If you are craving a dish that is both creamy and crunchy with just the right hint of sweetness, you absolutely must try this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this salad balances juicy chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy cashews all nestled in a tangy, luscious dressing. I can’t wait to share how simple it is to bring all these elements together into your new favorite meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients is all it takes to make this salad sing. Each component has a role, whether it’s the creamy Greek yogurt adding tang and moisture, the crunch from celery and cashews for texture, or the sweet grapes bringing a burst of brightness. Let’s look at what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% milkfat or higher): Provides creamy tanginess and healthier protein to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup mayo: Adds richness and smooth texture to balance the yogurt’s tartness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey): Sweetens the dressing just enough to complement the grapes and balance savoriness.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes with minimal effort.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the dressing’s savory profile.
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken breast works wonders): The hearty protein base of the salad, tender and ready to soak up flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, sliced: Sweet burst that lightens and refreshes each bite.
- 1 cup finely diced celery (about 2-3 stalks): Crunchy and fresh, providing the crucial texture contrast.
- 1 cup roasted cashew halves and pieces: Adds buttery nutty crunch and an unexpected twist.
- Optional seasonings (like dried chives, fresh herbs, salt and pepper): These little extras help personalize your salad to perfection.
How to Make Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
Start by combining your Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly until the dressing is perfectly smooth and creamy. Take a moment here to taste the dressing; it should be slightly salty and strongly flavored because it will mellow once mixed with all the other ingredients. Adjust the seasoning if needed, because this dressing is the heart of your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Toss the Mix-ins
Next, add the cooked chicken, sliced grapes, diced celery, and roasted cashews into a large mixing bowl. Pour your beautifully whipped dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together. Use as much dressing as you like to coat the ingredients evenly. The dressing clings to each bite, ensuring every forkful bursts with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Season and Customize
Now comes the fun part—taste your salad and adjust seasonings to your liking. I love stirring in a handful of freeze-dried chives for a subtle herbal note and sprinkling a pinch of white pepper for a clever little kick. Feel free to add fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or a dash more salt if that’s your style. This step personalizes your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe and makes it truly yours!
How to Serve Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can turn your salad into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Try topping it with extra cashew pieces for crunch or a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives to give a pop of green freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side can bring brightness if you want to add a fresh squeeze for every serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some crispy crackers or toasted baguette slices add crunch and make the perfect vehicle for scooping. A light green salad or simple fruit salad complements the flavors without overwhelming. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside soup or a grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by serving the salad inside a halved avocado for an elegant presentation, or stuff it into a buttery croissant for a delicious sandwich twist. Lettuce wraps are a refreshing, low-carb option that showcases the salad’s vibrant colors. You could even use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers for something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe, no worries! Place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruits, greens, and dairy-based dressing, freezing this chicken salad is not recommended. The texture and flavor can be compromised after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not needed. If you want to warm the chicken separately, do so gently, then toss with the salad mixture once cooled slightly. This way you keep the salad fresh and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use mayo alone, but combining it with Greek yogurt gives the salad a lighter texture and tangy flavor that makes it so delightful. Using only mayo might result in a heavier salad.
What kind of chicken is best for this salad?
Rotisserie chicken breast is my favorite for convenience and flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken you like, including grilled or poached chicken. Just be sure it’s cool and diced or shredded for easy mixing.
Can I substitute the cashews for other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would work nicely and provide similar richness and crunch. Just make sure they are roasted for the best flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten.
How sweet should the salad be?
The sweetness primarily comes from the grapes and a touch of sugar or honey in the dressing, balanced with savory and tangy notes. Adjust the sugar or honey amount to your taste preference, but aim for a subtle sweetness that complements without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy and delicious the Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe is, I hope you’ll grab your ingredients and give it a try soon. This salad is a crowd-pleaser that feels fresh, satisfying, and just downright tasty. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to when I want something that’s quick to prepare but still makes any moment feel special. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Super Yummy Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful mix of tender rotisserie chicken, juicy red grapes, crunchy celery, and roasted cashews, all combined with a tangy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing spiced with Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powder. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack served on a wrap, sandwich, or simply on its own.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% milkfat or higher recommended)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey as an alternative)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salad Mix-ins
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or diced (rotisserie chicken breast preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, sliced
- 1 cup finely diced celery (about 2–3 stalks)
- 1 cup roasted cashew halves and pieces
- Additional seasonings as desired (dried herbs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper; freeze-dried chives recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring the dressing is slightly salty and concentrated as it will flavor the entire salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, sliced red grapes, finely diced celery, and roasted cashews.
- Toss Salad: Pour the desired amount of dressing over the mix-ins. Toss gently to coat all components evenly with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra herbs like freeze-dried chives and a pinch of white pepper for enhanced flavor. Mix well.
- Serve & Store: Serve the chicken salad cold on whole wheat wraps, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, toast, or with crackers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute sugar with honey for a natural sweetener alternative in the dressing.
- For best texture and flavor, use rotisserie chicken breast as the protein base.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs or spices such as dried chives or fresh parsley.
- This salad is delicious served cold and improves in flavor if allowed to chill for 30 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers promptly in an airtight container and consume within 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
