I love chicken salads, and I know you will too. They mix tender chicken, crisp veggies, and tasty dressings perfectly. This article will show you how to make amazing chicken salads, from classics to new ideas.
Chicken salads are a favorite in my home. They’re great for quick dinners, weekend lunches, or fancy dinners. We’ll explore both traditional and creative chicken salad recipes that will impress everyone.
Join me on a tasty adventure to make irresistible chicken salads. Your family and friends will love them. Get ready to make your chicken salads even better with these recipes and ideas!
Table of Contents
Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Prepare to delight your taste buds with the Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad. It’s a mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. This dressing also marinates the chicken.
Marinade/Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups chopped romaine or cos lettuce
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (optional)
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade/dressing ingredients.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 40-45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine or cos lettuce, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, and Kalamata olives (if using).
- Drizzle the remaining marinade/dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top the salad with the grilled, sliced chicken and serve immediately.
Get ready to enjoy the fresh, Mediterranean taste of this Grilled Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken Salad. It’s a perfect mix of protein, veggies, and zesty dressing. It will make you feel full and refreshed.
Classic Chicken Salad with Almonds
Discover the delightful harmony of a classic chicken salad recipe with crunchy, toasted almonds. This timeless dish combines tender, juicy chicken, celery, and a creamy dressing. It creates a satisfying and versatile meal.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, scallions, celery, dill, and parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, sugar, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3.Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top and gently fold them into the salad.
5. Chill the classic chicken salad with almonds for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Enjoy this delicious and classic chicken salad as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or scooped into hollowed-out vegetables. The chicken salad with almonds is a tasty and crunchy variation that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Endless Possibilities with Chicken Salas
Chicken salad is more than just a sandwich or salad. It can be turned into many tasty meals. You can enjoy it in salads, stuffed avocados, and more.
Try using chicken salad as a main course in a salad. It mixes well with greens, veggies, and toppings like eggs and cheese. Add a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
Stuff chicken salad into avocados or bell peppers for a twist. It adds healthy fats and color. Top it with herbs or paprika for extra flavor.
- Experiment with adding Dijon mustard or curry powder to your chicken salad for a flavor boost.
- Prevent dryness by incorporating plain Greek yogurt or sour cream into the mixture.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey or canned chicken to change up the protein.
Chicken salad offers endless possibilities. Enjoy it in sandwiches, salads, or creative dishes. It’s sure to be a hit with your family. Get creative and make it a masterpiece.
Simple Salad Creations
Leftover chicken salad can be turned into tasty salads. You can make a new version of the classic cobb salad or a hearty main course salad. The options are endless when you use your chicken salad in different ways.
Cobb Salad with a Twist
Make your chicken salad into a Cobb salad by adding greens, blue cheese, eggs, avocado, and tomatoes. This twist makes for a delicious and filling meal, great for lunch or dinner.
Main Course Salads
Make your chicken salad into a main dish by adding ingredients like bell peppers, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The creamy chicken salad and fresh veggies make for a nutritious and tasty meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken Breast | 1 pound |
| Seedless Green Grapes | 1/2 cup |
| Seedless Red Grapes | 1/2 cup |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup |
| Celery | 1/2 cup |
| Pecan Pieces | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| White Balsamic Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
This recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups of chicken salad, enough for 4 servings. Each serving has 375 calories, 26.3g of fat, and 5.1g of saturated fat. It also has 102mg of cholesterol, 404.8mg of sodium, and 31.2g of protein. People love it, giving it a 5.0 rating from 2 reviews. They suggest using homemade mayonnaise for the best taste.
Innovative Chicken Salad Dishes
Chicken salad is more than just a sandwich or salad. It can be served in many creative ways. Try new and exciting formats to enjoy this protein-packed meal.
Pita Pockets
Make chicken salad into a portable lunch by putting it in pita bread pockets. Add crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy hummus for extra flavor. The soft pita bread is perfect for carrying the tasty chicken salad.
Lettuce Cups
Use lettuce leaves or cups for a low-carb, gluten-free option. The cool lettuce contrasts well with the creamy chicken salad. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or chopped nuts for extra taste.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Add mashed avocado to your classic chicken salad for a creamy twist. The avocado mixes well with the chicken, making a nutritious and tasty salad. Serve it on its own or as a spread on crackers, toast, or chicken salad lettuce cups.
“The beauty of chicken salad is that it’s a blank canvas, allowing you to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.”
Hearty Chicken Salad Meals
Take your chicken salad to the next level by turning it into main dishes. Try it in stuffed peppers or savory crepes. These options will make you see chicken salad in a whole new light.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers or avocado halves with creamy chicken salad stuffed peppers. Add shredded cheese on top for a delicious, cheesy main dish. This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving has 630 kcal, 32g carbs, 38g protein, and 42g fat.
Savory Crepes
Make your chicken salad crepes into a tasty brunch or dinner. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cook time is 25 minutes. Each serving has 548 kcal, 74.2g carbs, 15.5g protein, and 24.5g fat.
Potato Skins
Make a fun appetizer or side with chicken salad potato skins. Add melted cheese and your favorite toppings. This recipe serves 4. Each serving has 15g sugar, 12g fiber, and 1320mg potassium.
Sandwich and Quiche Variations
Make your chicken salad into tasty sandwiches and quiches. This versatile dish is loved by many. Find new ways to enjoy its delicious flavors.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken salad is great in many breads. Try it in croissants, bagels, or rolls. Toasted bread adds a nice crunch, while soft buns are soft and fluffy.
Add crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, or tangy pickles for extra freshness. This makes your sandwich even better.
Chicken Salad Quiche
Turn leftover chicken salad into a tasty quiche. Mix it with eggs, cheese, and your favorite fillings. Bake until it’s golden and the crust is set.
Serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a meal or as an appetizer.
| Sandwich Variation | Quiche Variation |
|---|---|
| Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich | Chicken Salad Quiche with Spinach and Feta |
| Bagel Chicken Salad Sandwich | Chicken Salad Quiche with Sun-Dried Tomatoes |
| Chicken Salad Sandwich on Whole Wheat Rolls | Chicken Salad Quiche with Caramelized Onions |
Discover the endless options for chicken salad sandwiches and chicken salad quiche. They can take your cooking to the next level and satisfy your taste buds.
Hot Chicken Salad Twist
Chicken salad is a dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. The hot chicken salad twist is a tasty spin on the classic. It turns chicken salad into a warm, comforting meal.
To make the hot chicken salad, start with cooked chicken breasts, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and some seasonings. Mix these to create a flavorful base.
Then, heat the chicken salad in a pan with chicken broth. This makes it warm and saucy, perfect over rice or mashed potatoes. The heat also blends the flavors, making it irresistible.
The hot chicken salad twist is very versatile. You can have it as a main dish or as a topping for baked potatoes, stuffed peppers, or lettuce cups. The options are endless!
If you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish for a potluck, try the hot chicken salad twist. It’s a delicious twist on a classic recipe!
Conclusion
This article has shown you many tasty chicken salad recipes and new ways to serve them. You now know how to make your chicken salad even better. Whether you want a light salad, a full meal, or a special appetizer, you have lots of options.
Try out different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite chicken salad. The recipes here fit many diets, like low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan. You can make your chicken salad just how you like it, adding protein, healthy dressings, and fiber.
Whether you’re making a traditional chicken salad or trying something new, this article will help. Enjoy making and eating chicken salad with your family and friends.