Chicken salads are a classic comfort food for many. Grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a handful of crunchy nuts all tossed together with some herbs and spices in a creamy dressing just hits the right spot. Although this protein-packed dish sounds deceptively simple, there are tons of variations one can try to give it their unique twist, and perhaps even come up with the best chicken salad recipe of all time.
Basic ingredients to make a chicken salad
Chicken
The star ingredient, of course, is the chicken itself. Depending on one’s choice and nutritional preferences, this can be boiled, grilled, roasted, or even fried before adding to the salad. Those who prefer a softer salad may prefer shredded boiled chicken, while others who enjoy a little crunch may prefer adding chopped grilled chicken to their salad.
Vegetables
Celery, onions, cucumber, broccoli, carrots, etc., are a great way of adding crunch and essential nutrients to the salad. The fiber from these vegetables will also help make the salad more filling– making it serve as a full meal!
Fruits
To elevate the salad to the next level, consider adding some fruits like apples, cranberries, cherries, grapes, or peaches to it. These juicy ingredients not only add a burst of sweetness but also enhance its textural profile, making it more enticing to eat.
Nuts
A little crunch from nuts such as almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts can add essential micronutrients to the salad, and help make it a well-balanced meal. To bring out their flavor, roast them in a pan or the oven before mixing them into the salad.
Herbs
Herbs are yet another way to add dimension to the salad. Choose from the likes of tarragon, mint, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and others, to give the salad a unique flavor.
Dressing
Lastly, bring all of the above ingredients together with a delicious dressing. For a creamy texture, opt for ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream. Add a dash of hot sauce for flavor or a touch of sharpness with some Dijon mustard. Or, go the tangy route with some lime juice and vinaigrette!
Best chicken salad recipes
Classic chicken salad
This classic salad recipe can be served as a side salad, or as a meal by itself. To make it, start by boiling a chicken breast, and then chopping it into bite-sized pieces. On another pan, lightly toast some pecans, and set them aside.
To prepare the salad, combine some halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onions, pecans, and the chicken in a mixing bowl. In a separate (smaller) bowl, make the dressing using some mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Mix this well, and add it to the salad. Toss the salad until it is evenly coated in the dressing, and let it sit in the fridge until ready to serve.
Mediterranean chicken salad
Start by marinating the chicken in some lemon juice, salt, pepper, vinegar, parsley, basil, minced garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let it rest for a few minutes, and prepare the other ingredients in the meantime. Chop up some cucumber, tomatoes, onions, avocados, and olives, and add them to a bowl. Mix in a few cups of lettuce leaves.
Next, heat up a grill pan, and add the marinated chicken to it. Grill it for 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut it up into bite-sized pieces, and mix it in with the rest of the salad ingredients. Serve with a wedge of lime.
Rainbow chicken salad
For an easy meal-prep chicken salad recipe that can be made on a busy work day, try this rainbow chicken salad. Start by seasoning and cooking the chicken on a grill. Cook on each side for about 6 minutes, or until fully cooked. Set it aside.
Use an immersion blender to blend avocado, yogurt, and lime juice together for a deliciously tart and creamy dressing. Season with salt and pepper for taste.
Divide this dressing between two large glass jars and begin layering each jar with some shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced apples, baby tomatoes, baby spinach leaves, and grated carrots. Top the jars with the chicken, and sprinkle over some cilantro. Once done, place the prepared jars in the fridge, until ready to serve.
One can mix the salad in the jar itself, or tip it out into a bowl for a filling meal.
How to serve chicken salad?
Let’s be honest, a chicken salad is best served right from the bowl, eaten by the fork-full! That being said, it can be served in fancier (and perhaps even more wholesome) ways.
Sandwich
Dollop a few spoons of salad in between two slices of bread, and top it with lettuce, cheese, spinach, tomato slices, or other fixings. Additionally, strong-flavored breads like rye and pumpernickel pair perfectly with a well-seasoned chicken salad.
Roll
If a sandwich feels too messy, opt for a chicken salad roll instead. Simply add one portion of salad onto a tortilla wrap or in pita bread, and roll it up, for a hearty lunch or snack.
Lettuce wrap
Those trying to avoid carbs can try making a lettuce wrap with their chicken salad. Simply add a portion of the prepared salad between large romaine or butter leaf lettuce leaves, and roll them up.
On a bed of greens
Make the salad more green by serving it on a bed of leafy greens such as kale or baby spinach.