50+ Chicken Salad Recipes That’ll Make You Swoon

My best friend Lisa recently threw a fabulous summer garden party. The star of the show? Her incredible array of chicken salad dishes.

As guests raved about each unique flavor, I knew I had to share these recipes with the world.

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1. Classic Herb & Mayo Chicken Salad

Let’s start with a timeless favorite that never fails to please. This classic herb and mayo chicken salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s like a comforting hug in a sandwich!

Classic Herb & Mayo Chicken Salad Recipes

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Classic Chicken Salad with Fresh Herbs from Sweet Savory and Steph.

Cooking Time: 35 min. Rating: 5.

Chunky Herb-Mayo Chicken Salad Thumbnail

Chunky Herb-Mayo Chicken Salad from Family Style Food.

Cooking Time: 10 min. Rating: 5.

Best Chicken Salad We've Made Thumbnail

Best Chicken Salad We’ve Made from Inspired Taste.

Cooking Time: 10 min. Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

This recipe’s success lies in the perfect blend of fresh herbs. Dill, parsley, and chives work together to create a bright, garden-fresh taste that complements the tender chicken perfectly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations to find your personal favorite!

2. Zesty Lemon & Dill Chicken Salad

Looking for a chicken salad that screams “summer”? This zesty lemon and dill version is your answer! It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. You’ll feel like you’re dining al fresco in the Mediterranean with every bite.

Zesty Lemon & Dill Chicken Salad Recipes

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Lemon Dill Chicken Salad from Betr Health.

Cooking Time: 20 min. Rating: 3.

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Chicken Salad with Lemon and Dill from Savory Nature -.

Cooking Time: 15 min.

Chicken Salad with Lemon and Dill Thumbnail

Chicken Salad with Lemon and Dill from Punchfork.

Cooking Time: 5 min. Rating: 4.9.

Source: Google.com

This recipe is using fresh lemon juice and zest. It adds a bright, citrusy pop that perfectly balances the rich creaminess of the dressing. Pair it with some crisp cucumber slices and you’ve got a lunch that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

3. Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

Kick things up a notch with this fiery Southwest-inspired chicken salad! It’s bold, it’s zesty, and it’s guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. If you’re tired of bland lunches, this recipe is your new best friend.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad Recipes

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Spicy Southwest Salad from The Oregon Dietitian.

Rating: 5.

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Chick Fil A Spicy Southwest Salad Copycat Recipe from Jar Of Lemons.

Rating: 4.7.

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Spicy Southwest Salad from Sailor Bailey.

Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

This salad brings the heat with a combination of diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a dash of hot sauce. But don’t worry, it’s not all about the spice. Cool, creamy avocado and sweet corn kernels balance out the heat for a perfectly harmonious flavor profile.

4. Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes

Take your taste buds on a flavor adventure with this curry chicken salad! The warm, aromatic spices combined with sweet, juicy grapes create a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. It’s like a mini vacation for your mouth!

Curry Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipes

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Curried Chicken Salad from Once Upon a Chef.

Cooking Time: 30 min. Rating: 5.

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Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes from Allrecipes.

Cooking Time: 1 h 20 min. Rating: 4.4.

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Curried Chicken and Grape Salad from Betty Crocker.

Cooking Time: 30 min. Rating: 4.5.

Source: Google.com

The curry powder adds a beautiful golden color and complex flavor to the dressing. Don’t be shy with it! The sweetness of the grapes and the crunch of toasted almonds perfectly complement the earthy curry notes. It’s a unexpected combination that totally works.

5. Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad

Transport yourself to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with this Greek-inspired chicken salad. It’s fresh, it’s tangy, and it’s packed with all those delicious flavors you love in Greek cuisine. Opa!

Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipes

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Greek-Style Chicken Salad from Allrecipes.

Cooking Time: 2 hr. Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, greek yogurt, feta cheese, bibb lettuce, kalamata olives.

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Healthy Greek Chicken Salad from Sweet Savory and Steph.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, greek yogurt, rotisserie chicken, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes.

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Greek Chicken Salad from Yes to Yolks.

Cooking Time: 10 min. Rating: 5. Ingredients: Diced chicken breast, greek yogurt, feta cheese, lemon, bibb lettuce.

