20 chicken salad recipes for when you want something fresh

These chicken salad recipes cover everything from classic to creative, so there’s something for every mood. They work for quick lunches, easy dinners, or even meal prep. It’s a yummy way to use up grilled, leftover, or rotisserie chicken.

Mandarin Chicken Salad

A bowl of Mandarin Chicken Salad.
Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

This mandarin chicken salad with a creamy ginger dressing is light, fresh, and easy to prepare. The sweet and savory mix makes it a recipe you will look forward to. Get the recipeMandarin Chicken Salad

Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Salad

A bowl of chicken and rice salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Such a fresh and tasty way to use a bounty of fresh basil. This salad features cooked and cooled rice, fresh lemon and tender chicken, and it totally eats like a meal. Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Chicken Rice Salad

Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad

A plate of Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad.
Image Credit: Soccer Mom Blog

This crispy chicken Cobb salad is loaded with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and fresh veggies. The honey mustard dressing pulls it all together and makes it kinda hard to stop eating. Get the recipeCrispy Chicken Cobb Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A plate of coronation salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Originally served to the Queen, this flavorful chicken salad lets you eat like the royals. With its golden dressing with balanced flavors of creamy mayo, sweet preserves, and spicy curry, you will be feeling like a true aristocrat. Get the recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Herbed Chicken Salad Wraps

A plate of herbed chicken salad wraps.
Image Credit: Sugar and Snap Peas

These hearty herbed chicken salad wraps work for lunch, dinner, or even as a party app. Fresh parsley and dill bring the flavor, while onions and celery add the perfect crunch. Get the recipe: Herbed Chicken Salad Wraps

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A plate of greek yogurt chicken salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

This tasty recipe hits all the right spots. Creamy, sweet, crunchy, and super tasty, this flavorful Greek yogurt chicken salad is an all-time fave. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A plate of buffalo chicken salad.
Image Credit: Budget Delicious

This Buffalo chicken salad is packed with deliciousness, making the healthy choice a breeze. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and good for you. Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

A bowl cranberry pecan chicken salad.
Image Credit: Whole Natural Kitchen

This cranberry pecan chicken salad brings the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. Scoop it onto a sandwich, wrap, or lettuce cups for an easy lunch—no picnic or potluck required. Get the recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Chicken Taco Salad

A plate of chicken taco salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

A quick and easy dinner salad, this recipe features chicken tenders cooked in a sauce of ranch and salsa. Enjoy with fresh greens and your favorite taco toppings. Get the recipe: Chicken Taco Salad

Instant Pot Chicken Salad

A bowl of instant pot chicken salad.
Image Credit: The Recipe Well

Instant Pot chicken salad keeps it simple with chicken breast, celery, bell pepper, green onion, mayo, and Greek yogurt. Perfect for meal prep and easy to switch up with different mix-ins. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken salad on a croissant.
Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

This flavorful chicken salad sandwich comes together fast and works for any meal. Serve it on bread, a croissant, or lettuce—easy to prep ahead and always a hit. Get the recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Waldorf Chicken Salad

A plate of waldorf chicken salad.
Image Credit: Piping Pot Curry

This Waldorf chicken salad comes together in no time, with juicy chicken, crisp apples, celery, and sweet grapes. A perfect balance of fresh, sweet, and savory flavors. Get the recipe: Waldorf Chicken Salad

Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad

A bowl of chicken caesar salad.
Image Credit: Chili to Choc

Spicy chicken caesar salad packs a hearty punch with fresh Romaine, homemade garlic croutons, and real Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) shavings. Topped with juicy grilled chicken and a creamy Caesar dressing without anchovies or raw eggs. Get the recipe: Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A bowl of buffalo chicken salad.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This Buffalo chicken salad brings restaurant-quality flavor with crunchy veggies, avocado, chopped chicken, and crumbled bleu cheese. Topped with creamy buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, it’s perfect as a main dish or game-day side. Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Chimichurri Chicken Salad

A bowl of chimichurri chicken salad.
Image Credit: Style and Grace

This chimichurri chicken salad brings fresh herbs and zesty flavors to your lunch routine. Skipping the mayo for olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tons of herbs, it’s a quick, healthy twist on the classic chicken salad. Get the recipe: Chimichurri Chicken Salad

Cheesy Italian Chicken Salad Sliders

A platter of cheesy italian chicken salad sliders.
Image Credit: The Virtual Caterer

These Italian chicken salad sliders hit the sweet spot with creamy, tangy, and crispy flavors. Whether it’s game day, dinner time, or a quick bite, this recipe has you covered. Get the recipe: Cheesy Italian Chicken Salad Sliders

Vietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad

A plate of Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad.
Image Credit: Delightful Plate

Vietnamese chicken and cabbage salad (Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải) is a light and refreshing dish. You can enjoy as a side as well as a healthy main. Featuring vibrant flavors and colorful presentation, it is also an excellent choice to bring to potlucks. Get the recipeVietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad

Curry Chicken Salad

A curry chicken salad on a plate.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Rich and creamy with hints of sweetness and spice. This curry chicken salad is packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

This chicken Caesar pasta salad takes the classic Caesar to the next level with chopped chicken and tender pasta. Packed with all the classic flavors, it’s ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a main meal. Get the recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad

A bowl of Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad.
Image Credit: The Oregon Dietitian

This grilled hot honey chicken salad is the kind of summer dinner that feels light but still filling. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, juicy chicken, and a spicy-sweet dressing that ties it all together. Get the recipeHot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad

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