11 Easy Chicken Salad Recipes That’ll Be Instant Classics

Tarragon Chicken Salad - Southern Living - in a bowl with a small bowl of pecans


Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


These chicken salad recipes have been staples in our cooking repertoire for years. The dishes they make are just as elegant as they are simple—the perfect spreads to throw together for a

last-minute dinner party appetizer

or a relaxing lunch at home. You can serve chicken salad in a sandwich or a wrap, in lettuce cups or tarts, atop a green salad, or all on its own. Plus, chicken salad can be

made ahead of time

—and any leftovers will be fantastic meal prep for the busy week ahead.

Our roundup of chicken salad recipes is destined for the favorites section of your recipe box too.


01


of 11



Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad


Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The ingredient list of this recipe is simple but oh-so effective. Thyme will be the unlikely hero here, as it brings a touch of fresh herby flavor that really sings when you also add a dash of lemon juice to the mix.


02


of 11



Curry Chicken Salad

Southern Living Curry Chicken Salad in lettuce cups on a tray to serve

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall


Treat your traditional chicken salad to a layer of earthy warmth with the addition of curry powder, which also gives this twist on the dish its inviting yellow hue. Serve it on lettuce for an extra-fresh crunch.


03


of 11



Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad


Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

You can make this chicken salad year-round, but it will also make the ideal main dish for your casual holiday brunch menu. We love the tangy notes from the Dijon mustard found in the dressing. Plus, you can never go wrong with opting for a rotisserie chicken, which makes prep even easier.


04


of 11



Persian Salad Olivieh (Persian Chicken Salad)

Southern Living Persian Salad Olivieh (Persian Chicken Salad) on a platter to serve

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall


Consider this the ultimate comfort-food mash-up: Salad Olivieh, traditionally served during the celebration of the Persian New Year, combines the flavors of chicken, potato, and egg salads for a sturdy and satisfying dish. Thinly sliced radishes on top lend a peppery finish.


05


of 11



Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad - Southern Living - in a bowl with a small bowl of pecans

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


With bright lemon and fragrant tarragon, this light tarragon chicken salad is perfect for your springtime ladies’ luncheon. It is a time-tested recipe that has been enlivening shower, social, and church spreads for years.


06


of 11



Avocado Chicken Salad

Southern Living Avocado Chicken Salad in a bowl to serve on a bed of greens

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins


If you’ve never added avocado to your chicken salad, do we have a treat in store for you. Avocado adds a bounty of creaminess while also enlivening a classic chicken salad blend in this Southern Living-favorite recipe.


07


of 11



Chicken Salad With Grapes and Pecans

Chicken Salad With Grapes and Pecans on a plate with leaf lettuce and crackers


Will Dickey

If you’re tired of the same old chicken salad recipe, add a bit of juicy flavor and nutty crunch with pecans and grapes. The grapes add sweetness and a punchy pop of fruitiness, while the pecans add crunch and satisfying texture.


08


of 11



Hot Chicken Salad

Hot Chicken Salad - Southern Living

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox


The combination of pimentos, Cheddar cheese, water chestnuts, and a potato chip crust give this unconventional baked chicken salad nice layers of texture and flavor. It’ll be your new go-to party dish, as it can be enjoyed as a dip or all on its own.


09


of 11



The Greenbrier’s Chicken Salad

Dorothy Draper Chicken Salad


The Greenbrier

Many Southern institutions have famous chicken salads, and one of the best can be found at The Greenbrier Hotel. You can now make The Greenbrier’s beloved chicken salad at home with this recipe, which is also known as Dorothy Draper’s Chicken Salad.


10


of 11



Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches


Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

If you have a hard time choosing between a Caesar salad and a chicken salad sandwich at lunchtime, meet your new go-to dish. A hybrid of chicken salad and Caesar salad stuffs these sandwiches with flavor, tang, and a hearty dose of protein.


11


of 11



Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad

Southern Living Old Fashioned Chicken Salad on plates to serve with lettuce and crackers

Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley


This classic chicken salad recipe combines all your favorite components, from celery to lemon juice to mayo. It’s packed full of the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s kitchen.