Chicken salads with fresh twists make it easy to bring great food to the table without a lot of fuss. These recipes are flavorful, approachable, and ideal for everything from casual dinners to weekend gatherings. They’re the kind you’ll want to save and make again.

Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Plate of chicken salad next to spices and tomatoes.
Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make this delicious, spicy version of traditional chicken salad!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad

A wooden bowl filled with cranberry chicken salad with a wooden spoon.
Cranberry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Cranberry chicken salad has tender chicken, sweet tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and bits of crisp celery and onions tossed in a creamy flavor-packed dressing and is just too good to resist! With only 10 minutes of prep time using simple ingredients, it’s the best twist on a classic chicken salad you’ll ever taste.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad on a white plate.
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick and delicious dinner, the Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe is so flavorful with tender juicy chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

A bowl of chicken salad with celery, grapes, and parsley garnish sits on a brick-patterned surface next to a floral napkin, offering fresh twists on classic Chicken Salad Recipes.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken breast, heart-heathy walnuts, and sweet cranberries team up in this stunning chicken salad that’s as delicious on a sandwich is it is just on the end of a fork.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

A clear glass bowl filled with colorful rice salad and chopped vegetables, garnished with two lemon slices—a vibrant dish that’s perfect for those who love fresh twists on classic chicken salads.
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon is a refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and fragrant basil with a tangy lemon dressing. It is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A plate of Greek yogurt chicken salad.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish that combines chicken, crunchy apples, and roasted almonds with a creamy dressing made with tangy Greek yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe

A bowl of chicken salad with chunks of chicken and mixed veggies.
Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Chicken Salad Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for sandwiches or as a meal on its own. It combines tender chicken with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Vintage pea salad is a creamy, tangy, & sweet salad. Whether it is a cookout, Easter or Christmas, it is the perfect make-ahead salad.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Copycat

Chicken Salad Sandwich made with a copycat recipe from The Masters.
Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Copycat. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe is a copycat version of the famous dish, perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Masters Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe Copycat

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with arugula, sliced onions, and red chili peppers.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious main dish that is full of flavor and nutrients and is a power-packed salad that is dairy-free and easy to make. It features marinated chicken and a variety of veggies, including arugula and spiralized cucumbers.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A plate of coronation chicken salad.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Coronation Chicken Salad recipe is a royally delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, sweet, and spicy dressing. It’s a coronation fit for your taste buds and is perfect for a light lunch or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a low-carb meal option, try this flavorful Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad! It offers a fun twist on traditional jalapeño poppers, and it’s quite easy to prepare. Make it in advance and include it in your low-carb lunch menu on busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *