Introduction & Inspiration
Whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor, I always turn to this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe.
It’s creamy, crunchy, lightly sweet, and incredibly versatile—you can pile it onto bread, stuff it into a croissant, or spoon it onto crisp lettuce for a lighter meal.
It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet it always feels comforting and special.
Nostalgic Appeal
Chicken salad always brings back memories of Sunday lunches, summer picnics, and those little deli sandwiches that always felt a bit more special.
There’s something about the creamy dressing, the crunch of celery, and the burst of sweetness from grapes that makes it feel nostalgic in the best way.
Every bite reminds me that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we love the most.
Homemade Focus
Making this chicken salad from scratch is so rewarding—you control the creaminess, the crunch, and the seasoning.
Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo keeps it a little lighter while still delivering all the richness you crave.
Every ingredient feels fresh and real, and it’s ready in just minutes.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this salad was a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet.
The chicken brings heartiness, the celery and nuts bring a satisfying crunch, and the grapes add little juicy bursts of sweetness.
The light, seasoned dressing ties everything together beautifully without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Ingredient Insights
Plain Greek yogurt gives the dressing a creamy texture and a slight tang, keeping things lighter than traditional mayo-based versions.
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper season the dressing simply but effectively.
Cooked chicken provides a hearty, protein-packed base—shredded or chopped works perfectly.
Chopped celery adds crunch and freshness.
Pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add a nutty crunch that pairs so well with the other ingredients.
Quartered grapes bring a pop of sweetness that brightens up the salad.
Finely chopped red onion is optional but adds a sharp bite if you like a little more depth.
Essential Equipment
A large mixing bowl for combining everything easily.
A spatula or large spoon for stirring the ingredients gently but thoroughly.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Chicken Salad:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
- ½ cup quartered grapes
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
For Serving:
- Bread, croissants, lettuce, tortillas, or lettuce wraps
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—you want the base to be flavorful before adding the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients
To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped nuts, quartered grapes, and finely chopped red onion if using.
Gently stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Add a little extra salt, pepper, or a splash more yogurt if you want it creamier.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken salad on your choice of bread, croissant, or in a tortilla wrap.
For a lighter option, spoon it over a bed of crisp lettuce or wrap it up in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
The flavors actually get even better after a few hours as they meld together.
Make Ahead:
You can make this chicken salad a day ahead for quick lunches or easy meal prep.
If serving for a party or picnic, keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Warm Up:
No warming needed—this salad is best served cold or at cool room temperature.
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Why is my chicken salad dry?
If the salad feels dry, simply stir in a little more yogurt or a splash of olive oil to loosen it up.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor.
What can I substitute for grapes?
Chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even diced pineapple would be great alternatives.
Tips and Variations
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang in the dressing.
- Toss in some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for even more freshness.
- Swap nuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a light lunch.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling lemonade.
- Great for meal prep, picnics, baby showers, or light dinners.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Chicken Salad is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo keeps it lighter, but it still feels rich and satisfying.
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
Make this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe! Tender chicken, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and a creamy dressing make it a fresh, flavorful favorite for lunches, picnics, and meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
-
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
-
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
-
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
-
½ cup chopped celery
-
½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
-
½ cup quartered grapes
-
¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
For Serving:
-
Bread, croissants, lettuce, tortillas, or lettuce wraps
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—you want the base to be flavorful before adding the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients
To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped nuts, quartered grapes, and finely chopped red onion if using.
Gently stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Add a little extra salt, pepper, or a splash more yogurt if you want it creamier.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken salad on your choice of bread, croissant, or in a tortilla wrap.
For a lighter option, spoon it over a bed of crisp lettuce or wrap it up in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
The flavors actually get even better after a few hours as they meld together.
Make Ahead:
You can make this chicken salad a day ahead for quick lunches or easy meal prep.
If serving for a party or picnic, keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Warm Up:
No warming needed—this salad is best served cold or at cool room temperature
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile.
It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and perfect for everything from lunchboxes to picnic baskets.
If you have fun twists or questions about making it your own, I’d love to hear how you enjoy it!
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If you make this Easy Chicken Salad, leave a comment and let me know how you loved it!
Save this recipe for your next quick lunch, meal prep, or casual gathering, and share it with a friend who loves easy, flavorful meals.
Let’s keep making simple, delicious recipes together!