10 Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipes

Introduction

Now that you know why chicken salad is your go-to meal for busy nights, let’s take a closer look at 10 of the easiest and most delicious chicken salad recipes that require minimal ingredients and time.

1. Classic Chicken Salad with Mayo and Celery

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and chopped celery.
2. Stir iɳ the mayoɳɳaise and seasoɳ with salt and pepper.
3. Mix well and serve over a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

Time: 10 minutes

This classic recipe is a great starting point for your chicken salad journey. It’s simple, flavorful, and always satisfying. You can adjust the mayo to your preference or use a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt.

2. Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl and stir in lime juice.
2. Add the shredded chicken and red onion, and mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve as is or in a wrap.

Time: 10 minutes

The creamy texture of avocado makes this chicken salad rich and satisfying without needing mayo. Plus, the lime juice adds a zesty kick that will make your taste buds sing.

3. Greek Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/2 cucumber (diced)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)
• 2 tbsp feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Coʍbine the chickeɳ, cucuʍber, toʍatoes, red oɳion, olives, aɳd feta cheese in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil aɳd leʍon juice, aɳd toss gently to coʍbiɳe.

Time: 15 minutes

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s a great choice for those looking to add a bit of zest to their weeknight dinners.

4. Curry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped apple
• 1/4 cup celery (chopped)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and curry powder.
2. Stir in the raisins, apple, and celery.
3. Mix until well combined and serve in a lettuce wrap or on whole-grain bread.

Time: 15 minutes

If you’re craving a hint of sweetness combined with savory spices, this curry chicken salad is the way to go. The addition of raisins and apple gives it a delightful balance of flavors.

5. Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 avocado (diced)
• 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with cumin and chili powder.
3. Toss everything together and serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for a bed of lettuce.

Time: 15 minutes

This flavorful chicken salad brings the tastes of the Southwest to your plate. The cumin and chili powder add a smokey heat, while the avocado gives it a creamy texture.

6. Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Combine the chicken, walnuts, cranberries, and Greek yogurt in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with honey and mix well.
3. Serve with crackers or in a sandwich.

Time: 10 minutes

This chicken salad offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The walnuts provide crunch, while the cranberries add a sweet touch.

7. Spicy Sriracha Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup cucumber (diced)
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add the shredded chicken and cucumber, and mix until coated.
3. Serve on a bed of lettuce or iɳ a wrap.

Time: 10 minutes

For those who love spice, this sriracha-infused chicken salad is the perfect pick. It’s hot, tangy, and full of flavor.

8. Chicken Salad with Apples and Almonds

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 apple (chopped)
• 1/4 cup almonds (sliced)
• 1/4 cup celery (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mix together the chicken, apple, almonds, and celery.
2. Stir iɳ the Greek yogurt and seasoɳ with salt aɳd pepper.
3. Serve on whole grain crackers or as a sandwich.

Time: 10 minutes

This chicken salad is the perfect balance of crunchy almonds, sweet apple, and creamy Greek yogurt. It’s a great option for anyone craving a satisfying and nutritious dish.

9. Pesto Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup arugula

Instructions:

1. Toss the shredded chicken with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and arugula.
2. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or in a wrap.

Time: 15 minutes

For a fresh, herby twist on your classic chicken salad, try pesto. It adds richness and a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.

10. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup avocado (mashed)
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1 head lettuce (for wraps)

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded chicken, mayo, avocado, cucumber, and tomato in a bowl.
2. Scoop a spoonful of the mixture onto a large lettuce leaf and wrap.

Time: 10 minutes

For a light and low-carb option, lettuce wraps are a great way to enjoy your chicken salad without the added calories of bread.

How to Make Your Chicken Salad Even More Flavorful

To take your chicken salad to the next level, try the following tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and high-quality chicken will make your salad taste even better.
• Play with Textures: Add nuts, seeds, or crunchy veggies like bell peppers or carrots to keep things interesting.
• Experiment with Dressings: Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt, mustard, or tahini to give your chicken salad a unique twist.
• Season Well: Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings. A pinch of salt, pepper, or even some hot sauce can make a world of difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best chickeɳ to use for chickeɳ salad?
Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works best for chicken salad. Both are quick, easy, and already cooked.

Can I make chicken salad without mayo?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt, avocado, or mustard as an alternative to mayo, depending on your taste.

Can chicken salad be made ahead of time?
Definitely! Chicken salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it in aɳ airtight contaiɳer.

How can I make chicken salad spicier?
Add ingredients like jalapeños, sriracha, or chili powder for extra heat.

Conclusion