Deliciously Simple Chicken Salad Recipes

Thai Chicken-Noodle Salad

This classic salad rewards the cook who likes to play in the kitchen. Start with a basic chicken salad recipe, then try a variation. After all, what doesn't taste good with chicken?

01 of 13

Thai Chicken Noodle Salad

Thai Chicken-Noodle Salad

A homemade peanut sauce complements deli-roasted chicken in this easy noodle bowl recipe. Cayenne pepper adds heat, balanced by cool cucumber and cilantro.

02 of 13

Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Carson Downing

Heap a platter with butter lettuce, poached chicken, green beans, avocado, berries, chives and basil. (The cooked components are easily made ahead.) Admire your creation, then douse it in berry-pink vinaigrette.

03 of 13

Green Salad with Chicken and Marinated Peas

two plates of Green Salad with Chicken and Marinated Peas
Brie Passano

In her book Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables, Abra Berens called this recipe Green Salad with Marinated Peas and Yesterday's Chicken because she makes it the day after roasting a chicken. A supermarket rotisserie bird makes things even simpler.

04 of 13

Basic Chicken Salad

Basic Chicken Salad

We call this chicken salad "basic," but thanks to lemon juice and fresh green onion and parsley, it's anything but boring.

05 of 13

Chicken Chutney Salad

Chicken Chutney Salad

Once you try this sweet and spicy chicken salad recipe, you'll want to enjoy it on the regular. Jarred mango chutney and raisins add sweetness and mild spice. For a healthier version, trade the mayonnaise for yogurt.

06 of 13

Lemon-Avocado Chicken Salad

Lemon-Avocado Chicken Salad

Avocado adds luscious richness to this bright, citrusy chicken salad. Be sure to toss the ingredients gently so the avocado doesn't blend in completely.

07 of 13

Orange Chicken Coleslaw Salad

Orange Chicken Coleslaw Salad

This unusual recipe combines orange marmalade and soy sauce to make a sweet-and-salty dressing for chicken, cabbage and crunchy ramen noodles. Serve the mixture over a bed of fresh spinach for a nutrient-packed meal.

08 of 13

Mexican-Style Chicken Salad

Mexican Chicken Salad

A tiny bit of taco seasoning mix packs big flavor in this south-of-the-border twist on traditional chicken salad. Try it in a tortilla wrap with crisp romaine lettuce.

09 of 13

Chicken Taco Salad

Chicken Taco Salad

Pick up a rotisserie chicken and a few veggies on the way on your next grocery store trip, and in 20 minutes, you can serve this colorful, crowd-pleasing salad for dinner.

10 of 13

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Waldorf Chicken Salad

All the traditional Waldorf ingredients are here: apple, grapes, walnuts, celery and mayo. This is a great choice to pack for weekday lunches.

11 of 13

Sweet and Salty Chicken Salad

Sweet and Salty Chicken Salad

This fresh take on chicken salad starts with a stack of cabbage, deli-roasted chicken, grapes, apple chunks and pineapple. Drizzle with a homemade dressing of ginger-sesame stir-fry sauce, peanut butter and crushed red pepper.

12 of 13

Greek Chicken Salad

Greek Chicken Salad

Toss this salad together in just 15 minutes using deli-roasted chicken, a package of spring mix salad greens, chopped veggies and bottled Greek salad dressing. Leftovers? Tuck them into a pita for lunch the next day.

13 of 13

Roasted Chicken, Focaccia and Olive Salad

Roasted Chicken, Focaccia and Olive Salad

Deli-roasted chicken turns this Mediterranean-inspired dish from a side salad into a meal. Toss garlic focaccia croutons, olives, romaine lettuce and chicken with an easy homemade vinaigrette.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles