Chicken Salad Recipe

This easy Chicken Salad Recipe combines tender chicken with juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, fresh dill, and just the right amount of sweet pickle relish for a creamy chicken salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, croissants, wraps, or meal prep.

There are countless chicken salad recipes, each with its own twist. This version combines a classic creamy base with juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, fresh dill and parsley, and just enough bread-and-butter pickle to add a sweet, tangy finish. It’s creamy, crunchy, a little sweet, and full of fresh flavor.

Using rotisserie chicken keeps the recipe quick and easy while adding more savory flavor than chicken breast alone. Prepare it ahead and let it chill before serving for an easy lunch that’s just as fitting for sandwiches and wraps as it is for brunches, showers, and casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

• Big, balanced flavor in every bite – Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all come together with fresh herbs, juicy grapes, and a bright lemony finish. It’s anything but boring.
• Quick and easy with rotisserie chicken – Using ready-to-eat chicken keeps prep simple and cuts down on time without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh herbs make it stand out – Dill and parsley add a fresh, vibrant twist that elevates this beyond your typical deli-style chicken salad.
• Perfect make-ahead recipe – It actually tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for lunches, gatherings, or meal prep.
• Customizable for any craving – Swap nuts, add fruit, or change up the herbs—this recipe easily adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for.
• Great for serving any way you like – Pile it onto croissants, tuck it into wraps, or serve it over greens for a lighter option.
• A true crowd-pleaser – Classic enough for everyone to love, but with just enough twist to make people ask for the recipe.

Why This Chicken Salad Works

The secret to this chicken salad is the balance of flavors and textures. Sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, fresh dill, and a small amount of sweet pickle relish all complement the tender chicken and creamy dressing. Every bite has a little sweetness, crunch, and freshness, making it equally delicious piled onto croissants, tucked into sandwiches, or served over lettuce.

Ingredients in Chicken Salad with Grapes

This chicken salad keeps the classic base but layers in fresh herbs and texture for a more elevated flavor.

• Rotisserie chicken (light and dark meat) – Using both adds more flavor and keeps the salad juicy
• Red seedless grapes – A pop of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients
• Green onions – Mild onion flavor without overpowering
• Celery – Classic crunch and freshness
• Bread and butter pickles – A little sweet, a little tangy—adds depth
• Fresh dill – Bright, slightly tangy herb that pairs beautifully with chicken
• Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and rounds out the herb flavor
• Whole mustard seeds – Subtle tang and texture
• Walnuts – Crunchy and slightly buttery
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base
• Greek yogurt or sour cream – Lightens it up while adding a slight tang
• Fresh lemon juice – Brightens all the flavors
• Salt and pepper – To bring everything together

Everything comes together with simple, fresh ingredients—nothing complicated, just really good flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

One of the best things about chicken salad is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple or dress it up depending on the occasion.

Serve this chicken salad:

• On croissants or sandwich bread for a classic lunch
• Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter option
• Rolled into a tortilla or wrap for something quick and easy
• Scooped over mixed greens for a fresh, protein-packed salad
• With crackers or toasted baguette slices as an appetizer

It’s just as perfect for a casual lunch at home as it is for showers, brunches, or small gatherings.

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

A few simple tips can take your chicken salad from good to really memorable.

• Use both light and dark meat for the best flavor and texture
• Let it chill before serving—even 30 minutes helps the flavors come together
• Chop ingredients evenly so every bite has the perfect balance
• Taste and adjust before serving, especially salt, pepper, and lemon juice
• Adjust the creaminess to your liking by adding a little more mayo or yogurt if needed

These small details make a big difference and are what turn a simple recipe into an all-time favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re making this chicken salad for sandwiches, meal prep, or a summer lunch, these are the questions I hear most often. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken salad actually tastes even better after it’s had a few hours to chill, giving the flavors time to blend. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and if needed, add a spoonful of mayonnaise to freshen it up.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts because it’s tender, flavorful, and saves time. You can also use leftover baked, poached, or grilled chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.

Why add grapes to chicken salad?

Sweet, juicy grapes add freshness and balance to the creamy dressing while complementing the savory chicken. I prefer seedless red grapes because they’re naturally sweet, crisp, and hold their texture well after being mixed into the salad.

Do walnuts and fresh dill belong in chicken salad?

They do! Walnuts add a satisfying crunch while fresh dill brings a bright, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the grapes and creamy dressing. Together, they create a chicken salad that’s full of texture and flavor in every bite.

Can I make this chicken salad without bread and butter pickles?

Yes. The pickles adds a subtle sweetness and tang that complements the grapes, but you can leave it out if you prefer. Finely chopped dill pickles or a splash of pickle juice make great substitutes and add a little extra zip.

Is this chicken salad good for meal prep?

Yes! Chicken salad is one of my favorite meal prep lunches because it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. Serve it on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, crackers, or stuffed into pita pockets for quick lunches throughout the week.

What to Serve with Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both light and comforting sides, depending on the occasion.

For a fresh and elegant combination, serve it alongside a chilled bowl of Strawberry Soup. The sweetness of the soup complements the savory, herby chicken salad beautifully—perfect for spring lunches or a light brunch spread.

If you’re leaning more toward a hearty meal, a slice of Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread is a great choice. The warm, cheesy bread contrasts nicely with the cool, creamy salad and makes it feel more like a complete dinner.

Other easy pairings:

• Fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad
• Kettle chips or crackers for crunch
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette

This chicken salad recipe is one of those dependable, go-to dishes that works for just about any occasion. It’s easy enough for a quick lunch, but flavorful enough to serve for guests, and the fact that it tastes even better after a little time in the fridge makes it perfect for planning ahead. Whether you keep it classic or make it your own with a few simple swaps, you’re going to love it!

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5 from 2 votes

Chicken Salad Recipe

This chicken salad recipe is creamy, flavorful, and full of texture from juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and fresh herbs. Made with rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor, it comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or an easy make-ahead lunch.

Course Salad

Prep Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4 -6

Calories 341

Author Good Dinner Mom

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

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• 2½ cups cooked chicken rotisserie works great
• 1 to 2 cups red seedless grapes cut in half
• 3 green onions chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 3 bread and butter pickle slices diced
• ¼ cup fresh dill minced
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
• ½ tsp whole mustard seeds
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• sea salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Prepare the chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces, using a combination of light and dark meat for the best flavor and texture.
  2½ cups cooked chicken
• Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, green onions, celery, bread-and-butter pickle slices, dill, parsley, mustard seeds, walnuts, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  1 to 2 cups red seedless grapes, 3 green onions, 2 stalks celery, 3 bread and butter pickle slices, ¼ cup fresh dill, ⅓ cup fresh parsley, ½ tsp whole mustard seeds, ½ cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Season and adjust: Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier chicken salad, stir in a little more mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a splash of half-and-half until it reaches your desired consistency.
  sea salt, black pepper
• Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For the best flavor, make the chicken salad a day ahead and let it chill overnight.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut and gives this salad great flavor. Use a combination of light and dark meat for the best texture.
• Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and makes an even better chicken salad.
• Cut the grapes in half (or quarters if they're especially large) so every bite has a little sweetness.
• This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Easy Variations

Chicken Waldorf Salad: Add chopped apple, raisins, and cheddar cheese. Omit the bread-and-butter pickles and fresh dill.

Chicken Cashew Salad: Replace the walnuts with chopped cashews, add fresh cilantro, and omit the dill and parsley.

Chicken Tarragon Salad: Replace the fresh dill with ½ to 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (or 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon), add a pinch of dried oregano, and substitute pecans for the walnuts.

 

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Salad Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 341 Calories from Fat 279

% Daily Value*

Fat 31g48%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 20g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 13mg4%

Sodium 589mg26%

Potassium 319mg9%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 883IU18%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 95mg10%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe source is Good Dinner Mom’s kitchen.