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    Home » Recipes » Chicken » Chicken Salad Recipe

    Chicken Salad Recipe

    Published: Jun 9, 2022 · Modified: Apr 7, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Make this flavorful Chicken Salad Recipe for a side dish, light lunch, or chicken sandwich! It’s sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy.

    chicken salad in a white bowl.

    Chicken salad has been a staple in our family my whole life, but especially during the summer! Sometimes we add pasta, and other times we use cashews instead of pecans. No matter what variety is made, it is always delicious.

    ingredients on bowls in a counter.

    Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

    The main ingredients are chicken, grapes, pecans, and celery, plus the dressing. You can add more or less of any ingredient, depending on your preferences. Scroll down for the complete recipe with ingredient measurements.

    • Chicken: For the chicken in this salad, we made a couple of air fryer chicken breasts (find my recipe here) while prepping up the other ingredients. You can also use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken, but you may need to cut back on the seasonings, especially the salt.
    • Grapes: We used red seedless grapes and cut them into fourths because they were so big. You can also use green grapes in this recipe.
    • Pecans: The toasted pecans add flavor and texture to the salad. Cashews are another popular choice.
    • Celery: We used about one rib of celery to add a little crunch and some flavor.
    • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the main ingredient in the salad dressing. You can choose to use a light version, but it may alter your results.
    • Heavy Cream: The heavy whipping cream helps thin the dressing and adds to the creaminess.
    • Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice adds some tanginess and flavor to the dressing.
    • Seasonings: We seasoned this chicken salad recipe with tarragon, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
    a spoon with chicken salad in it.

    How To Make This Chicken Salad Recipe

    Making this chicken salad recipe is very simple. Chop up the ingredients, make the dressing, and mix it all together. Scroll down for the printable recipe card and complete instructions.

    • Prep: Chop the cooked chicken breasts, grapes, pecans, and celery. Place them all in a bowl.
    • Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    • Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
    • Chill: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator.
    chicken salad with grapes in a bowl.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you put eggs in chicken salad?

    No, there are not eggs in chicken salad. It is made with chicken, grapes, pecans, celery, and dressing.

    What goes good with chicken salad?

    Chicken salad goes well with sandwiches, subs, and hamburgers. It can also be served as a chicken salad sandwich with chips, a veggie tray, pickles, and a green salad.

    How long does chicken last in salad?

    When stored properly, cooked chicken lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

    a croissant on a plate filled with chicken salad inside.

    Want more salad recipes? Try these next:

    Here’s a Potato Salad Recipe to make on repeat! It’s the classic summer salad that everyone loves and it goes well with almost anything.

    This homemade Coleslaw recipe is better than store-bought! Prepare it ahead of time to serve with chicken, burgers, or pulled pork.

    Our Chipotle Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor! It’s topped with chicken, veggies, beans, corn, hot honey, and chipotle ranch dressing.

    Fresh Corn Salad only takes a few minutes to mix up and can also be served as a party appetizer as a dip with chips.

    chicken salad in a white bowl with grapes.

    Chicken Salad Recipe

    Make this flavorful Chicken Salad Recipe for a side dish, light lunch, or chicken sandwich! It's sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy.
    5 from 3 votes
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
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    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Additional Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5
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    Ingredients

    • 2 cups cooked chicken diced*
    • 1 cup sliced grapes
    • ½ cup toasted pecans chopped
    • ½ cup chopped celery about 1 celery rib
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
    • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoon tarragon
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Put the chicken, grapes, pecans, and celery in a large bowl. Set aside.
      chicken, grapes, celery, and pecans in a glass bowl.
    • In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, tarragon, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
      chicken salad dressing mix.
    • Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
      mixing chicken salad in a glass bowl.
    • Chill in the refrigerator.
      bowl of chicken salad.

    Video

    Notes

    Note 1: Chicken

    Canned chicken contains added salt, so keep that in mind if you choose it and adjust the recipe accordingly.

    Note 2: Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 311mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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      Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
    • Sliced southwest chicken on a cutting board.
      Southwest Chicken
    • Chicken Tinga on tacos on a platter.
      Chicken Tinga

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Potato Salad Recipe
    Corn Nuggets »

    Comments

    1. Rebecca says

      June 13, 2023 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic! I made this salad for a supper with friends. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • Tonia Larson says

        June 14, 2023 at 9:20 am

        Thank you! It’s such a good summer meal!

        Reply
    2. Faith says

      May 3, 2023 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      This is so good! I love it!

      Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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