Simple Chicken Salad Recipe

This simple chicken salad recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using a handful of simple ingredients – perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch on a croissant! It’s creamy, crunchy, and a little tangy with sweet grapes, crisp celery, and toasty almonds.

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required
• Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor from sweet grapes and toasty almonds

Ingredients for Chicken Salad

• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient shortcut for juicy, flavorful chicken. You can also use leftover roasted or poached chicken.
• Red Grapes: Add a juicy sweetness and pop of color. Green grapes work too, or try chopped apples for a crunchier variation.
• Celery: Brings fresh crunch and a slight peppery bite. Cucumber or jicama could be used as alternatives.
• Almonds: Add nuttiness and crunch. Pecans or walnuts would also work well here.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp bite to balance the creamy dressing. Shallots or green onions are other delicious options.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Stick with full-fat for the best flavor and texture. Duke’s is our family’s favorite brand!
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tang to the dressing. Plain Greek yogurt works here too. Again, stick with full-fat.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings depth and a subtle tang. Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard are solid substitutes.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness. Try white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
• Croissants for Serving: Buttery and flaky—perfect for sandwiching this chicken salad. Serve on sandwich rolls, in lettuce cups, or over greens instead.

How to Make Chicken Salad

Combine the chicken and mix-ins. Add chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, and red onion to a large bowl.

Whisk together the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and a few large pinches of salt and pepper.

Toss to coat. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Season to taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and enjoy. Scoop onto fresh croissants or your favorite bread and dig in!

Tips for Making Chicken Salad

• Chill before serving for the best flavor – 30 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference.
• Toast the almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use a mix of white and dark meat for the juiciest texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can make this rotisserie chicken salad up to 2 days in advance.
• Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Give it a good stir and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken salad in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Italian grinder pasta salad
• chicken, bacon, artichoke pasta salad
• Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad
• creamy BLT pasta salad
• street corn pasta salad

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