When it comes to quick, flavorful lunches, few recipes deliver like a well-made chicken salad. This version strikes the perfect balance: creamy dressing, crunchy celery and nuts, juicy grapes, and tender chicken — all coming together in one irresistible bite. 😍
It’s ideal for busy weekdays, meal prep, or even a light dinner on a warm evening. Serve it on toasted bread, buttery croissants, or fresh lettuce leaves for a healthy twist!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
✅ 15-minute prep – Perfect for meal prep or last-minute lunches
✅ Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
✅ Crunchy, creamy, and a little sweet
✅ Easy to customize with pantry/fridge staples
✅ Naturally gluten-free when served on lettuce
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Expanded)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped – Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience, but you can use poached, grilled, or roasted chicken. Breast meat gives a leaner texture, while thighs add extra richness.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise – Use yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor, or classic mayo for a creamy, traditional feel. You can also do half-and-half for balance.
- ½ cup chopped celery – Brings fresh crunch and mild flavor. Look for firm, pale green stalks with no brown spots.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds a toasty, nutty bite. You can also try sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for variation. Lightly toasting nuts boosts their flavor!
- ½ cup quartered grapes – Red or black seedless grapes work best for sweetness and juiciness.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional) – Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch, but you can leave it out or substitute green onions for a milder flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – For gentle savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste depending on your chicken and dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance the sweetness.
- For serving: toasted bread, croissants, lettuce cups, or tortillas – Choose your favorite base!
🍏 Optional Add-ins:
- Diced apples for crisp sweetness
- Dried cranberries or cherries for chewy tartness
- A splash of lemon juice for brightness
- Dijon mustard for a tangy punch
👨🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayo, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Mix-ins
Add the cooked chicken, celery, grapes, nuts, and red onion (if using). Stir everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 3: Taste & Adjust
Sample and adjust seasoning — you might want a touch more salt or pepper.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled on bread, croissants, tortillas, or lettuce wraps.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🥐 On buttery croissants for a cafe-style lunch
- 🥬 In lettuce cups for a low-carb, gluten-free option
- 🌯 Wrapped in a tortilla with spinach or arugula
- 🥗 Over a bed of mixed greens with extra grapes and toasted nuts
- 🍞 On whole grain toast with sliced avocado
💡 Chicken Salad Tips & Variations
- Shred or dice the chicken based on preference — shredding gives a softer texture, dicing keeps it chunky
- Add crunch with apples, nuts, or sunflower seeds
- Make it dairy-free with avocado mayo or vegan alternatives
- Boost protein with extra Greek yogurt or hard-boiled eggs
- Switch up the fruit – try pineapple chunks, dried apricots, or even blueberries!
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Meal prep: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week
- Avoid freezing: The creamy dressing won’t hold up well after thawing
- Keep chilled: Always refrigerate — it’s best served cold
❓ FAQs About Chicken Salad
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes! Just drain well and shred. It’s a great pantry shortcut.
Q: What’s the best nut to use?
A: Pecans are classic, but walnuts or sliced almonds work too. Toasting them makes a big difference!
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Q: Can I make it without fruit?
A: Sure! Just increase the crunch factor with more celery or cucumbers.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is one of those recipes that never goes out of style — it’s comforting, customizable, and delicious in any season. This version delivers that perfect contrast of creamy, crunchy, and juicy, with just enough sweetness from the grapes to keep things exciting. 🍇🥄
It’s also endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping for the week, or planning a picnic, this recipe fits the moment. You can dress it up with croissants and fancy add-ins, or keep it simple in a lettuce wrap or sandwich. It always satisfies.
And let’s not forget how meal-prep friendly it is — make a big bowl and enjoy it for days. With no cooking required if you’re using rotisserie chicken, it’s a lifesaver on busy days. Light, fresh, and full of texture, this easy chicken salad earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. 💚🥗
Short version
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, nuts, grapes, and red onion (if using). Stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the yogurt mixture.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
- Serve the chicken salad as a sandwich on your favorite bread or a buttery croissant, spoon it over fresh greens for a lighter meal, or tuck it into a tortilla or crisp lettuce leaves for a delicious wrap.
Notes
Make Ahead Tip: Store the prepared chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, as long as it’s made with freshly cooked chicken. This makes it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
