This Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is a creamy, fresh, and flavor-packed classic that I turn to whenever I need something genuinely satisfying—perfect for picnics, lunches, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. It unites succulent poached chicken, crunchy almonds, juicy grapes, and vibrant herbs in a luscious, zesty dressing that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: Every bite offers the most dreamy contrast between tender chicken, snappy celery, crunchy almonds, and bursts of sweet grape.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe actually improves after chilling, making it the ultimate prep-ahead lunch or party dish.
- Fresh & Flavorful: With a punchy blend of lemon, fresh herbs, and Dijon, the dressing is anything but ordinary and really brightens the salad.
- Versatile Serving: Pile it into sandwiches, lettuce cups, or on top of greens for a fuss-free meal any time you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s chat ingredients! The magic of the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe lies in the simple, quality elements you likely have on hand, each playing a unique role—adding color, crunch, creaminess, and a symphony of flavors to every forkful.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Poaching keeps the chicken juicy and tender, which is essential for that classic chicken salad texture.
- Sliced Raw Almonds: These add a toasty crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that sets this salad apart from the rest.
- Mayonnaise: Bring on the creaminess! Go for full-fat for the richest, silkiest result.
- Dijon Mustard: A little zing from Dijon gives the dressing a sophisticated depth.
- Red Grapes (quartered): Bursts of sweet juiciness balance the savory and make every bite pop.
- Celery Ribs (diced): For that can’t-miss crispy crunch and fresh flavor.
- Green Onions: Both green and white parts bring a mild oniony bite without overwhelming the salad.
- Fresh Parsley & Tarragon (finely chopped): Don’t skip—the fresh herbs add brightness and an aromatic lift.
- Lemon Juice: Just-squeezed lemon offers a sunny tang and keeps things from ever tasting flat.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season to perfection, as always!
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is how easy it is to riff on—don’t be afraid to toss in your own twists based on cravings, what’s in your fridge, or dietary needs!
- Fruit Swap: Try chopped apples, dried cranberries, or cherries in place of (or alongside) grapes for subtle sweetness and color.
- Nut Lovers’ Dream: Replace almonds with pecans, walnuts, or cashews for a different crunch and nutty dimension.
- Lighter Dressing: Use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-boosted spin.
- No-Mayo Option: Try mashed avocado or a cashew-based vegan mayo if you’re avoiding eggs or dairy.
- Spicy Kick: A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes wakes up the flavor if you want a little heat.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Poach and Cool the Chicken
Begin by arranging your chicken breasts in a wide pan or pot, then pour in just enough cold water to cover them by about an inch. Sprinkle with a little salt—this is the time to add extra aromatics if you like (think a bay leaf or some peppercorns). Bring it up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and let it cook for 8 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches 160°F to 165°F. Take the chicken out, let it rest briefly, and pop it in the fridge to chill completely. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken every single time!
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Dice your cooled chicken into half-inch cubes for perfectly bite-sized pieces—no one wants giant hunks or dry shreds here. Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your chicken, along with the diced celery, sliced green onion, quartered grapes, chopped parsley, chopped tarragon, and raw sliced almonds. Give everything a quick toss to combine all those gorgeous textures and colors!
Step 3: Dress and Chill
In that same bowl, spoon in your mayo and Dijon mustard, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and season liberally with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly, making sure every bit gets kissed by that luscious dressing. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge—ideally for at least 30 minutes—so those flavors meld into the ultimate chicken salad goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
- Poach Like a Pro: Use cold water to start and bring it up slowly—this prevents tough, rubbery chicken and guarantees juicy cubes!
- Chill for Flavor: Don’t skip chilling after assembly; it lets all those fresh, bright flavors mingle and transforms the texture to max creaminess.
- Almond Perfection: For an extra toasty crunch, briefly toast the almonds in a dry skillet before adding—they’ll perfume the whole salad.
- Dressing Consistency: If your Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe looks a little stiff, loosen it with an extra splash of lemon juice or a small spoonful of mayo for dreamy creaminess.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love to top the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or tarragon for a splash of green and extra flavor. A few extra sliced almonds and maybe a crack of fresh pepper make it lunch-party beautiful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crunchy kettle chips, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of seasonal fruit. For heartier meals, serve it alongside a cup of soup or tucked into a buttery croissant for the ultimate chicken salad sandwich experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, spoon the salad into mini phyllo cups for a fun appetizer, or offer it in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb party platter. It’s also stunning mounded atop avocado halves or scooped over mixed greens for a vibrant lunch bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh produce, freezing is not recommended—mayo-based salads tend to separate and lose their lovely texture after thawing. Best to make what you’ll enjoy in a few days!
Reheating
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If it has chilled overnight, allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poached chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut for the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe. Just remove the skin, dice the chicken, and proceed with the recipe—it’s a great way to save time and still achieve loads of flavor.
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What kind of mayonnaise works best?
Full-fat, classic mayo offers the creamiest result, but you can use avocado oil mayo or reduced-fat versions if you prefer. Just be sure to taste and adjust the lemon and seasoning as needed.
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How far in advance can I make this salad?
Prepare the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe up to two days ahead for best flavor and freshness. The ingredients meld beautifully, and it’s perfect for prepping before entertaining or busy days.
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Can I make this chicken salad recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise, and double-check that your Dijon mustard is dairy-free as well. This recipe itself is naturally dairy-free as long as your chosen mayo is dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe a spot in your regular lunch, brunch, or picnic rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is secretly so simple—and it just might become your new favorite, too. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, herby bite!
Print
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful mix of tender poached chicken, crunchy almonds, sweet grapes, and a creamy dressing with a hint of tanginess. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For Poaching the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
For the Chicken Salad:
- 1/2 cup sliced raw almonds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup red grapes, quartered
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 green onions (green and white parts), sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To Poach the Chicken – Place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, season with salt, simmer for 8-12 mins, chill.
- Chicken Salad Recipe – Dice chicken, add celery, green onion, grapes, almonds, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix and chill before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
