Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a lunch or light dinner that’s hearty, refreshing, and completely crave-worthy, this Ultimate Chicken Salad is the answer. Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with color, it combines tender cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy, herby dressing in true harmony. The result is a bowl of happiness that can be piled high on fresh bread, nestled into lettuce cups, or even scooped up with crackers. It’s a dish I return to again and again, because nothing beats the vibrant, satisfying flavors of this Ultimate Chicken Salad!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ultimate Chicken Salad is that it uses simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their own personality to the bowl. Each element lends a bit of flavor, texture, or color to the mix—don’t skip the little touches, they make all the difference!

• Chicken: Use cooked and cooled chicken breast or thighs; poached or rotisserie both work wonders for tender, flavorful bites.
• Celery: Adds a signature crunch and a subtle, refreshing note that wakes up the salad.
• Red grapes: Sweet and juicy grapes provide pops of color and the perfect contrast to the savory base—slice them in half for evenness.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, tying every other flavor together—use good-quality mayo for best results.
• Greek yogurt: Lends tanginess and lightness to the dressing, plus a welcome dose of protein.
• Dijon mustard: A little spoonful gives the salad a lovely zing; don’t be tempted to skip it!
• Fresh dill: This herb offers a bright, garden-fresh flavor—chop it finely so it’s evenly distributed.
• Green onions: Milder than red or white onions, these add gentle onion flavor and a bit of color.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously—these lift and sharpen the rest of your ingredients.
• Slivered almonds: For extra crunch and a nutty finish; toast them lightly for even more flavor.
• Lemon juice: Just a squeeze will brighten the dressing and make all the flavors sing.

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by dicing or shredding your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1/2-inch cubes work well. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones first. This is the foundation of your Ultimate Chicken Salad, so aim for uniform pieces to ensure each bite is deliciously balanced. Let the chicken cool completely before mixing to prevent the dressing from thinning out.

Step 2: Chop and Combine the Veggies and Grapes

Finely chop the celery and green onions, and slice the grapes in half. This step is all about texture and harmony—don’t rush it! You want crisp celery, juicy grapes, and small green onion rings evenly mingled with the chicken. Toss these ingredients together in a large bowl so they’re ready for the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Add salt, pepper, and the chopped dill. Taste and adjust as needed—a little extra Dijon or dill can really brighten things up. The dressing should be creamy but not runny, and full of herby, tangy character.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Pour the dressing over your chicken, veggies, and grapes, then gently fold everything together until every piece is coated. Take your time—over-mixing can mash the ingredients, but you want even distribution for that perfect Ultimate Chicken Salad flavor in every forkful.

Step 5: Add Nuts and Chill

Finally, fold in the slivered almonds. If you’ve toasted them, let them cool first so they stay crisp. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes; this lets the flavors meld and makes each bite even more wonderful. If you can resist, letting it chill a bit longer is even better!

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touches take this salad from homey to standout. Sprinkle a bit of extra fresh dill or a handful of thinly sliced green onions over the top for freshness and color. A few extra toasted almonds give each serving extra crunch, and if you want a tiny burst of sweetness, a handful of dried cranberries is always a hit.

Side Dishes

Ultimate Chicken Salad plays well with all sorts of sides! For a light meal, serve it with a crisp mixed greens salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Crusty bread or croissants make classic pairings, especially for hearty sandwiches. On a hot day, I love spooning it alongside sliced garden tomatoes and cucumber spears, or even atop a bed of arugula for a little peppery bite.

Creative Ways to Present

When it comes to presentation, Ultimate Chicken Salad is delightfully versatile. Spoon it into halved avocados for an elegant lunch, or use it to fill endive leaves for a crunchy, portable appetizer. For a fun twist, pile it onto mini slider buns or roll it into wraps with fresh spinach. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—no matter how you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ultimate Chicken Salad stores beautifully—simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle slightly while stored.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, I don’t recommend it for the best texture. The creamy elements can separate and the fresh vegetables can become a bit watery upon thawing. Ultimate Chicken Salad really shines when enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature—no reheating needed. If you’ve just taken it out of the fridge and it seems very firm, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it softens for the best eating experience.

FAQs

Can I use leftover roasted or grilled chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in Ultimate Chicken Salad—just chop or shred it and make sure it’s completely cooled. The smoky flavor from grilled chicken adds a tasty depth to the finished salad.

Are there dairy-free options for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or simply use extra mayonnaise for a dairy-free twist. There are several plant-based yogurts that work well without compromising the creamy texture.

What can I use instead of grapes?

If you’re not a fan of grapes or don’t have any on hand, try diced apple, dried cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. Each brings a unique sweetness and works beautifully in Ultimate Chicken Salad.

Can Ultimate Chicken Salad be made ahead?

Definitely! It’s actually even better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to make it the night before. Just wait to add the almonds until right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Is it gluten-free?

The salad itself is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your mayo and mustard to be sure. Serve it in lettuce cups or with gluten-free crackers for a satisfying gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

Truly, there’s nothing that beats sharing a bowl of Ultimate Chicken Salad at a family table, picnic, or lunch desk. With its simple ingredients, unbeatable flavor, and endless serving ideas, this is the dish I know you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it earn a spot in your regular menu rotation!

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