MomSkoop
Chicken salad is one of those magical meals that never gets boring.
With endless flavor combinations and textures, you can transform simple shredded chicken into something exciting every single time.
Whether you crave something tangy, creamy, spicy, or fresh, there’s a chicken salad recipe that will make your lunchtime something to look forward to.
1. Lemon-Tahini Chicken Salad with Baby Spinach
Bright lemon juice meets creamy tahini in this Middle Eastern-inspired chicken salad that feels both light and satisfying.
Baby spinach leaves add a delicate texture and boost of nutrients without overpowering the nutty sesame flavor.
The tahini dressing creates a velvety coating that clings to every piece of tender chicken.
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a pleasant crunch.
This recipe works wonderfully stuffed into pita pockets or served over a bed of greens.
The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal that keeps you energized all afternoon long.
2. Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds & Dill Yogurt Dressing
Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Sweet, juicy grapes provide bursts of freshness that contrast beautifully with crunchy sliced almonds.
The dill yogurt dressing brings a tangy, herby element that ties everything together perfectly.
Greek yogurt makes it creamy while keeping things lighter than traditional mayo-based versions.
Pack this salad for picnics or office lunches—it travels well and tastes even better after the flavors meld together.
The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures creates an incredibly satisfying bite every time.
3. Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Chickpeas, Cucumber & Feta
Transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with this vibrant salad packed with classic ingredients.
Chickpeas add extra protein and a satisfying heartiness that makes this meal incredibly filling.
Crisp cucumber chunks provide refreshing crunch while crumbled feta cheese delivers salty, tangy flavor.
A simple olive oil and lemon dressing lets all the fresh ingredients shine.
Kalamata olives and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley complete the Greek-inspired flavor profile.
This salad tastes amazing served with warm pita bread or on its own as a light yet nourishing lunch option.
4. Avocado Chicken Salad with Lime, Cilantro & Red Onion
Creamy avocado replaces mayo in this fresh take on chicken salad, creating a smooth texture loaded with healthy fats.
Bright lime juice adds zippy citrus flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
Fresh cilantro brings an herby, slightly peppery note that pairs perfectly with the richness of avocado.
Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp bite and beautiful purple color.
This version is naturally dairy-free and paleo-friendly while still being incredibly creamy and delicious.
Serve it on lettuce wraps, crackers, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful straight from the bowl.
5. Curry Chicken Salad with Mango, Cashews & Greek Yogurt
Warm curry spices transform ordinary chicken salad into something exotic and exciting.
Sweet mango chunks add tropical flavor and natural sweetness that balances the savory curry beautifully.
Crunchy cashews provide textural contrast and a buttery richness.
Greek yogurt creates a creamy base while adding extra protein and probiotics.
Golden raisins or dried cranberries make excellent additions if you want even more sweetness.
This flavor-packed salad works wonderfully in sandwiches, wraps, or served over crisp greens for a lighter option that still feels indulgent and special.
6. Buffalo Chicken Salad with Celery, Carrots & Blue Cheese Crumbles
Buffalo wing lovers will go crazy for this spicy, tangy chicken salad that captures all those classic flavors.
Hot sauce mixed into the dressing gives you that signature buffalo kick without needing to fry anything.
Crisp celery and carrots provide cooling crunch that balances the heat perfectly.
Creamy blue cheese crumbles add rich, tangy flavor just like traditional buffalo wing dipping sauce.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing works as the creamy base to tame the spice.
This bold salad is perfect for game day gatherings or whenever you need something with serious flavor that still counts as a healthy lunch.
7. Chicken Caesar Salad with Kale, Parmesan & Sourdough Croutons
Caesar salad gets a hearty upgrade with the addition of tender chicken and nutrient-dense kale.
Massaging the kale leaves with a bit of dressing beforehand makes them tender and easier to digest.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds salty, umami-rich flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Homemade sourdough croutons bring satisfying crunch and sourdough’s signature tangy taste.
The classic creamy Caesar dressing ties everything together with its garlicky, anchovy-spiked goodness.
This upgraded version feels restaurant-quality but comes together quickly at home for a lunch that’s both filling and incredibly delicious.
8. Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Apples & Toasted Walnuts
Sweet honey and tangy mustard create a perfectly balanced dressing that coats chicken beautifully.
Crisp apple chunks add fruity sweetness and refreshing crunch that makes each bite interesting.
Toasted walnuts bring earthy flavor and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a sophisticated taste profile.
This salad tastes wonderful served on croissants for a fancy lunch or simply over mixed greens.
The natural sweetness from honey and apples means kids often love this version too, making it a family-friendly option that pleases everyone at the table.
9. Southwest Chicken Salad with Black Beans, Corn & Chipotle Ranch
Smoky chipotle peppers blended into ranch dressing give this Tex-Mex inspired salad its signature kick.
Black beans and sweet corn kernels add fiber, texture, and beautiful color contrast.
Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion bring freshness and crunch.
A squeeze of lime juice brightens all the flavors and adds zesty citrus notes.
Top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, or shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
This hearty salad works perfectly as a taco filling, burrito bowl topping, or simply enjoyed on its own as a complete, satisfying meal.
10. Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad with Shredded Cabbage & Edamame
Fresh ginger and toasted sesame oil create an Asian-inspired dressing that’s both aromatic and flavorful.
Shredded cabbage provides satisfying crunch while staying crisp much longer than delicate lettuce.
Edamame beans add protein, fiber, and a beautiful bright green color.
Shredded carrots and sliced scallions bring additional texture and flavor.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds nutty flavor and visual appeal.
This crunchy, refreshing salad is perfect for meal prep since the sturdy vegetables hold up well in the fridge for several days without getting soggy or wilted.
11. Chicken Salad Niçoise-Style with Green Beans, Olives & Soft Eggs
Classic French Niçoise salad gets a chicken twist in this elegant, composed salad.
Blanched green beans retain their bright color and crisp-tender texture.
Briny olives and capers add salty, Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
Soft-boiled eggs with jammy yolks provide richness and extra protein.
Cherry tomatoes and boiled baby potatoes make this a complete, hearty meal.
A simple Dijon vinaigrette ties all the components together without overwhelming the individual flavors.
This sophisticated salad feels special enough for company but simple enough for everyday lunches.
12. Pesto Chicken Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Mozzarella Pearls
Vibrant basil pesto replaces traditional mayo in this Italian-inspired chicken salad bursting with fresh flavors.
Cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness and beautiful pops of red color.
Fresh mozzarella pearls provide creamy, mild flavor that complements the bold pesto perfectly.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sweet-tart complexity.
This salad tastes amazing served over pasta, stuffed into sandwiches, or enjoyed simply with crusty bread.
The combination of basil, garlic, and Parmesan in the pesto creates an aromatic, flavor-packed lunch that transports you straight to an Italian countryside picnic.
13. Greek Lemon Chicken Salad with Orzo, Herbs & Tzatziki
Tender orzo pasta makes this Greek-inspired salad extra hearty and satisfying.
Fresh lemon juice and zest bring brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Creamy tzatziki sauce adds cooling cucumber and garlic flavors.
Fresh dill, mint, and parsley create an herb-forward profile that tastes incredibly fresh.
Crumbled feta cheese and cherry tomatoes complete the Mediterranean flavor experience.
This pasta-based chicken salad works wonderfully for potlucks and picnics since it feeds a crowd easily and tastes delicious served at room temperature or chilled straight from the refrigerator.
14. BBQ Chicken Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Scallions
Smoky barbecue sauce gives this salad a bold, Southern-inspired flavor that feels like summer all year long.
Roasted sweet potato chunks add natural sweetness and a hearty, filling element.
Sliced scallions provide mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
Black beans or corn can be added for extra texture and nutrition.
A creamy ranch or buttermilk dressing helps balance the tangy barbecue sauce.
This hearty salad works wonderfully topped with crispy fried onions or tortilla strips for added crunch.
It’s comfort food that still counts as a salad!
15. Chicken Waldorf-Inspired Salad with Celery, Grapes & Light Mayo
The classic Waldorf salad gets a protein boost with the addition of tender chicken pieces.
Crisp celery adds satisfying crunch and mild, fresh flavor.
Sweet grapes provide juicy bursts of natural sweetness throughout.
Chopped apples contribute additional crunch and fruity flavor.
Light mayo keeps things creamy without being too heavy.
Toasted walnuts or pecans add nutty richness and extra texture.
This timeless combination has been loved for over a century because it simply works—the balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy creates a perfectly harmonious bite.
16. Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles & Crunchy Veg
Creamy peanut butter blended with lime juice, soy sauce, and ginger creates an addictive Thai-inspired dressing.
Rice noodles make this salad more substantial and provide a wonderful chewy texture.
Shredded carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber add colorful crunch.
Fresh cilantro and mint bring bright, herby freshness.
Crushed peanuts sprinkled on top add extra nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
A touch of sriracha or red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick if desired.
This vibrant salad is perfect for anyone craving bold Asian flavors in an easy, meal-prep friendly format.
17. Chicken Salad with Roasted Red Peppers, Artichokes & Basil
Sweet roasted red peppers add smoky flavor and beautiful crimson color to this Mediterranean-inspired creation.
Marinated artichoke hearts bring tangy, briny flavor and tender texture.
Fresh basil leaves provide aromatic, peppery notes that complement the vegetables perfectly.
A light lemon vinaigrette keeps things bright and fresh.
This salad works wonderfully served over arugula or stuffed into ciabatta rolls.
The combination of roasted vegetables and herbs creates a sophisticated flavor profile that feels gourmet but comes together quickly using mostly pantry staples and rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
18. Miso Chicken Salad with Cucumber, Radishes & Sesame Seeds
Umami-rich miso paste creates a savory, slightly sweet dressing that’s incredibly flavorful.
This Japanese-inspired salad feels light yet satisfying with its clean, fresh flavors.
Thinly sliced cucumbers add refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
Crisp radish slices provide peppery bite and beautiful pink and white color.
Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top add nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Rice vinegar and a touch of honey balance the salty miso perfectly.
This salad is perfect for anyone looking to expand their flavor horizons beyond typical Western chicken salad preparations.
19. Cranberry Chicken Salad with Pecans & Orange Zest
Dried cranberries add chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor that makes this salad feel festive year-round.
Toasted pecans bring buttery richness and satisfying crunch.
Fresh orange zest adds bright citrus aroma and flavor without making things too wet.
A touch of orange juice in the dressing reinforces that sunny citrus note.
This combination tastes wonderful during the holidays but works perfectly for everyday lunches too.
The sweet-savory balance makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
Serve it on croissants, in lettuce cups, or over mixed greens for a delicious meal.
20. Herbed Chicken Salad with Quinoa, Lemon Vinaigrette & Greens
Fluffy quinoa adds protein, fiber, and a pleasant nutty flavor while making this salad incredibly filling.
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives create a bright, garden-fresh taste.
A simple lemon vinaigrette keeps things light and allows the herbs to shine.
Mixed greens add volume and nutrients without weighing you down.
Cherry tomatoes and cucumber can be added for extra freshness and crunch.
This wholesome salad is perfect for meal prep since quinoa holds up beautifully in the fridge.
It’s a complete, balanced meal that provides sustained energy throughout your busy afternoon.