Chicken salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s easy, fast, and full of flavor. You can make it for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for busy days. In this article, we’re gonna explore the 10 best chicken salad recipes with nutrition facts that you can try right now. Each one got its own twist, so you’ll never get bored of chicken salad again!
1. Classic Chicken Salad
This one’s simple but always tasty. Shredded chicken, mayo, celery, and a pinch of pepper. Sometimes less is more, right? You can eat it on bread or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- Salt & pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 2g
2. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
For people who don’t like too much mayo, this one’s lighter. Greek yogurt gives a tangy taste while cutting down fat. I like to add grapes for a bit of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 210 | Protein: 26g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 9g
3. Avocado Chicken Salad
When you mash avocado instead of mayo, it’s creamy but healthy. The green color looks so fresh too. Add lime juice to keep it from turning brown.
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados, mashed
- 2 cups chopped chicken
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Chopped cilantro
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 310 | Protein: 24g | Fat: 21g | Carbs: 5g
4. BBQ Chicken Salad
If you like smoky flavors, this salad is perfect. The BBQ sauce gives a little sweetness and tang. Goes really well with corn and black beans.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded BBQ chicken
- ½ cup corn
- ½ cup black beans
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 340 | Protein: 29g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 22g
5. Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
This salad got crunch and sweetness at the same time. Apples and walnuts add the perfect texture. You can serve it cold or at room temp.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken
- 1 apple, chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 3 tbsp mayo
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 295 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 12g
6. Spicy Sriracha Chicken Salad
Hot lovers gonna love this one. It’s creamy, spicy, and super satisfying. Adjust the Sriracha depending on your spice level.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tsp Sriracha (add more if u dare)
- 1 green onion, sliced
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 260 | Protein: 24g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 3g
7. Curry Chicken Salad
This one got a nice Indian-inspired flavor. Curry powder and raisins give a beautiful mix of spice and sweetness. Great for sandwiches or wraps.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced chicken
- ½ cup mayo or yogurt
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp raisins
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 280 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 8g
8. Ranch Chicken Salad
This salad is for ranch dressing fans. It’s creamy and flavorful, plus super quick to mix. You can throw in some bacon bits too.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- Bacon bits (optional)
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 330 | Protein: 27g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 4g
9. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
This one feels fresh and colorful. Sesame oil and soy sauce make it smell amazing. Add cabbage for that nice crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sprinkle sesame seeds
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 240 | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 7g
10. Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Packed with olives, feta, and olive oil, this salad taste like summer in Greece. It’s light but filling. The lemon juice ties everything together.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- ¼ cup chopped olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 270 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 4g
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salads
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Chill the salad for 30 mins before eating; the flavors mix better.
- Add nuts, fruits, or herbs for extra texture.
- Don’t be scared to experiment – every combo can work if you balance flavors.
How to Store Chicken Salad
Always store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. It usually last 3–4 days. Avoid freezing because mayo-based salads can separate after thawing.
Quick Nutrition Guide (Average)
Here’s a small breakdown if you want an idea of what most chicken salads offer:
- Calories: 250–320 per serving
- Protein: 22–28g
- Fat: 10–20g
- Carbs: 2–10g
Why Chicken Salad Is So Popular
People love it because it’s versatile and filling. You can make it high-protein or low-carb easily. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or even potlucks.
Common Mistakes People Make
Sometimes people add too much mayo and make it soggy. Or they skip seasoning – salt and pepper are small but big difference. Another mistake is overcooking chicken; dry meat ruins the salad feel.
Fun Variations You Can Try
- Add pasta to make it a full meal.
- Use lettuce cups instead of bread.
- Add pineapple or mango for tropical twist.
- Try mixing in cottage cheese for extra protein.
