Chicken Salad Recipe - Easy-to-Make Lunch w/ Nuts & Dried Fruit (2024)

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ThisChicken Salad Recipe isridiculously easy to throw together and my version of a classic! Light, creamy, and so yummy, you’re going to want to give this recipe a try!

As we all know, I’m a big fan of easy recipes. So, easy recipes that don’t involve ANY cooking? NOW we’re talking.

This chicken salad recipe is just that! It’s so quick, easy, and involves almost no prep at all! Plus, it’s so yummy. That’s a win-win-win if you ask me.

Ingredients

This simple ingredient list creates the BEST, creamy yet light chicken salad.

• Mayonnaise– makes this chickens salad super creamy and delicious. I use an olive oil mayo for a lighter version!
• Relish– I use dill but feel free to use sweet instead.
• Dijon Mustard– adds a tangy spice to cut the creaminess of the mayo.
• Garlic Powder– provides a subtle nutty flavor. I prefer
• Salt and Pepper– enhances other flavors.
• Rotisserie Chicken– bonus: it’s already cooked and lightly seasoned! Feel free to use whatever leftover chicken you have on hand.
• Celery and Red Onion– gives the chicken salad a fresh flavor and an awesome crunch.
• Raisins– adds a touch of sweetness and a delicious chewy texture. Don’t like raisins? Try another dried fruit – like craisins – instead!
• Pecans– add some extra crunch and great nutty flavor. Allergic to nuts? Try shelled sunflower seeds instead!

How to make

Believe me when I say, lunch doesn’t get any easier than this. No cooking involved!

1. Whisk together mayo, relish, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in chicken, celery, red onion, raisins, and pecans.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Variations

I absolutely LOVE this recipe as-is but here are some things changes I like to make when I feel like switching things up.

• Add other fruit.Try sliced grapes, diced apples, pineapple, or another dried fruit.
• Make it creamier.Mash in half an avocado for some healthy fat and extra creamy texture.
• Lighten it up. Swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt instead or try this Greek yogurt chicken salad instead!
• Swap the protein. Try tuna, salmon, or even chickpeas!

How to serve chicken salad

Chicken salad is SUPER versatile. There are so many ways you can serve it. Here are some of my favorites!

• On a sandwich.Serve it between two slices of your favorite toasted bread or a croissant.
• As an appetizer.Serve it in wonton cups like in my Southwestern chicken salad cups recipe.
• In a pita.Fill pita bread with chicken salad, spinach, and avocado slices.
• On a bagel.Try it on everything bagels. Seriously. Just do it. 😉
• As a salad.Serve it over a bed of greens.
• As a snack.Use it as a dip for apple slices or crackers.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze chicken salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it because mayo tends to separate in the freezer and become watery when thawed.

– Jennifer