Source: Google.com

Crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and diced cucumbers are the stars of this show. A dressing made with Greek yogurt and lemon juice keeps things light and zingy. Serve it in a pita pocket for an easy, portable lunch that’ll make your coworkers jealous.

6. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Craving something a little different? This Asian-inspired sesame chicken salad is here to shake up your lunch routine! It’s a delightful fusion of East meets West that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipes

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Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe from Foolproof Living.

Rating: 5.

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Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad from Ambitious Kitchen.

Rating: 5.

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Asian Sesame Chicken Salad with the best dressing ever Recipe from Laura in the Kitchen.

Source: Google.com

The dressing is the real MVP here, featuring sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Mandarin orange segments add a burst of juicy freshness, while sliced almonds and crispy wonton strips provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a textural wonderland!

7. Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

Calling all hot wing lovers! This Buffalo blue cheese chicken salad brings all the flavors of your favorite game day snack to your lunch box. It’s bold, it’s tangy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy those Buffalo sauce cravings.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Recipes

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Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Salad from Silk Road Diary.

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Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese from SlimFast.

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Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Cilantro Ranch from Carlsbad Cravings.

Cooking Time: 35 min.

Source: Google.com

The challenge is finding the right balance between the spicy Buffalo sauce and the cooling blue cheese dressing. Don’t forget to add some diced celery for that classic Buffalo wing side kick. It’s like having wings for lunch, minus the mess!

8. Waldorf Chicken Salad

Class it up with this elegant Waldorf chicken salad. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory that’s perfect for a ladies’ luncheon or a fancy picnic. Trust me, you’ll feel positively posh eating this!

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipes

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Chicken Waldorf Salad from The Pioneer Woman.

Cooking Time: 40 min. Rating: 5.

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Simply The Best Chicken Waldorf Salad from Allrecipes.

Cooking Time: 40 min. Rating: 4.7.

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Chicken Waldorf Salad from EatingWell.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.3.

Source: Google.com

The combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts creates a symphony of textures in every bite. A dressing made with Greek yogurt keeps things light while still maintaining that classic Waldorf creaminess. It’s a timeless recipe with a modern, healthier twist.

9. Pesto Chicken Salad

Bring a taste of Italy to your lunch with this vibrant pesto chicken salad. It’s bursting with fresh basil flavor and will transport you straight to a sunny Tuscan garden. Bellissimo!

Pesto Chicken Salad Recipes

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Pesto Chicken Salad from Downshiftology.

Rating: 5.

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Pesto Chicken Salad from Serious Eats.

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Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Greens from EatingWell.

Rating: 4.7.

Source: Google.com

Whether you make your own or use store-bought, make sure it’s packed with plenty of basil and Parmesan flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely sweet-tart contrast that really makes the flavors pop.

10. Tropical Mango Chicken Salad

Dreaming of a beach vacation? Let this tropical mango chicken salad whisk you away to paradise! It’s sweet, it’s tangy, and it’s bursting with sunny tropical flavors. One bite and you’ll practically hear the ocean waves!

Tropical Mango Chicken Salad Recipes

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Tropical Mango Chicken Salad with Grilled Pineapple & Shredded Coconut from Clean Eating Magazine.

Cooking Time: 25 min.

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Tropical Chicken Salad with Mango Dressing from Eat the Gains.

Cooking Time: 24 h 20 min.

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Chicken Mango Salad from Diethood.

Cooking Time: 40 min. Rating: 4.8.

Source: Google.com

Ripe, juicy mango is the star of this show, adding a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. A hint of lime juice and a sprinkle of coconut flakes complete the tropical flavor profile. Serve it in a halved papaya for an extra fancy presentation!

11. Avocado Chicken Salad

Calling all avocado lovers! This creamy, dreamy avocado chicken salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s rich, it’s satisfying, and it’s packed with good-for-you fats. Who says healthy can’t be delicious?

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipes

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Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.

Rating: 4.9.

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Avocado Chicken Salad from Simply Recipes.

Rating: 5.

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Avocado Chicken Salad from Delish.

Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

The mashed avocado creates an incredibly creamy base that’s a perfect alternative to mayo. A squeeze of fresh lime juice keeps the avocado from browning and adds a bright, zesty flavor. Throw in some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness that takes this salad to the next level.

12. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Bring a taste of Thanksgiving to your lunch box with this delightful cranberry pecan chicken salad. It’s sweet, it’s crunchy, and it’s full of festive flavors. Who says you can’t enjoy holiday tastes all year round?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipes

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad from Nourished Simply.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 5.

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad from A Southern Soul.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.8.

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Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (High Protein) from Mary’s Whole Life.

Cooking Time: 10 min. Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

Dried cranberries add a delightful chewy texture and bursts of tart-sweet flavor throughout the salad. Toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken. A touch of orange zest in the dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.

13. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Take a culinary journey to the sunny Mediterranean with this flavor-packed chicken salad. It’s fresh, it’s healthy, and it’s bursting with all those delicious Mediterranean ingredients we love. You’ll feel like you’re dining on a Greek island!

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipes

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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad from Cafe Delites.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 4.8.

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Mediterranean Chicken Salad from Feel Good Foodie.

Cooking Time: 30 min. Rating: 5.

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Mediterranean Chicken Salad from Slender Kitchen.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.9.

Source: Google.com

Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives create a powerful flavor trio that’ll transport your taste buds. A dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice keeps things light and authentic. Sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for that perfect salty finish.

14. Tarragon Chicken Salad

Elevate your chicken salad game with this sophisticated tarragon version. It’s elegant, it’s flavorful, and it’s perfect for when you want to feel a little fancy. Julia Child would definitely approve!

Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipes

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Tarragon Chicken Salad from Simply Recipes.

Rating: 4.9.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad from Eating Bird Food.

Rating: 5.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad with Sliced Almonds from 40 Aprons.

Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

Fresh tarragon is the hero of this recipe, adding a subtle licorice-like flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken. A splash of white wine vinegar in the dressing adds a touch of acidity that really makes the flavors sing. Serve it on croissants for the ultimate French-inspired lunch.

15. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Bring the flavors of a summer cookout to your lunch with this mouthwatering BBQ ranch chicken salad. It’s tangy, it’s creamy, and it’s got that irresistible smoky BBQ flavor we all love. It’s like a party in your mouth!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipes

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BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad from One Lovely Life.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.8.

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Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad from Wellness by Kay.

Cooking Time: 35 min.

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BBQ Ranch Salad from Our Best Bites.

Cooking Time: 20 min.

Source: Google.com

The combination of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing might sound unusual, but trust me, it works! The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is perfectly balanced by the cool, creamy ranch. Add some corn kernels and diced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.

16. Apple Fennel Chicken Salad

Looking for a chicken salad that’s a little out of the ordinary? This apple fennel version is sure to intrigue your taste buds! It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’s got a unique flavor profile that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Apple Fennel Chicken Salad Recipes

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Apple-Fennel Chicken Salad from Bon Appetit.

Rating: 3.5. Ingredients: 3, 5(109).

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Apple, fennel and chicken salad from Taste.

Rating: 5.

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Apple Fennel Chicken Salad from Served From Scratch.

Rating: 4.8.

Source: Google.com

Thinly sliced fennel adds a subtle anise flavor and a delightful crunch to the salad. Crisp apple provides a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fennel. A light dressing made with yogurt and lemon juice lets these unique flavors shine through.

17. Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Salad

End your chicken salad journey on a high note with this vibrant roasted red pepper version. It’s smoky, it’s sweet, and it’s got a gorgeous red hue that’ll brighten up your lunch box. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!

Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Salad Recipes

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Mediterranean Chicken Salad from Slender Kitchen.

Cooking Time: 15 min. Rating: 4.9.

Roasted Pepper Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts & Basil Thumbnail

Roasted Pepper Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts & Basil from Once Upon a Chef.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 5.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Thumbnail

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken from Kiersten Hickman.

Cooking Time: 25 min. Rating: 5.

Source: Google.com

Roasted red peppers are the star here, adding a lovely smoky sweetness to the salad. A touch of smoked paprika in the dressing enhances that roasted flavor. Chopped fresh basil adds a pop of color and a hint of Italian flair that complements the peppers beautifully.

There you have it – 17 incredible chicken salad recipes that are sure to revolutionize your lunch game! From classic favorites to exotic flavor combinations, there’s something here for every palate. So go ahead, pick your favorite (or try them all!), and get ready to fall in love with chicken salad all over again. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll never have to suffer through a boring lunch again!

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