Best Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

Home » Chicken Recipes » Best Chicken Salad Recipe

by Stephanie on June 15, 2022 (Updated August 30, 2023)16*This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »

Jump to Recipe

This is the BEST Chicken Salad Recipe that’s easy to make with grapes, cranberries, almonds, and more! It’s made creamy with mayo or Greek yogurt and is perfect in a sandwich or as a side dish!

Be sure to try my Italian Pasta Salad recipe next!

BEST Chicken Salad Recipe

I know that it sounds a bit bold to call this thebestchicken salad recipe, but, I do believe that it truly is. It has the best balance of flavors and textures that compliment each other perfectly. Serve this as a side dish at a Potluck or BBQ, or enjoy it as a sandwich in a lettuce or tortilla wrap, in a pita pocket, on some ciabatta bread, or simply with some basic sandwich bread!

What Makes It the BEST

The Chicken: The chicken is boiled gentlyin salted water (Pro Tip: Add 1-2 bouillon cubes to the water for even more flavor). Cooking the chicken gently ensures that it doesn’t become tough. Let it rest after being cooked to ensure the juices stay locked in, then dice it up. (You can also use leftover or rotisserie chicken.)
The Dressing:You can use all mayo in this, or a combination of mayo and plain Greek yogurt. (The yogurt pairs really well with the grapes!)Wait for the chicken to fully cool before combining it with mayo to ensure the oil doesn’t separate. Also included in the mix iscelery, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt/pepper, garlic salt, dried dill, and paprika.
The Add-Ons:A hint of sweetness is obtained from grapes and dried cranberries, which also add a pop of color. Sliced toasted almonds add a nice crunch, and green onions add a great finish.

How to Make It

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Gently boil the chicken until cooked through. Let the chicken rest, then dice once cooled. (Note: Leftover or rotisserie chicken may also be used.)

Combine the diced chicken, celery, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon, and seasonings. Chill until ready to serve.(At least 30 minutes.)

Add the sliced grapes, green onions, almonds, and cranberries. Stir to combine, then transfer to a clean serving bowl prior to serving if desired.

Make Ahead Method

You can prepare this salad up to 12 hours ahead of time and refrigerate.
I recommend that you combine half of it as outlined in the instructions, then mix in the add-ons just before serving. This way the grapes won’t make it watery, the almonds will be crunchy, etc.
You may choose to add 1/4 cup additional mayo (or plain Greek yogurt) just before serving as well, based on the consistency.

Pro Tips
For extra flavorful chicken: Add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water that the chicken cooks in instead of adding salt.
To ensure your chicken isn’t tough, be sure to boil it gently.
Additional ingredient options include: Bacon, Hard Boiled Eggs, Sliced Avocado, Walnuts, Apples, andmore.
I use Fresh GourmetToasted Sliced Almonds for this, they’re very good!
For convenience purposes, you can combine all of the ingredients at once and chill prior to serving, I just keep the add-ons (grapes, walnuts, cranberries, and green onions), for the last minute for absolute best results.

Storage

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
8-inch Chef’s Knife– This is the one I have, I love it.
Cutting Boards- I love having assorted sizes. (One for the meat, one for the veggies, etc.)
Serving Bowl

Try These Next

: Ramen Noodle Salad

: Egg Salad

: Macaroni Salad

: Greek Pasta Salad

: Tortellini Pasta Salad

: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Get My Free Meal Plan

I’ve got a Free Meal Plan with 7 of my super popular recipes (complete with grocery list)! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!

And follow me on Facebook,Instagram, andPinterest!

Tried This Recipe?

Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chicken Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

5 from 6 ratings

Servings: 6 people

Tap or hover to scale

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Chicken Salad

▢ 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ¾ lbs. or 4 cups cooked
▢ ¾ cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 ribs celery, finely diced
▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
▢ 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
▢ ¾ cup red grapes, quartered
▢ 3 green onions, diced
▢ 1/3 cup sliced almonds
▢ ¼ cup dried cranberries, optional

Seasonings

▢ ½ teaspoon garlic salt
▢ ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
▢ ¼ teaspoon paprika
▢ ¼ teaspoon pepper
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

Submerge the chicken in cool water and gradually bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in up to 2 tbsp. kosher salt once the water is up to temperature. Boil gently for 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then dice it finely.
Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing it with the mayo to ensure the oil doesn’t separate. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
Chill until ready to serve. (At least 30 minutes.)
Add the grapes, green onions, sliced almonds, and cranberries. Stir until combined. If desired, transfer to a clean serving bowl prior to serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Method:

You can prepare this salad up to 12 hours ahead of time and refrigerate.
I recommend that you combine half of it as outlined in the instructions, then mix in the add-ons just before serving. This way the grapes won't make it watery, the almonds will be crunchy, etc.
You may choose to add 1/4 cup additional mayo (or plain Greek yogurt) just before serving as well, based on the consistency.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips:

For extra flavorful chicken: Add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes to the water that the chicken cooks in instead of adding salt.
To ensure your chicken isn't tough, be sure to boil it gently.
Additional ingredient options include: Bacon, Hard Boiled Eggs, Sliced Avocado, Walnuts, Apples, andmore.
I use Fresh GourmetToasted Sliced Almonds for this, they're very good!
For convenience purposes, you can combine all of the ingredients at once and chill prior to serving, I just keep the add-ons (grapes, walnuts, cranberries, and green onions), for the last minute for absolute best results.

