11 Chicken Salad Recipes, From Classic to Creative

They're just right over greens or in sandwich.

chicken tostada

Transform plain cooked chicken into a fresh and lively salad that's ideal for a picnic, an elegant luncheon, or even dinner by whipping up one of our creamy recipes. Whether you prefer a classic chicken salad wrapped in mayonnaise, or a mesclun mix adorned with chicken coated in Greek yogurt and lemon, there's no denying that the protein-packed salad has become a mealtime staple.

All of our chicken salad ideas taste great atop a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich using the bread of your choice. Get ready to discover a chicken salad recipe in our collection that's so good, you'll want to make it on the regular.

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Chicken Salad With Apricots and Almonds Sandwich

Simple Chicken Salad

Simple and tasty, the addition of apricots and almonds bring more protein and a touch of sweetness to this classic chicken salad. Enjoy it as an open-face sandwich or over greens.

02 of 11

Summer Waldorf With Yogurt-Tarragon Dressing

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Bryan Gardner

Our main dish Waldorf salad features sliced chicken breast. Juicy sweet slices of plum and toasted chopped almonds stand in for the usual apples and walnuts. In place of the mayo we've got a most delectable, and much lighter, yogurt-tarragon dressing.

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Classic Chicken Salad

classic chicken salad sandwich
Con Poulos

The original and best, this chicken salad recipe truly is the classic. It’s made with chopped or shredded chicken, celery, parsley, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Serve it on your favorite whole grain bread with baby greens or romaine or over a bed of baby greens—topped with halved red seedless grapes

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Chicken Club Salad

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Chunks of baked chicken, crumbled bacon, and chopped tomato and red onion mingle with light mayonnaise and white-wine vinegar in this deconstructed club sandwich. Pile the chicken salad on lettuce leaves or toasted sourdough bread to serve. You can prepare the components for this satisfying main-course salad beforehand, but arrange them just before serving.

05 of 11

Chicken Salad With Apples and Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts

A Waldorf salad by another name: Apples and walnuts add a satisfying crunch when paired with tender chicken and a tangy, reduced-fat mayonnaise-based dressing.

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Chicken, Chickpea, and Pesto Salad

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Toss chickpeas, sliced English cucumber, celery, and shredded chicken breasts in homemade or purchased basil pesto to make this hearty chicken salad.

07 of 11

Apricot-Basil Chicken Salad

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Dried apricots, fresh basil, and slivered almonds make this chicken salad worthy of an elegant luncheon or shower. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, paprika, minced garlic, and Champagne vinegar to make the tangy, flavorful dressing.

08 of 11

Chicken Tostada Salad

Chicken Tostada Salad on white plate atop blue tablecloth

Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for this quick and tasty chicken salad. Tortillas are baked till golden and crispy, then topped with Monterey Jack cheese and baked briefly to melt the cheese. They're topped with warmed chicken seasoned with chili powder and lime, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and plenty of cilantro.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad

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For this elevated chicken salad, chicken breasts are gently poached, shredded, and combined with celery, fresh tarragon, white-wine vinegar, and olive oil to make this a light and refreshing dish to serve over lettuce or as an open sandwich.

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Mango Chicken Salad

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Shredded chicken and diced mango are combined in a spicy yogurt dressing seasoned with Major Grey's mango chutney, lime juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and fresh cilantro. This sweet and spicy chicken salad is delicious served on a bed of baby spinach; toasted coconut makes a great garnish.

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Chicken Salad Pitas

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This sweet-and-savory chicken salad starts with poached chicken breasts. The dressing is a classic mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice combination. Slivered almonds, canned mandarin orange segments, and celery go into the pita pockets along with the shredded chicken and lettuce leaves.

Updated by
Victoria Spencer
Victoria Spencer, senior food editor, MarthaStewart.com
Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.
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