Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Simple and satisfying, easy to prepare and versatile, chicken salad makes the perfect summertime meal. This recipe calls for fresh ingredients available year round in most U.S. grocery stores.
Chicken salad is also a great way to use up leftovers, whether it's grilled, baked or rotisserie chicken. Or you can buy chicken breasts and poach them, a fast and easy method that doesn't heat up the house during hot summer months.
What's so special about this recipe? Crisp celery perfectly complements tender chicken chunks. Tart apple contrasts nicely with the sweetness of dried cranberries. Almond slivers add a pleasant crunch. Fold in creamy seasoned mayonnaise and you have a cool salad that can be served on croissants, avocado halves, flour tortillas or pita pockets. Stick around after the recipe for more serving suggestions.
More Garden Fresh Recipes:
Tips
- Use leftover chicken or poached chicken breasts.
- Reduce salt if using seasoned chicken such as rotisserie.
- If you have access to fresh herbs, try chives and dill.
- During wintertime when fresh herbs are few and far in between, we use seasoning mixes. Our favorite is Chef Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Seasoning (see right).
- Try not to overwhelm the delicate flavors of this salad with too many dried herbs. Try sea salt instead of table salt, which has a metallic after-taste.
- For lower fat chicken salad, purchase low fat real mayonnaise and plain yogurt.
- Choose crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Fuji or any variety common to your area.
- Dried cranberries add sweetness to this salad while fresh lemon juice brightens it.
- Chicken salad can be made ahead of time. The second day, after flavors have married, it is even tastier. Add a little more mayonnaise to freshen up the salad.
Easy Chicken Salad
Cook Time
How to Poach Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Pour water, bay leaf and salt into a large dutch oven.
- Place chicken breasts in water and poach, over medium heat, for about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Chop chicken. Should equal about 6 cups chopped.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Herbes de Provence, poultry seasoning or dill, if fresh herbs unavailable
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 1/2 cups crisp apple such as Granny Smith, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons almond slivers
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- chopped fresh dill and chives, if available
Instructions
- Sprinkle onion powder, salt and dried herbs (if using) over hot, chopped chicken. Chill. Omit dried herbs if fresh herbs are available.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chilled chicken and remaining ingredients.
- Serve chicken salad on croissants or multi-grain bread for delicious sandwiches, or serve atop avocado or melon halves for a lower carb meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Chicken Salad is especially refreshing when served with The Best Limeade or Tangy Mango Lemonade
- Stuff Chewy Whole Grain Pita Bread with chicken salad
- Make chicken salad lettuce cups by scooping it onto lettuce leaves
- Heap chicken salad on avocado halves
- Roll it in flour tortillas for chicken salad wraps
- Spread chicken salad on croissants or fresh rolls dressed with fresh baby spinach, crisp lettuce or alfalfa sprouts
- Spoon chicken salad over a green garden salad and drizzle with honey dijon dressing
Variations
- Substitute grapes halves or pear chunks for the apples
- Try dried sweet or tart cherries instead of cranberries
- Pair dried sweet cherries with tart apples/dried tart cherries with sweet apples
- Experiment with other fresh herbs like tarragon or sage
- Switch it up with walnuts, pine nuts, pecans or cashews instead of almonds
- Curry powder is another seasoning that will spruce up your chicken salad
Comments
AUTHORI hope you can try this Merrci!
Yummy! I'd love this for dinner tonight. Apples sound good in a salad. Haven't tried it with chicken salad.
- AUTHOR
CyberShelley, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this chicken salad! On avocado is my favorite.
I see I am quite late in chiming in here, but had to tell you this was a marvellous recipe and used it on top of avocado. Fabulous meal, thank you for sharing! 5*, up, interesting and useful.
- AUTHOR
Arthur L Hogge, thank you for the nice review. I really appreciate it. I'm happy your wife was pleased! : )
Great recipe. Thank you Vespa. Was a big hit for dinner tonight and I got bonus points with my wife. :)
- AUTHOR
CraftytotheCore, I´m sorry to hear about your grandfather. Yes, this chicken salad is especially flavorful and beautiful served on croissants. We also like to serve it that way when we can find them. Thanks for your comment.
This looks so good. Someone brought to my grandfather's memorial service chicken salad served with cranberries. But they were served on croissants. They were so beautiful. They were a big hit for the guests.
- AUTHOR
JPSO138, thanks for your feedback on this chicken salad recipe! I hope it can become a regular in your home. Enjoy!
- AUTHOR
Suzettenaples, this is a great recipe for a year-round chicken salad eater! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
- AUTHOR
Thelma Alberts, thanks for the votes and your continual support.
