18 Chicken Salad Recipes That Make Healthy Taste Amazing

Chicken salad doesn’t have to be boring or basic. This roundup features a variety of fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipes that turn simple ingredients into meals full of taste and texture. From sweet and tangy fruit mixes to savory, spice-packed flavors, these chicken salads work perfectly for lunches, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. Whether you like yours light and healthy or bold and indulgent, there’s a recipe here to match every craving.

Chicken Salad With Grapes

A bowl of chicken salad with red grapes, celery, and fresh dill sits on a wooden board, with a small bunch of grapes nearby. — Chicken Salad With Grapes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Juicy grapes add sweet bursts to the creamy chicken salad. Chopped chicken provides a tender, hearty base. A simple dressing ties everything together. Serve on bread, crackers, or over greens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Grapes

Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries

Close-up of a salad with leafy greens, apple slices, walnuts, seeds, and a light dressing on a white plate. — Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Kale adds a crisp, slightly bitter base to balance the sweet cranberries. Chicken and nuts bring substance to the salad. The dressing lightly coats each leaf. This salad holds up well without wilting quickly.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts contrast with tender chicken. The texture is layered and satisfying. A creamy dressing keeps everything cohesive. Serve on bread, croissants, or lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Cooked rice adds a soft texture alongside chicken pieces. Fresh basil and lemon brighten the flavors. The salad is light yet filling. Serve chilled for a refreshing taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Autumn Salad with Chicken

A plate of kale salad with sliced grilled chicken, apple and pear slices, almonds, cranberries, and feta, topped with dressing. A bowl of dressing, an apple, and a pear are nearby. — Autumn Salad with Chicken. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables bring warmth and color. Chicken adds a savory element. Nuts or seeds provide crunch and dimension. Toss lightly to coat with dressing.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Tender chicken is paired with a spicy chili crisp for a kick. The filling stays moist and flavorful. Soft bread holds everything neatly. Perfect for a bold, handheld lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken mixes with pasta, romaine, and Caesar dressing. Parmesan and croutons add crunch and depth. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. Toss gently to combine flavors evenly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Chicken is coated in creamy Greek yogurt. Herbs and seasonings enhance flavor without overpowering. The texture is smooth with tender chunks. Serve chilled or on fresh bread.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl containing chopped cooked chicken, mayonnaise, hot sauce, green onions, cooked bacon, chopped green peppers, and various seasonings. — Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken pairs with spicy jalapeño and creamy elements for a bold flavor. Cheese adds richness to the filling. The salad has crunch from vegetables or chips. Perfect for sandwiches or lettuce cups.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

healthy chicken salad recipe

Open-faced sandwich topped with shredded chicken, parsley, diced cheese, red onion, and yellow fruit pieces on a white plate. — healthy chicken salad recipe. Photo credit: My Chefs Apron.

Chicken is mixed with light, flavorful ingredients. Fresh vegetables provide texture and color. A simple dressing binds everything together. Serve over greens or as a sandwich filling.
Get the Recipe: healthy chicken salad recipe

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Asian-inspired salad with shredded chicken, sliced vegetables, almonds, and fresh cilantro, with chopsticks resting on the rim. — Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Chicken is combined with crisp vegetables and an Asian-style dressing. Crunchy noodles or nuts add texture. The salad is light yet flavorful. Serve chilled for best results.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

A plate of grilled chicken breast slices served with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and greens on a white plate. — Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Chicken pairs with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Balsamic drizzle adds tang and richness. The salad balances creamy and fresh textures. Serve immediately to enjoy vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Easy Asian Chicken Salad

A bowl of salad with sliced red onions, orange segments, greens, and crispy wonton strips. — Easy Asian Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Tender chicken is tossed with vegetables and a sesame-style dressing. Crunchy toppings give texture to each bite. Serve chilled for a crisp, refreshing salad. The flavors are balanced and bright.
Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Chicken is combined with cabbage, herbs, and a tangy dressing. Peanut or lime elements add depth to the flavor. The salad has both crunch and softness. Serve chilled or slightly room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Turmeric Chicken Salad

Chicken salad with raisins and chopped vegetables served on a leaf of lettuce atop a slice of brown bread. — Turmeric Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken is coated in a lightly spiced turmeric dressing. Fresh vegetables or herbs add color and texture. The salad has earthy and bright notes. Serve over bread, crackers, or greens.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad (Ensalada de Pollo)

Chicken is combined with Mexican-inspired flavors and vegetables. Fresh herbs enhance the salad. A light dressing holds everything together. Serve chilled with tortillas or bread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad (Ensalada de Pollo)

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie chicken is shredded and mixed with a creamy base. Soft bread keeps the sandwich intact. Add crisp vegetables if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A hand holding a sandwich with a filling of shredded chicken salad between two slices of whole wheat bread, against a white tiled background. — Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken is coated in tangy buffalo sauce. Greens and mild vegetables balance the heat. Cheese or dressing can cool each bite. Serve over lettuce or in a sandwich for variety.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad