20 Chicken Salads That Actually Taste Different

Chicken salad is one of those dishes that adapts to whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. It can be creamy, crunchy, spicy, sweet, or sharp, depending on what you mix in and how you serve it. Some versions lean classic with mayo and herbs, while others take cues from various cooking styles, using bold spices, fresh fruit, or chopped vegetables. You can eat it in a sandwich, pile it over greens, scoop it with crackers, or serve it in a lettuce wrap. The texture changes with every variation, sometimes smooth, sometimes chunky, but each one offers a different balance of flavors. This list brings together everything from quick shortcut versions to layered salads with heat, sweetness, or sharp contrast.

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Crispy chicken sits over chopped greens with orange slices and a sharp citrus vinaigrette. The chicken brings a crunchy contrast to the brightness of the fruit. The dressing coats everything lightly, letting each ingredient stand out. It’s a sharp and balanced take on a chopped salad.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Turmeric Chicken Salad

Cooked chicken is tossed with turmeric, lemon, and herbs in a lightly creamy dressing. The flavor is warm and earthy with a hint of sharpness from the citrus. The yellow color stands out and matches the bold flavor. It works well over greens or served on its own.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad

Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken is mixed with cabbage, avocado, carrots, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette. The avocado adds softness that plays off the crunch of the vegetables. A sprinkle of sesame seeds ties it all together. It’s smooth, crisp, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Greek yogurt replaces mayo in this version, giving it a tangier flavor and thicker texture. Chopped celery and herbs add crunch and freshness. The yogurt holds up well and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. It’s simple, clean, and easy to mix in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Chunks of fresh peach and sweet corn are tossed with chicken in a honey mustard dressing. The mix of textures keeps it interesting from start to finish. It’s sweet, slightly sharp, and smooth all at once. Each bite brings something different without being overcomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This version includes cream cheese, shredded chicken, chopped jalapeños, and crisp bacon bits. It’s creamy, spicy, and salty in just the right amounts. The heat is noticeable but doesn’t take over. It works well with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or in sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Southwest Chicken Salad

Chicken is mixed with corn, beans, peppers, cheese, and a creamy spiced dressing. The flavor leans smoky and slightly spicy with lime cutting through the richness. The mix holds together well without being too heavy. You can serve it as a bowl, wrap, or dip.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken, cabbage, and carrots are tossed in a soy-based dressing with crispy noodles on top. The textures are varied but still work together in every bite. The dressing adds sweet and savory notes without being too thick. It holds up well for meal prep or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Chicken is tossed with shredded vegetables, fresh herbs, and a peanut-lime dressing. The peanut sauce adds richness while lime brightens the whole mix. Chopped peanuts give it extra crunch. Every bite hits sweet, salty, and sour.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad

A creamy base gets blended with hot sauce and honey, plus chunks of chicken and whatever mix-ins you prefer. It hits sweet and sharp at the same time without being too strong in either direction. Each scoop brings contrast in texture and flavor. A good option if you want something with balance and kick.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad

Chopped Chicken Salad

Everything is cut into small, even pieces, chicken, greens, vegetables, and sometimes cheese. The dressing coats every bite evenly without making it soggy. The texture stays consistent throughout. It’s simple and easy to eat with a fork or spoon.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Grilled chicken is coated in barbecue sauce and served over chopped greens with red onion, corn, and cheese. The heat from the grill adds flavor to the meat, while the sauce brings tang and sweetness. A creamy dressing or ranch ties it all together. It’s bold but easy to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Dried cranberries and toasted walnuts mix into a creamy chicken salad base. The sweetness of the fruit pairs with the crunch of the nuts and the smoothness of the chicken. It’s a familiar combo with a good mix of textures. Works well on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Halved grapes and chopped pecans add sweetness and crunch to shredded chicken and mayo. The result is creamy with pops of flavor in each bite. It balances soft and crisp textures without going too sweet. A classic mix that always works.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Easy Asian Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken is mixed with cabbage, carrots, and green onions, then tossed in a simple sesame-soy dressing. The vegetables stay crisp, and the dressing coats everything without weighing it down. Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can be added for crunch. It’s fast to make and holds flavor well even after sitting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Chicken Salad

Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

This version combines bitter greens with shredded chicken and a sharp vinaigrette. The result is crisp, slightly bitter, and full of contrast. You can add chopped nuts or cheese for extra texture. Each bite delivers something sharp and clean.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Pulled chicken is mixed with a tangy Carolina-style barbecue sauce and a small amount of mayo. The vinegar gives it a bite that stands out from creamier versions. It works well on sandwiches or with slaw on the side. It’s flavorful without being too rich.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Chicken is mixed with chili powder, cumin, and smoky seasoning, plus corn, beans, and peppers. The dressing is creamy but carries spice through the whole mix. Each bite has a little heat and a lot of texture. It works well in wraps or on greens.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Mexican Chicken Salad

This salad uses lime juice, cilantro, black beans, corn, and chopped peppers with a creamy base. The flavor is fresh and slightly tangy with a little spice from the add-ins. The chicken holds everything together without getting lost. A strong choice for wraps or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Sliced strawberries are tossed with chicken, spinach, and a slightly sweet dressing. The fruit brings freshness and soft texture, while the greens keep it light. You can add nuts or seeds for crunch. It’s different from the usual mix, but still easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad