If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish, you’ve got to try this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and buttery cashews all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you want something for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a potluck, this salad is a total winner that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory notes, making every bite a celebration. Trust me, once you taste this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect texture and taste harmony. From the creamy dressing base to the fresh and crunchy mix-ins, every element enhances the overall experience!
- Plain Greek yogurt: I prefer 2% milkfat or higher for a creamy yet healthy base that adds tang.
- Mayo: Adds richness and extra creaminess to balance the tang of the yogurt.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tangy kick that livens up the dressing.
- Sugar (or honey): Just a touch to mellow the acidity and enhance natural sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Lends warmth and aroma to the dressing.
- Cooked chicken: Use about 2 ½ cups of cubed or diced rotisserie breast for tender, flavorful protein.
- Red grapes, sliced: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery, finely diced: Offers satisfying crunch and freshness.
- Roasted cashew halves and pieces: Bring buttery crunch and nutty depth.
- Extra seasonings: I love adding freeze-dried chives and white pepper for a personalized flavor finish!
How to Make Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining plain Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Don’t be shy about tasting as you go — you want the dressing to taste a bit salty and concentrated since it will mingle with all the other ingredients and mellow out.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
Next, toss the cubed cooked chicken, sliced red grapes, diced celery, and roasted cashew pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour as much of the dressing over the mix-ins as you like, then gently fold it all together. You want every bite to have a perfect balance of juicy, crunchy, and creamy goodness.
Step 3: Season and Adjust
Now is the time to zhuzh it up! Taste your chicken salad and add any extra seasonings you love — I usually stir in some freeze-dried chives and a grind of white pepper. Feel free to add more salt or sugar if needed. This step makes all the difference and personalizes your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe just for you.
Step 4: Ready to Enjoy!
That’s it! Your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe is done and looking fabulous. Serve it chilled or at room temperature — it’s delicious either way. The creamy dressing, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and nutty cashews come together in a way that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top just before serving. A few extra cashews or a dusting of paprika can add a nice touch of color and crunch. These little garnishes instantly elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread, whole wheat wraps, or crisp lettuce leaves for a light wrap-style meal. Fresh veggie sticks such as carrot or cucumber complement the creaminess perfectly. It’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad for a complete, balanced dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative and serve the Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out avocados or tomatoes for a vibrant and elegant twist. Spoon it onto crackers as an appetizer or make mini slider sandwiches using soft rolls for a finger-food crowd-pleaser. This recipe is the perfect base for endless delicious presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it convenient for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, if you need to freeze it, separate the dressing from the mix-ins first. Freeze the cooked chicken separately and add grapes, celery, and cashews fresh when thawed. This prevents texture loss and keeps your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe tasting amazing.
Reheating
This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it can alter the texture and freshness. Simply enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge or let it sit out for a few minutes to lose some chill before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can all be delicious alternatives, each bringing their unique flavor and crunch. Just make sure they’re roasted for the best texture and taste.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and use a vegan mayo. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this chicken salad spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Mixing in finely diced fresh chili peppers can also bring a nice heat kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
You certainly can! Just be sure the chicken thighs are cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Thigh meat adds extra juiciness and richness to the salad.
What are some good wrap options for serving?
Whole wheat, spinach, or tomato basil wraps are great choices because they add an extra layer of flavor while keeping the meal wholesome. Lettuce wraps are fantastic for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe enough—it’s a simple, satisfying dish that feels like a big hug in every bite. Perfect for busy days or when you want to impress family and friends, it’s easy to whip up and endlessly customizable. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 quick and easy dish perfect for lunch or light dinner. Combining tender rotisserie chicken with sweet grapes, crisp celery, and crunchy roasted cashews, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing seasoned with Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powder, it’s deliciously flavorful and satisfying. Serve it wrapped, as a sandwich, or simply with crackers for a refreshing and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% milkfat or higher preferred)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey, to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salad
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or diced (rotisserie chicken breast recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, sliced
- 1 cup finely diced celery (about 2–3 stalks)
- 1 cup roasted cashew halves and pieces
- Optional seasonings: dried herbs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, freeze-dried chives, white pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, remembering it should be a bit salty and concentrated as it will blend with the other ingredients.
- Combine Mix-ins: In a larger bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, sliced grapes, diced celery, and roasted cashews.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the desired amount of dressing over the mix-ins and gently toss until everything is coated to your liking.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the salad and add extra seasonings like dried chives, white pepper, salt, or pepper to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad cold on whole wheat wraps, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, toast, or simply with crackers.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness alternative.
- Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time but cooked chicken breast can also be used.
- Add herbs such as dried chives or fresh parsley to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to preference for creaminess.
- The salad is best enjoyed cold and stores well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
