Hey there! Craving a dish that’s quick, tasty, and packed with feel-good vibes? Meet this chicken salad recipe! Picture tender shredded chicken mixed with crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and a creamy dressing with a zesty lemon kick and a sprinkle of fresh dill. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds happy without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day. Whether you’re tossing it together for a light meal, a satisfying dinner, or a potluck side dish, this recipe has you covered. Stick with me—I’ll show you how to whip it up step-by-step, toss in some pro tips, and even tweak it to match your style. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s why this chicken salad recipe will win you over:
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
Affordable: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
Adaptable: Perfect as a side dish or light meal—tweak it to your taste!
Flavorful: Combines protein-rich chicken with a creamy, dill-infused dressing.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy it all week long.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Salad
Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This chicken salad recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced—rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (optional for a sweet crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans (optional for texture)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Got everything? Great! If not, no worries—these ingredients are easy to swap based on what’s in your pantry. Let’s move on to the fun part: making it!
How to Make This Chicken Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step
This chicken salad recipe comes together in just 15 minutes—no cooking required if you’re using pre-cooked chicken. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with your cooked chicken. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken (a total time-saver!), shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 2 cups—this gives you a hearty base. Pro tip: Leftover grilled or baked chicken works just as well!
Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Add-Ins
Next, chop your celery, red onion, and grapes (if using). Keep the pieces small so every bite is balanced. If you’re adding nuts, give them a quick chop too—they’ll add a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and finely chopped dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. The sour cream adds a rich creaminess, while the dill brings a fresh, herby note. Taste it and adjust—more lemon for tang, more dill for flavor!
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken, veggies, grapes, and nuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated. The key here is to mix gently—you want the ingredients to stay intact, not turn into mush.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The dill and lemon will shine even more after chilling. Serve it on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Want to take your chicken salad recipe to the next level? Here are some pro tips based on years of recipe testing:
Fresh Dill is Key: It adds a unique flavor that dried dill can’t replicate—trust me, it’s worth it!
Balance the Creaminess: If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash more lemon juice to thin it out.
Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the dill infuses the mix.
Texture Matters: Don’t skip the nuts or grapes if you like a mix of crunchy and juicy.
Customizing Your Chicken Salad Recipe
One of the best things about this chicken salad recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Here are some ideas to personalize it:
Healthy Twist
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add extra veggies like shredded carrots or diced bell peppers. You’ll cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Sweet and Savory
Love a sweet kick? Double the grapes or toss in dried cranberries. The dill pairs surprisingly well with a touch of sweetness.
Spicy Version
Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing. The cool sour cream and dill will balance the heat.
Gluten-Free Option
Serve it in lettuce wraps or with gluten-free crackers instead of bread. It’s just as delicious and totally diet-friendly.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Salad
Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
Sandwich Style: Pile it onto whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
Wrap It Up: Roll it in a tortilla with spinach for a portable lunch.
Low-Carb Bowl: Spoon it over mixed greens or avocado slices.
Party Appetizer: Scoop it into small cups or onto crackers for a bite-sized treat.
Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a light soup for a complete meal. If you’re feeling fancy, try it alongside a slice of lemon pound cake for dessert—check out our for a zesty treat!
Nutritional Breakdown
Wondering how this chicken salad recipe fits into your diet? Here’s a quick look at the stats (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 26g (mostly from mayo, sour cream, and nuts)
- Carbs: 8g (varies if you add grapes)
- Fiber: 2g
It’s a solid mix of protein and healthy fats to keep you full. Want it lighter? Use all Greek yogurt and skip the nuts—easy peasy!
FAQ About Chicken Salad Recipes
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making the perfect chicken salad recipe:
Q1: How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’s good for 3-4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Q2: Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing isn’t ideal because the mayo and sour cream can separate, but if you must, freeze the chicken and veggies separately, then add fresh dressing later. For more details on freezing chicken salad, check out this helpful guide from Southern Living.
Q3: What’s the Best Chicken for This Recipe?
Rotisserie is the easiest, but poached, grilled, or baked chicken all work. Just avoid anything too heavily seasoned so it doesn’t clash with the dill dressing.
Still curious? Drop your questions below, and we’ll help you out!
Explore More Delicious Recipes:
Loved this chicken salad recipe? You’re in for a treat! Check out these related posts on my blog:
- Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A spicy, comforting bowl to warm you up.
- Marry Me Chicken Recipe: A creamy, irresistible dish that lives up to its name.
- Hellmann’s Potato Salad Recipe: A classic side to pair with your salad.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Comfort food at its gooey, delicious best.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie recommended)
- 1 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans optional
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Shred or dice 2 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works great, or use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Chop the Veggies and Add-Ins:
- Finely chop 1 cup celery and 1/4 cup red onion. Halve 1/2 cup red grapes (if using) and chop 1/4 cup almonds or pecans (if desired).
Mix the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld (optional but recommended). Serve as a side dish, in a sandwich, or over greens.
Notes
Final Thoughts on This Chicken Salad Recipe
There you have it—an easy, flavorful chicken salad recipe that’s ready to impress! With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing featuring mayo, sour cream, and fresh dill, it’s quick enough for a weeknight, versatile enough for any occasion, and tasty enough to win over even picky eaters.
So, grab your ingredients and give it a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out—share your thoughts, tweaks, or pics in the comments below. Happy cooking!