18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (2024)

Transform plain cooked chicken into a fresh and lively salad that's ideal for a picnic, an elegant luncheon, or even dinner by whipping up one of our creamy recipes. Whether you prefer a classic chicken salad wrapped in mayonnaise, or a mesclun mix adorned with chicken coated in Greek yogurt and lemon, there's no denying that the protein-packed salad has become a mealtime staple.

All of our chicken salad ideas taste great atop a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich using the bread of your choice. Get ready to discover a chicken salad recipe in our collection that's so good, you'll want to make it on the regular.

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Chicken Salad with Apricots and Almonds Sandwich

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (1)

Simple and tasty, the addition of apricots and almonds bring more protein and a touch of sweetness to this classic chicken salad. Enjoy it as an open-face sandwich or over greens.

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Summer Waldorf with Yogurt-Tarragon Dressing

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (2)

Our main dish Waldorf salad features sliced chicken breast. Juicy sweet slices of plum and toasted chopped almonds stand in for the usual apples and walnuts. In place of the mayo we've got a most delectable, and much lighter, yogurt-tarragon dressing.

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Chicken and Grape Salad

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Starting with a rotisserie chicken makes this salad fast to put together. (As the recipe uses half a chicken, it's also a recipe you can make with leftover roast chicken or grilled chicken.). The combination of red leaf lettuce, red grapes, and bacon makes for a salty-sweet-slightly bitter flavor that's balanced by an easy blue cheese-yogurt dressing.

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Chicken Tostada Salad

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (4)

Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for this quick and tasty chicken salad. Tortillas are baked till golden and crispy, then topped with Monterey Jack heese and baked briefly to melt the cheese. They're topped with warmed chicken seasoned with chili powder and lime, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and plenty of cilantro.

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Chicken Club Salad

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (5)

Chunks of baked chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped tomato and red onion mingle with light mayonnaise and white-wine vinegar in this deconstructed club sandwich. Pile the chicken salad on lettuce leaves or toasted sourdough bread to serve. You can prepare the components for this satisfying main-course salad ahead of time but arrange them just before serving.

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Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts

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A Waldorf salad by another name: Apples and walnuts add a satisfying crunch when paired with tender chicken and a tangy, reduced-fat mayonnaise-based dressing.

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Chicken Salad with Scallions and Yogurt

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We use plain low-fat yogurt in place of the usual mayonnaise to make this light and flavorful chicken salad. Mix in chopped celery, scallions, and basil, and serve on fresh rolls or salad greens.

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Chicken, Chickpea, and Pesto Salad

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (8)

Toss chickpeas, sliced English cucumber, celery, and shredded chicken breasts in homemade or purchased basil pesto to make this hearty chicken salad. Chopped tomatoes and bell peppers would also be wonderful additions.

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Tandoori Chicken Salad

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This Indian-inspired chicken salad from cookbook author Padma Lakshmi features yogurt-marinated chicken breasts seasoned with garam masala, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and jalapeño. Toss the sautéed chicken with iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, plum tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, scallions, jicama, and cilantro, then dress with lemon juice and the chicken pan juices.

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Lighter Chicken Salad

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Buttermilk, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce create the creamy, zesty dressing for this light version of classic chicken salad. Stir the dressing into chopped celery, onion, parsley, and shredded poached chicken.

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Apricot-Basil Chicken Salad

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Dried apricots, fresh basil, and slivered almonds make this chicken salad worthy of an elegant shower luncheon or a picnic basket. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, paprika, minced garlic, and champagne vinegar to make the tangy, flavorful dressing.

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Curried Chicken Salad on Whole-Wheat Pitas

18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (12)

Mix nonfat Greek yogurt with curry powder, lemon juice, and just a touch of mayonnaise to make the light and spicy dressing for these open-faced chicken salad sandwiches. Stir in sliced almonds, cubed Granny Smith apple, and poached chicken breast, and serve on toasted whole-wheat pita bread.

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Chutney Chicken Salad

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Major Grey's mango chutney—a compelling combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors—adds zing to the sour cream-mayonnaise dressing for this easy chicken salad. Stir raisins and sliced scallions in and serve on toast or a bed of greens.

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Roasted Chicken Salad

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It's quick and easy to make this sophisticated chicken salad when you start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add toasted pecans, sliced celery and scallions, raisins, oregano, and chopped Fuji or lady apples, and coat with a tangy sour cream dressing. If you'd like to bring this chicken salad on a picnic, be sure to pack it in an airtight container and keep it fresh in a cooler.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad

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To cook chicken breasts with no added fat, gently poach them in simmering salted water. Shred the cooled chicken and combine with celery, fresh tarragon, white-wine vinegar, and olive oil to make this light and refreshing herbed chicken salad.

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Mango Chicken Salad

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Shredded chicken and diced mango are combined in a spicy yogurt dressing seasoned with Major Grey's mango chutney, lime juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and fresh cilantro for a sweet and spicy chicken salad. Serve it on a bed of spinach, sprinkled with toasted coconut.

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Fennel and Apple Chicken Salad

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Diced fennel, Granny Smith apple, celery, and red grapes add a wonderfully fresh, sweet crunch to this chicken salad. Toss the mixture in a light yogurt dressing and pile on slices of pumpernickel bread topped with watercress or simply serve over watercress.

