Name: Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped); ½ cup chopped celery; ½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts or sliced almonds, toasted if desired); ½ cup quartered grapes; ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional); Bread, croissants or lettuce (for serving)

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If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time, the Best Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender cooked chicken with crisp celery, crunchy nuts, and sweet bursts of grapes all tied together with a creamy, garlicky dressing made from Greek yogurt. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a satisfying salad, this recipe hits the perfect balance of taste, texture, and simplicity that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds six separate layers of ingredients arranged side by side. Starting at the top left, there is a pile of light beige shredded chicken, next to it on the right are dark red halved grapes, followed by small chopped purple-red onion pieces. Below the grapes and onion is a creamy white layer of yogurt sprinkled with orange seasoning. Moving left from the yogurt, there is a large cluster of brown pecan nuts, and finally, at the bottom left, a pile of small green celery cubes topped with a sprinkle of black pepper. The layers are distinct with different colors and textures, forming a colorful, fresh mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Best Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy dressing to the crunchy nuts and juicy grapes, giving the salad a delightful contrast in every bite.

Plain Greek yogurt: Provides a tangy, creamy base and a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and savory warmth to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad for perfect seasoning.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
Cooked chicken: The hearty star ingredient, shredded or chopped for easy mixing.
Chopped celery: Delivers a refreshing crunch and brightness to every bite.
Chopped pecans: Adds a toasty, nutty layer of texture; walnuts or sliced almonds work great too.
Quartered grapes: Bring subtle sweetness and juiciness that perfectly contrast the savory elements.
Finely chopped red onion (optional): Lends a sharp, zesty note that enlivens the salad.
Bread, croissants, or lettuce: Your choice for serving, each offering a different delicious way to enjoy the salad.

How to Make Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Start by combining the plain Greek yogurt with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple yet flavorful dressing is the foundation of the Best Chicken Salad Recipe, bringing a tangy and aromatic component that enhances every ingredient.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Crunchy Ingredients

Next, toss in your cooked chicken along with crisp chopped celery, toasted pecans (or your preferred nuts), juicy quartered grapes, and the optional finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to make sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, ensuring that each mouthful delivers the perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Your Seasoning

Before serving, take a moment to taste your salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed to suit your personal preference. This final seasoning step makes the Best Chicken Salad Recipe truly shine and highlights the freshness of the ingredients.

Step 4: Serve It Your Way

Finally, choose your preferred serving style: on fresh bread or buttery croissants for a sandwich, over crisp lettuce for a lighter option, or wrapped in tortillas or lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld lunch. This flexibility is part of what makes this recipe so beloved.

How to Serve Best Chicken Salad Recipe

The image shows a sandwich stacked in two layers on a white plate with a small bunch of dark purple grapes and some green arugula on the side. Each sandwich half has three thick slices of light brown, grainy textured bread. Between the bread slices is a thick filling of creamy chicken salad mixed with small pieces of light green celery and halved red grapes, giving a mix of white, pale green, and dark purple colors. The chicken salad looks soft and thick with some chunks visible. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo is clear and close-up, showing all the sandwich details nicely. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or tarragon for a pop of color and herbal aroma. A few extra nuts or halved grapes on top add inviting texture and visual appeal that make the dish irresistible.

Side Dishes

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with lightly toasted bread, crisp cucumber slices, or a simple green salad on the side. A bowl of seasonal fruit or crunchy carrot sticks complement the creamy chicken mixture and keep your meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a little different, try serving this chicken salad inside avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes. You can also spoon it into crisp endive leaves for bite-sized appetizers. These creative presentations are perfect for entertaining or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves its freshness and texture, so it’s great for quick lunches or dinner on the go.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the chicken salad without the bread or lettuce for up to a month. Freeze in a tightly sealed container, then thaw overnight in the fridge. The grapes may lose some texture but the overall flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes after taking from the fridge, but avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture and fresh ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! Mayonnaise adds a richer, more classic creaminess, although the Greek yogurt gives a lighter, tangier flavor and added protein. You can even mix both for a balanced taste.

What kind of chicken works best for this salad?

Cooked leftover chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken are all excellent choices. Shredded or chopped chicken both work well depending on your texture preference.

Can I make the salad vegan?

You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a vegan yogurt or mayo alternative. Toasted nuts and grapes will still add the delightful crunch and sweetness that make this salad special.

How do I keep the celery crunchy?

Use fresh, firm celery and add it just before tossing the salad, not too far in advance. Storing the salad in an airtight container also helps maintain that crisp texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! The Best Chicken Salad Recipe holds up well for several days in the fridge, making it a perfect choice for prepping lunches ahead of time. Just add any leafy garnishes or bread when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the Best Chicken Salad Recipe in your culinary toolbox, I encourage you to try making it soon. It’s not only incredibly tasty and easy to whip up, but also versatile enough to suit any meal or occasion. Trust me, once you taste the harmony of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet, this will be your new go-to salad that friends and family will keep asking you to make again and again.

Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need