BEST Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that hits every note—cool, creamy, savory, perfectly balanced by just a hint of sweetness—you’re about to discover why this is called the BEST Chicken Salad. This is my absolute go-to recipe for potlucks, light lunches, family gatherings, or anytime I want to impress without breaking a sweat. Bursting with tender chicken, pops of juicy grape, and the crunch of celery and toasted nuts, every bite is familiar comfort and a touch of something special. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears, and trust me, everyone will beg for your secret!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This fresh take on the BEST Chicken Salad keeps things simple by celebrating ingredients that all shine in their own way. Each one brings something unique—texture, brightness, flavor, or color—and when combined, they create a salad that’s utterly irresistible.

• Chicken breasts: Dice up cooked, chilled chicken breasts for the juiciest, most satisfying texture—skip canned for the best results.
• Celery: This underrated veggie adds classic crunch and a touch of peppery freshness that lightens every bite.
• Red grapes: Their vibrant sweetness is a surprise burst of juicy flavor and gorgeous color.
• Toasted sliced almonds or pecans: Totally optional, but add a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the salad (especially if you’re feeling fancy).
• Green onions: These add mild sharpness and a pop of color, blending perfectly into each forkful.
• Mayonnaise: The classic creamy binder. Try avocado oil mayo for a healthier spin—you won’t miss a thing!
• Sour cream: Softens the richness of the mayo and lends a gentle tang for balance.
• Lemon juice: Just a touch that wakes up all the flavors and keeps things feeling bright.
• Yellow mustard: Adds a subtle zing and depth you don’t want to skip.
• Fresh parsley: Lively and herbal, it brings loads of freshness and eye-popping green flecks.
• Dried dill weed: For that classic herby note that always feels right in chicken salad.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: These two add background savoriness and round out the dressing beautifully.
• Sugar: Just a tiny bit balances the savory and sour notes, making the flavors sing.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Trust me, seasoning matters! Sprinkle generously for best flavor.

How to Make BEST Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Start by placing the diced chicken, chopped celery, halved grapes, and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Give them a gentle toss together—just seeing all those colors and textures is a promise of delicious things to come! If you love a little crunch, don’t forget to add the toasted nuts at this stage.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, bright lemon juice, yellow mustard, chopped parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and everything is perfectly blended—it’ll look creamy and smell downright tempting.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour your creamy dressing right over the chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together so each bite gets coated in that luscious, tangy sauce. This is the point where you want every single grape, nut, and chicken piece hugged by flavor.

Step 4: Chill for Perfect Flavor

Cover your BEST Chicken Salad tightly and let it chill in the fridge for at least four hours—overnight is even better if you can plan ahead. The chilling time lets all those flavors meld together for a salad that’s truly next-level.

How to Serve BEST Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect (and flavor-boosted) dish, sprinkle a handful of extra fresh parsley and a few more toasted nuts over the top just before serving. A scatter of freshly ground black pepper and thinly sliced green onions brings a lovely finishing touch that makes everyone’s mouth water!

Side Dishes

BEST Chicken Salad is already a showstopper, but it plays so well with a side of crisp kettle chips, a bowl of bright and tangy fruit, or a light soup like gazpacho. Honestly, soft croissants or buttery crackers turn it into an effortless lunch spread that feels like a treat.

Creative Ways to Present

There are so many fun ways to serve this salad! Pile generous scoops on croissants for a bakery-worthy sandwich, wrap it up with lettuce in a low-carb tortilla, or scoop over salad greens with ripe tomatoes and avocado. For parties, spoon it into little lettuce cups or serve as sliders—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The BEST Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making midday leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to make a big batch for later, creamy salads like this one don’t fare well in the freezer since the dressing can separate and become watery. The texture just isn’t the same, so I recommend enjoying it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This dish is at its best when served cold or slightly cool. If it’s a bit too chilled from the fridge, letting it sit out for 10 minutes before serving takes the chill off and lets the flavors shine. No actual reheating required—just a gentle stir, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the BEST Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just dice it up and make sure to remove any skin and bones for a more uniform texture.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’d like a lighter or dairy-free option, try using Greek yogurt or an avocado-based mayo. The salad will still be creamy and flavorful, with a bit of a tangy twist.

Do I have to use grapes?

Nope! If grapes aren’t your thing, dried cranberries or diced apples are great swaps that provide their own pop of sweetness and color.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, the BEST Chicken Salad is completely gluten-free as written—just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.

Can I prep this chicken salad ahead for a party?

You sure can! In fact, making the salad a day in advance lets the flavors develop even more. Just stir before serving and add fresh garnishes for a beautiful finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this recipe enough—it’s the BEST Chicken Salad for good reason! Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or hosting a family get-together, this dish brings freshness, color, and loads of flavor to your table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a classic in your kitchen too!

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