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Chicken Salad Pitas

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Poach chicken breasts, then shred the cooled meat to make this sweet-and-savory chicken salad. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, slivered almonds, canned mandarin orange segments, and celery with the shredded chicken, then stuff the mixture in pita pockets with lettuce leaves.

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18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Are Just Right for Lunch or Dinner (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat chicken salad as a meal? ›

Chicken salad is the perfect easy recipe to make for dinner or a light lunch.

Is chicken salad a good meal for weight loss? ›

Chicken salad can assist with weight loss, but there are some factors to consider. Firstly, you should control your portions. Eating too much, even hearty and healthy foods, is a barrier to losing weight. Chicken is one of the lower-fat foods, and its proteins promote satiety.

How many pounds of chicken salad to feed 20 people? ›

You would typically need around 2 to 2.5 pounds of chicken salad per person, so for 100 people, you'd need approximately 200 to 250 pounds of chicken salad, depending on portion sizes and other dishes you're serving. It's essential to plan and prepare well in advance to ensure you have enough for everyone.

Can a salad be a meal? ›

The good news is that if you love salads, they can absolutely be a complete meal with proper planning!

Is it healthy to eat chicken for lunch and dinner? ›

Eating chicken every day is an easy way to reach those protein goals; Burgess points out that a simple 4-ounce serving of chicken provides 35 grams of lean protein. "Chicken in your meals can be a great way to meet your protein goals," she says.

Is just a salad enough for dinner? ›

If you follow the healthy salad formula and ensure the meal has plenty of veggies, protein and healthy fat, then it can be a great breakfast, lunch and dinner option. Be cautious of eating salad that is exclusively greens or vegetables, as it may be too low in calories, healthy fats or protein to sustain you.

How many calories are in 1 cup of homemade chicken salad? ›

Chicken Salad (1 cup) contains 2.3g total carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 31.9g fat, 29.4g protein, and 417 calories.

What does chicken salad do to your body? ›

Chicken salad is high in protein

Thus, just one serving of chicken salad might meet nearly one-third of your daily protein requirements. Protein is necessary for bone health and muscle strength, but it also: controls appetite. aids in the healing of your body.

Is rotisserie chicken healthy? ›

A rotisserie chicken is better than some of the other alternatives. Even with additives, a rotisserie chicken is a far healthier choice than a fast food run, says Allers. “It's still lower in fat and calories than fast food. It's serving its purpose – it's fast, but it can still help you create a balanced meal.

How many people will 2lbs of chicken salad feed? ›

This two-pound container of chicken salad contains 10 servings. Each serving is 1/3 cup and contains 290 calories.

What is considered a serving of chicken salad? ›

Just one small 1/2-cup (about 4-ounce) serving of chicken salad often contains 400 calories or more. And despite having “salad” in its name, it's often served on bread or in a wrap, rather than on a bed of leafy greens.

How many people will 5 pounds of chicken salad feed? ›

5 pounds of our famous chicken salad flavors presented in serving bowls & served with our delicious crackers. Serves 10-12. [Serves 10 -12 guests] Option to choose either 1 (5 lb) or 2 (2.5 lbs) of our chicken salad presented in serving bowls & served with our delicious crackers.

What to avoid in salad for weight loss? ›

Crunchy Noodles, Wontons, and Tortilla Strips

All they add to your salad are calories (around 120 per half cup) and fat (half of those calories, at around 60 grams). Same goes for tortilla strips or wontons.

What is the healthiest salad you can eat? ›

10 Nutrient-Dense Salad Recipes
  • Low-Carb Asian Chopped Salad.
  • Spicy Shrimp, Avocado, and Arugula Salad.
  • Tofu and Kale Salad.
  • Pear, Grape, and Feta Salad.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad.
  • Blood Orange and Quinoa Kale Salad.
  • Golden Beet and Pomegranate Salad.
  • Roasted Chickpea and Kale Salad.
Jul 20, 2021

Can eating too much salad cause stomach problems? ›

Many people experience bloating and/or gut upset when they eat a lot of salad. This commonly occurs if someone is going quickly from a less healthy, low-fibre diet to a healthier, high-fibre diet.

Can I replace my meal with salad? ›

Salads are an excellent option for lunch, as they're packed with nutrients, easy to make, and can be prepared in advance. Salads are not only delicious but are also easy to make. If you want to skip one meal or looking for a substitute for weight loss then salads could be your best option to replace your lunch.

Does chicken salad keep you full? ›

Chicken is an excellent way to add protein to your salad and keep you feeling full longer. Protein is the most filling macronutrient because it reduces hunger hormones and boosts hormones that make you feel full.

Is chicken breast and salad a healthy meal? ›

Adding chicken breast to your salad and eating it every day can help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Chicken is a lean protein source that is low in calories and fat, and it also provides other important nutrients. Eating chicken as part of a weight-loss diet can help you lose more weight and body fat.

Is chicken salad good for gaining muscle? ›

Yes, Chicken Can Help You Build Muscle Mass

Some of the best sources of protein come from steak, bison, turkey breast and chicken breast. Chicken gets the most points because it's versatile, low in fat and inexpensive.

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