add more mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture or more lemon juice for extra tang.

✅ Let It Chill for the Best Flavor – The flavors develop even better after 30 minutes in the fridge.

✅ Slice Grapes Evenly – Cutting grapes in half or quarters ensures even distribution in every bite.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 1 serving (¼ of the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350-400
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	24g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	450mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.

Easy Chicken Salad FAQs

1. Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken salad stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

2. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain it well.

3. How do I make this dairy-free?

Simply replace Greek yogurt with more mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative.

4. What can I use instead of pecans?

Try walnuts, almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

5. Can I add more protein?

Yes! Add hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or chickpeas for extra protein.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is a must-have for meal prep, quick lunches, and fresh, flavorful meals. Whether served on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or as a side dish, it’s a deliciously satisfying option that’s both creamy and crunchy. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a simple, nutritious dish any time!