I tried your recipe before posting here and I would like to tell.. They are great. I normally do not eat chicken but with this one, there was no problem. There was nothing left on the plate... Great hub!
Great recipe and suggestions for serving it! I love chicken salad and eat it year round. LOL. Very well presented and thanks for all your tips! Sounds and looks delicious!
I love chicken salad. I have not made this food for a long time now. Thanks for reminding me. Voted this up and shared. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
oliversmum, I hope you enjoy this delicious and refreshing summer salad. Thanks for coming by!
Vespawoolf. Hi. Love the sound of your chicken salad. Thank you for sharing it with us, plus all the tips and variations, they are very helpful. Its coming up summer over here, so this recipe will go down a treat. Thanks again. Thumbs up and very Interesting. :) :)
- AUTHOR
Kathryn, cranberries and apples are a great fall flavor combination. This chicken salad was inspired by my favorite flavors and textures, so enjoy! Thank you for paying me a visit. I hope you have a great weekend, too.
This chicken salad recipe looks spectacular! It reminds me of one I had at Cape Cod in Autumn. I always like to have food with apples and dried cranberries in the fall. I am definitely going to bookmark this for later use. I'm getting hungry just thinking of this! Thanks for sharing it with us, and have a great weekend!
~ Kathryn
- AUTHOR
Happyboomernurse, thank you for your enthusiastic comment. This is such a light and cool salad for the summertime. I hope you enjoy it!
Oh my, that first photo looks so mouthwatering I could almost taste the chicken salad just by looking at it!
I've had chicken salad made with these ingredients at some fine restaurants but have never made it like this myself. Now that summer's here, it would be a great time to try it. Thanks for sharing this recipe and the different variations on it.
Voted up across the board except for funny and given 5 stars.
- AUTHOR
Vacation Trip, I hope you can try this easy chicken salad soon. It's one of our favorite summertime dishes. Thanks for your comment.
Great recipe. Looks very delicious. Thank you for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Careermommy, we also enjoy chicken salad in the summertime. So quick, easy and delicious! Thanks for coming by.
I love chicken salad. It is so perfect for summer, and a perfect food to make for my kids. Excellent recipe!
- AUTHOR
rajan jolly, chicken salad is a staple lunch for us during the summertime. Thanks for the votes, rating and share!
Thanks for sharing this recipe for chicken salad along with interesting variations. The salad looks very tempting.
Voted up, interesting and shared. Rated 5 stars.
- AUTHOR
Deborah-Diane, chicken salad is a great summertime meal. We love it on soft bread or over avocado or melon halves. Enjoy and thanks for your comment.
I love chicken salad, so I really appreciate this recipe! Thanks!
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Lindacee, enjoy the chicken salad! It makes a quick but delicious lunch that's also easy to dress up for company. Thanks for your comment.
Another one of my lunchtime favorites, vespawoolf! I love that you use yogurt instead of mayo and the combination of seasonings/ingredients sounds perfect. Can't wait to try it! :)
- AUTHOR
Alocsin, I hope you and your partner can try it sometime. It really is delicious and makes a quick and easy summertime lunch or light dinner. We also love to serve it on avocado halves or even with cantelope. Enjoy and thanks for the votes!
Can't believe I missed this when it first came out. Sounds delicious. Voting this Up and Useful.
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Insightful Tiger, I'm glad you're going to try this chicken salad! It's one of our favorites. Thank you for your comment.
I love Chicken salad. This recipe looks yummy. I will definitely try it. Thanks!
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DDE, we also love chicken salad. Enjoy!
Wow! Incredible idea for a salad my one of my best is chicken fillets and this recipe looks so scrumptious!
- AUTHOR
Faythef, enjoy the chicken salad! It really is delicious and easy to make, too. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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Valerie T, thanks for coming by! Enjoy the chicken salad.
- AUTHOR
Hi Suzanne, I'm glad you like the sound of this combination. It really is delicious and so cool and refreshing on a hot day. It's always nice to hear from you. Thanks for the votes, share and pin!
I voted up..I will be trying this ..I love chicken salad..
Looks and sounds yummy! Definitely will try these ingredients
Hi vespa,
I am feeling the urge of downing this NOW!! How delicious it looks and sounds.I love chicken, celery, mayo, apple not to mention herbs . . . .a definite winner!! Thanks so much for another gem of cuisine from your kitchen delights vespa!!
Votse,shares and pinned!!
- AUTHOR
KoffeeKlatchGals, enjoy the chicken salad! It really is delicious, fast and easy. It's always nice to hear from you. : )
I love the sound of your recipe. I love chicken salad. I'll have to try it. Thank you.
- AUTHOR
Eileen Goodall, we especially love this salad on croissants for something extra special. I'm glad you're going to make it for your daughter's lunchbox. Thanks for coming by!
