28 chicken salads for easy lunches, light dinners, and second helpings
Chicken salad is one of those recipes that never really goes out of style. It’s simple, reliable, and somehow tastes even better the next day. With the right mix of crunch, creaminess, and seasoning, it’s always a solid choice.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad
This crispy buffalo chicken salad is full of flavor and crunchy goodness. It’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Salad
Instant Pot barbecue chicken quinoa salad is a hearty, protein-packed meal full of flavor. Quick to make and totally satisfying. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Salad
Guacamole Chicken Salad
This guacamole salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect on its own or topped with chipotle chicken for a full meal. All your favorite guac ingredients are paired with crunchy romaine and a bright cilantro-lime dressing. Get the recipe: Guacamole Chicken Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad
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
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
Mandarin Chicken Salad
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 recipe: Mandarin Chicken Salad
Strawberry Chicken Salad
This strawberry chicken salad is light, fresh, and perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Juicy berries, tender chicken, blue cheese, caramelized sunflower seeds, crisp lettuce, onion, and balsamic vinaigrette all come together in one bowl. Get the recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
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 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
Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Salad
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
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 recipe: Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad
Waldorf Chicken Salad
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
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
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
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
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
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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
Cheesy Italian Chicken Salad Sliders
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
Instant Pot Chicken Salad
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 Caesar Pasta Salad
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
Chimichurri Chicken Salad
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
Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad
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 recipe: Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Salad
Vietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad
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 recipe: Vietnamese Chicken and Cabbage Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
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
Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
This Cajun chicken Caesar salad brings bold, zesty flavor that stands out in the best way. It’s the kind of salad that actually feels exciting to eat and doesn’t fade into the background. Get the recipe: Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
Everything Bagel Chicken Salad
This everything bagel chicken salad is a MUST make. Savory and delicious, this chicken salad is made without mayo and is high in protein! Get the recipe: Everything Bagel Chicken Salad
Chicken and Pear Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
This chicken and pear salad brings together juicy Cajun chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet pears over fresh greens. Finished with avocado, sunflower seeds, and creamy poppyseed dressing, it’s crisp and colorful. Get the recipe: Chicken and Pear Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Curry Chicken Salad
Rich and creamy with hints of sweetness and spice. This curry chicken salad is packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes
Give this curry chicken salad with grapes a try and fall for the Indian-spiced mayo and Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a quick, flavorful lunch that comes together in just 5 minutes. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes