Chicken salad is one of those dishes that adapts to whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand. It can be creamy, crunchy, spicy, sweet, or sharp, depending on what you mix in and how you serve it. Some versions lean classic with mayo and herbs, while others take cues from different styles of cooking, using bold spices, fresh fruit, or chopped vegetables. You can eat it in a sandwich, pile it over greens, scoop it with crackers, or serve it in a lettuce wrap. The texture changes with every variation, sometimes smooth, sometimes chunky—but each one offers a different balance of flavors. This list brings together everything from quick shortcut versions to layered salads with heat, sweetness, or sharp contrast.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Chopped chicken is mixed with halved grapes, toasted pecans, and a creamy dressing. The grapes add a sweet bite that contrasts with the crunch of the nuts. Each forkful hits sweet, salty, and savory all at once. It’s a classic mix that holds up well in sandwiches or on greens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Easy Asian Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken is mixed with cabbage, carrots, and green onions, then tossed in a simple sesame-soy dressing. The vegetables stay crisp, and the dressing coats everything without weighing it down. Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can be added for crunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Asian Chicken Salad
Mexican Chicken Salad
This take adds black beans, corn, cilantro, lime, and chopped peppers into the mix. The flavor leans smoky and bright, with a creamy base holding everything together. It works well in wraps, bowls, or over greens. A quick way to bring more texture and color to a familiar dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Salad
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Pulled chicken gets tossed with a vinegar-based Carolina barbecue sauce and mixed with a bit of mayo for smoothness. The flavor is tangy, sharp, and slightly smoky. It pairs well with slaw or sliced pickles on the side. A good option when you want something with punch.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken is tossed with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a peanut-lime dressing. The crunch from the vegetables holds up well, and the sauce coats every bite. Crushed peanuts on top add more texture. It’s layered and full of contrast.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This version mixes cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon. It’s rich, spicy, and salty all at once. Each bite delivers a bit of heat and a lot of flavor. You can eat it with crackers, in a wrap, or stuffed into mini peppers.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad
Bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika give this chicken salad deep flavor. Add-ins like corn, black beans, and diced peppers build out the texture. The base is creamy but well seasoned, with lime to finish. It works well over romaine or in tacos.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southwestern Chicken Salad
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Sliced strawberries mix with chicken, spinach, and a light dressing—usually balsamic or poppyseed. The fruit adds sweetness that balances the salt and fat in the dish. Nuts or seeds give it extra crunch. A change-up that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Crispy chicken pieces top a chopped salad of greens, oranges, and a citrus vinaigrette. The dressing adds brightness, and the crunch holds up under the layers. It’s light in texture but big on flavor. Every bite brings contrast between sweet and sharp.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad
Chicken, cabbage, and carrots are tossed in a sesame-soy dressing with chunks of avocado folded in. The avocado brings softness, while the dressing adds depth and umami. Toasted sesame seeds on top boost the flavor. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad
Turmeric Chicken Salad
Turmeric gives this chicken salad a warm color and slightly earthy flavor, balanced with lemon and herbs. The base can be creamy or yogurt-based, depending on the version. It’s simple to prep and doesn’t need much extra. Each bite is fragrant and slightly savory.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs
Hard-boiled egg whites are filled with a chicken salad mix instead of a classic yolk filling. It’s a small-format dish that packs in a lot of flavor. The chicken salad can be classic or spiced up with mustard or herbs. A smart way to combine two staples into one.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs
Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Chunks of peach and kernels of sweet corn are tossed with chicken and a honey mustard dressing. The flavor is sweet, sharp, and a little tangy. Every bite blends soft and crisp textures. It’s layered but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Peach Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad
Shredded chicken goes into a salad with cabbage, carrots, scallions, and crispy noodles. The dressing is sweet, savory, and tangy with a soy-sesame base. It’s crunchy, colorful, and holds up well over time. A good option for prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad
This mix includes corn, black beans, peppers, cheese, and chicken, all tossed with a creamy spiced dressing. Lime and chili powder give it extra flavor without too much heat. Serve it in a bowl, wrap, or tostada. It’s filling and flexible.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Salad
Chopped Chicken Salad
Everything gets chopped to the same size—chicken, greens, vegetables, and sometimes cheese—so each bite is balanced. The dressing can vary, but the texture stays crisp and clean. It’s easy to eat and even easier to customize. Works well as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Chicken Salad
