The Best Easy Chicken Salad – Perfect for Sandwiches & Wraps

Chicken Salad:

Chicken Salad bursts with tender chicken breast, crunchy veggies, and a creamy homemade dressing that awakens every sense. Whether you crave a light Summer Chicken Salad, a protein-packed Chicken Breast Salad, or simple Chicken Salad Ideas for Easy Dinner Recipes, this versatile dish delivers satisfying flavor and wholesome nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Meal Prep: Whip up a big batch of Homemade Chicken Salad ahead for grab-and-go lunches or Chicken Salads For Dinner.
• Customizable Crunch: Add celery, grapes, or nuts to create unique Chicken Noodle Salad twists or a classic Chopped Chicken Salad.
• Light Yet Filling: Greek yogurt and lean chicken keep this Healthy Chicken Salad creamy without weighing you down.
• Year-Round Appeal: Serve chilled in summer or at room temperature on cooler days—always perfect.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Mild flavors and tender bites make it a hit with picky eaters and grown-ups alike.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced – Lean protein supporting muscle health and satiety
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt – Creamy binder with extra protein and probiotics
• ¼ cup mayonnaise – Smooth texture; use light mayo for fewer calories
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Tangy depth with minimal calories
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped – Crunchy fiber boost for digestive health
• 2 tablespoons red onion, minced – Sharp flavor and antioxidants
• ½ cup seedless grapes, halved – Natural sweetness plus vitamin C
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds – Healthy fats and extra crunch for Chopped Chicken Salad
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Bright acidity that balances richness
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Season to taste

Ellie

Classic Chicken Salad

This refreshing and creamy chicken salad combines diced chicken breast with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a light Greek yogurt–mayo dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a bed of greens.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Healthy

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise use light mayo if desired
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 stalk celery finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp red onion minced
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes halved
• 2 Tbsp sliced almonds
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add diced chicken, chopped celery, minced red onion, halved grapes, and sliced almonds.
3. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
6. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches or wraps.

Notes

Make ahead by preparing chicken and dressing separately. Combine shortly before serving to maintain best texture. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to Make the Recipe

Bringing together simple ingredients creates a Homemade Chicken Salad that feels gourmet yet comes together in minutes.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Poach or roast chicken breasts, let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and almonds to the dressing; stir gently to coat evenly.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

Taste and tweak salt, pepper, or lemon juice for perfect balance.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld for an ideal Summer Chicken Salad.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon onto lettuce, between bread slices, or atop noodles for a refreshing Chicken Noodle Salad.

Step 7: Store Extras

Keep leftovers chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm-Chicken Hack: Shred hot chicken into the dressing to infuse warmth and flavor more deeply.
• Yogurt Swap: Use half yogurt and half avocado for a dairy-free twist in Easy Salad Recipes.
• Flavor Burst: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for an elevated taste profile.
• Noodle Upgrade: Toss with cooled cooked pasta for a hearty Chicken Noodle Salad perfect for potlucks.
• Nut Alternative: Swap almonds for pecans or walnuts to suit Chicken Salad Ideas that vary textures.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

This adaptable Chicken Salad shines in many presentations that delight every palate:

• Scoop into buttery croissants for an indulgent sandwich twist.
• Serve atop mixed greens with vinaigrette drizzle for restaurant-style Chicken Salads For Dinner.
• Fill avocado halves for a low-carb, nutrient-dense option.
• Layer on crusty bread with tomato slices for a classic deli-style Chicken Breast Salad.
• Pack in mason jars for portable lunches bursting with color and crunch.
• Tuck into lettuce wraps with julienned carrots and cucumbers for a light bite.
• Add sliced radishes and cucumber ribbons for extra summer freshness.
• Top grilled pita triangles and drizzle with olive oil for Mediterranean flair.
• Serve alongside tomato-cucumber salad and grilled corn for a vibrant summer spread.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for a finishing touch that elevates every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Separate Components: Keep dressing and solids apart to preserve crunch.
• Airtight Container: Store in fridge for up to 4 days.
• Flavor Boost: Stir in fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten.
• Temperature: Enjoy chilled for best texture and safety.

Freezing

• Not Recommended: Freezing alters creamy texture and makes veggies soggy.
• Dressing Only: Freeze plain dressing in ice cube trays for quick future use.
• Thaw Slowly: Defrost overnight in fridge, then whisk to reincorporate.
• Prep Ahead: Freeze cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Gentle Warming: If desired warm chicken before mixing but serve salad chilled.
• Room Temp Rest: Let refrigerated salad sit 10 minutes before eating to release flavors.
• Add Fresh Crunch: Toss in extra chopped celery or nuts just before serving.
• Quick Revive: Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil to restore glossy appearance.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of chicken and Greek yogurt?

Chicken supplies lean protein for muscle repair and B vitamins supporting energy metabolism, while Greek yogurt adds calcium, probiotics for gut health, and extra protein to keep you full longer.

Can I substitute mayonnaise in chicken salad?

Yes—swap mayo entirely for extra Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter, dairy-rich or vegan-friendly binder that still clings beautifully to chicken pieces.

How can I add flavor without extra calories?

Use fresh herbs (dill, tarragon, parsley), citrus zest, or a splash of vinegar to elevate taste without added fats or sugars.

Can I meal prep Chicken Salad?

Absolutely—assemble chicken and dressing separately up to 3 days ahead. Chop veggies just before mixing to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Salad recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors and textures. Perfect for Easy Dinner Recipes, summer picnics, or workweek lunches, it combines convenience with wholesome nutrition. With endless Chicken Salad Ideas—from chilled noodle bowls to crunchy wraps—this dish adapts to your mood and menu. Embrace the vibrant crunch and creamy tang of your new go-to Healthy Chicken Salad and share the joy of homemade goodness with every bite!

For more other delicious recipes, check out this link !!