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 6 servings in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 429kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 84mg, Sodium: 621mg, Potassium: 594mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 178IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 54mg, Iron: 1mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Stephanie

Chicken Recipes Easter Healthy Make Ahead Recipes Salad Sandwiches Side Dishes Summer Recipes

posted by Stephanie on June 15, 2022 — 16 Comments »

Order The Cozy Cookbook!

Easy Recipes. Extra Comfort.

Order your copy today!

16 comments on “Best Chicken Salad Recipe”

Caitlin — September 28, 2023 @ 12:07 am Reply

Made this tonight using precooked chicken from Trader Joe’s and it came out delicious! Perfect on a warm day! Turned it into a wrap with flour tortillas. Definitely a keeper!
- Stephanie — September 28, 2023 @ 9:09 am Reply
  
  Putting this in a wrap is such a good idea! I agree, this is definitely a great dinner idea for a warm day. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review Caitlin!😃
Theresa — September 13, 2023 @ 9:16 am Reply

Absolutely loved this recipe so tasty will definelty be making again
- Stephanie — September 13, 2023 @ 11:21 am Reply
  
  That’s great news Theresa, I’m so happy that you loved the chicken salad! Thank you so much for the review!! -Stephanie
Sue — July 1, 2023 @ 4:21 pm Reply

Was wondering if it would be good with pasta in it, sounds delightful was gonna try
- Stephanie — July 1, 2023 @ 8:22 pm Reply
  
  I think that adding in a little cooked/cooled pasta would be fantastic! (Maybe drizzle a touch of olive oil over the pasta after it’s done cooking!)
Denise — July 1, 2023 @ 10:14 am Reply

Can ALL of the mayo be replaced with the Greek yogurt or will it totally change the taste? Or maybe half Greek yogurt/half whipped cream cheese??
I cannot stomach even a smidge of mayo and the smell turns my stomach as well. (No matter what I try, I just can’t eat it. I really really wish I could! I am missing out on so much, even the iconic tomato sandwich here in the south. Lol)
- Stephanie — July 1, 2023 @ 10:50 am Reply
  
  Hi Denise! I actually don’t like mayo either- lol. When I prepare this, I make it as outlined and serve it to others. My husband had to be the main taste-tester for this. That said, I haven’t tested it by using all Greek yogurt, you could do 70% Greek yogurt and 30% sour cream, I feel like that would be good!! Whipped cream cheese may work, I’m not sure if it would be too heavy though. (I know what you mean about tomato sandwiches- I want to love a BLT!)
Suzanne Teichreb — March 20, 2023 @ 5:58 pm Reply

Love this! It’s so good, thanks for the recipe.
- Stephanie — March 20, 2023 @ 8:07 pm Reply
  
  It’s my pleasure Suzanne, I’m so happy you’re enjoying it, thanks so much for the great review!💗
DAVID SCOTT JEFFREY — July 21, 2022 @ 12:08 pm Reply

Great Chicken Salad! Added Pecans, raisins, slivered almonds, a little more Duke’s Mayonnaise, and black pepper!
Seasonings are spot on!!
- Stephanie — July 21, 2022 @ 9:02 pm Reply
  
  Thanks so much for the great review! I’m so happy you enjoyed this!💗
Cheryl A. — June 20, 2022 @ 12:35 pm Reply

My family LOVED this. Especially my husband with the tangy and sweet combo. I certainly have never had chicken salad with grapes and cranberries before but I honestly don’t think I can go back to the old way. Love the spices and all the delicious flavors you added and the yogurt was a nice touch.
I never would have thought of it but it really made a difference in taste. We will be eating this all summer!
- Stephanie — June 20, 2022 @ 8:28 pm Reply
  
  Excellent! I’m so happy you liked the grapes and cranberries, in my opinion it adds the perfect sweetness 😋! Thanks so much for the great comments and review Cheryl, you’re the best!❤️
Sue Dark — June 15, 2022 @ 10:54 am Reply

Sounds wonderful. Have U ever tried Crazy Jane’s Salt? I make my salad with all but the green onions. Plus I add apple, Mandarin oranges and the CJ Salt. I also use pecans.
- Stephanie — June 15, 2022 @ 10:57 am Reply
  
  Hi Sue!! I haven’t tried that salt before but I love trying out different salts!! And I LOVE the additions that you put in your salad, they all sound so wonderful and fresh!! I bet it doesn’t last long!