This looks delicious, and I know my daughter will love it in her lunchbox, thanks for posting.
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Denise Handlon, one of my favorite things about chicken salad is that it can be varied to suit each cook's taste. I'm glad you enjoyed my verson and the photos, too. Thanks so much for everything and have a great Friday and weekend. : )
I love chicken salad and had to take a peek at what you put in yours, since there are so many variations. I loved the explanation and description you offer here with each ingredient. Photos are nice and clearly present the information. I rated your recipe a 5 star. Hope your holidays were relaxing. :) Rated up/interesting and Useful...thanks for sharing. I'm pinning it.
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CyberShelley, I really appreciate your review. I'm glad the croissant chicken salad sandwiches were a hit. Thanks so much for the review, vote and share! Have a great day. : )
Loved this salad recipe which I tried using your suggestion of croissants as the base. Everyone absolutely loved it plus my son's girlfriend wanted the recipe! Voted up and shared!
- AUTHOR
Moonlake, lol! Everyone I know has their own special way of making chicken salad. Some like onions, others red pepper, etc. I like this mix of sweet and tangy, crisp and creamy. Thanks so much for the vote and pin! I appreciate your support.
This sounds good. I gave a friend chicken salad one time not knowing she didn't like onions in it, now she tells me! Your salad sounds very good. Voted up and pinned.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, DeborahNeyens! Funny you should say that. I was just telling my husband how frustrated I am with my food photos! I do read tips on the internet but have more to learn about lighting, composition and staging. Thanks for coming by!
Another great-looking recipe, vespawoolf. You really photograph food like a pro. Have you taken lessons?
- AUTHOR
Learner365, I'm glad you enjoyed this hub. Enjoy the chicken salad! It is easy to prepare and delicious. Thank you for coming by.
Looks very nice and easy. I am surely going to try your recipe out. Your Hub presentation is great as well with nice photos and very easy to understand the steps of the recipe.Thank you for sharing.
My vote up and awesome !!!!
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Kris Heeter, I'm glad you've found you enjoy chicken salad. It's so simple and refreshing. Thank you for coming by!
This sounds very tasty. I never like chicken salad as a child but have recently found that I really like it as an adult and have been looking for some recipes. Thanks!
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Peggy W, I do enjoy curry powder but haven't used it for a long time. Great suggestion! I'll add it to the variations. : ) Thanks for the ingredient ideas, too. I really appreciate the vote and comment. Have a great day!
Gave this chicken salad recipe of yours another 5 star rating. I make one that is very similar. It is so easy to adjust the ingredients to whatever is on hand. Other ingredients that I sometimes use to vary it is some grated carrot, diced red or orange peppers, even dried raisins. And if one wishes to spice it up a bit...add some curry powder to the mayo. Yum! Rated useful and up and will share your good recipe with others.
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GlimmerTwinFan, I'm glad you're going to try this recipe! Of course, we all know how to make chicken salad but it's nice to have ideas to switch things up. I love that it's light, easy to make and yummy.
Boy does this look awesome. Pinned and will be trying this since I am so sick of all of the heavy holiday food. I have some chicken breasts in the freezer right now. Thanks vespa!
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Lemonkerdz, it was a very memorable lunch with good friends. : ) It is a quick and healthy lunch! Thanks!
Hi looks like you had a great lunch with this chicken salad. It may be easy, but good for a quick healthy lunch.
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Randomcreative, chicken salad is an American classic. Thank you for coming by!
Chicken salad is one of my favorites! Your recipe looks mouth watering, and I love all of your tips.
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RajanJolly, chicken salad is a common summer dish of North America. It's quick and easy to make which makes it popular. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
The chicken salad looks very appealing. Seems simple to make with these clear instructions. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, simplicity is the beauty of chicken salad. I hope you enjoy this combination of flavors, tammyswallow, and thanks for coming by!
This is one of my most favorite foods. This looks like a wonderful recipe. When it is overseasoned it isn't as good. I am definatley going to try this!
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Why thank you, Mhatter! I hope you enjoy it.
Your serving suggestions put this delicious recipe over the top.
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Carol, chicken salad is a nice standby for a quick and easy meal. I hope you have a chance to try the interesting ingredients! I really appreciate your comment.
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Thank you, Billybuc! No wonder everyone loves you. I hope you and yours have a wonderful week and don't spend too much money. : )
I make a lot of chicken salad and I found some interesting ingredients here to try. Very good
I just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas!
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Peachpurple, I'm glad you enjoyed this hub! I really appreciate your visit.
well constructed recipe with useful bright photos. Well written, instructions clear and precise. Wonderful hub
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