If you’re looking for a delightful dish that’s both creamy and packed with a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy cashews, and a perfectly tangy dressing, it makes an absolutely irresistible meal. Whether you want a quick lunch or a tasty, crowd-pleasing option for your next gathering, this recipe delivers every time with a fresh, vibrant twist on classic chicken salad that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe are straightforward yet crucial for creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, crunch, and freshness. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the zing of Dijon mustard or the crispness of celery—so make sure to have them all on hand to get the best result.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Choosing 2% milkfat or higher adds creaminess with a tangy punch while keeping the salad light.
- Mayo: Adds richness and smooth texture that marries all the flavors beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a little sharpness and depth to the dressing that keeps it from tasting flat.
- Sugar or honey: A touch of sweetness balances the tang and savory notes perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the salad.
- Onion powder: Infuses a subtle savory warmth without raw onion bite.
- Garlic powder: Adds just a hint of aromatic depth that complements the chicken flawlessly.
- Cooked chicken: The star of the dish—preferably rotisserie chicken breast for convenience and flavor.
- Red grapes: Sliced for juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast the creamy dressing.
- Celery: Finely diced to deliver crunch and a refreshing freshness in every bite.
- Roasted cashew halves and pieces: Provide satisfying nutty crunch and richness.
- Extra seasonings: Use dried or fresh herbs like chives, plus salt and pepper to elevate the salad to your liking.
How to Make Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by combining the plain Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk everything until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. It should taste nicely seasoned and a bit on the salty side because it will be mixed with the salad ingredients, which will mellow it out.
Step 2: Prepare the Mix-ins
While the dressing comes together, cube or dice your cooked chicken. Slice the red grapes and finely dice the celery. These fresh ingredients are what give this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe its signature texture and flavor contrast, so take your time prepping them evenly.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients with Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken, grapes, celery, and roasted cashews with the dressing. Add the dressing gradually to achieve your desired creaminess—whether you like it more saucy or lightly coated, it’s up to your preference.
Step 4: Season and Customize
Once everything is mixed, taste your salad and add any extra seasoning you desire. Freeze-dried chives and a sprinkle of white pepper are my personal go-to additions. This step makes your Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe truly yours, with every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Ready to Enjoy
Give the salad one last gentle stir and you’re all set! Whether you serve it immediately or chilled, the creamy, crunchy, and sweet harmony of flavors will make it an instant favorite.
How to Serve Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh herbs or a few extra cashew pieces on top can turn a simple chicken salad into something visually special. Try fresh chives, finely chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of paprika for color and aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs perfectly with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad, sliced cucumbers, or crunchy pickles. For a heartier meal, grilled bread or a warm soft roll complements the creamy salad wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel limited to just serving it in a bowl. Spoon this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe into buttery lettuce cups for a low-carb option, pile it onto toasted artisan breads, or wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla for a satisfying, portable lunch. Its versatility means you can keep things exciting every time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers fresh by storing the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within four days for optimal flavor and texture, as the celery and cashews tend to gradually soften over time.
Freezing
This Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the fresh grapes, celery, and dressing’s creamy texture can change when thawed. For the freshest experience, make the salad fresh or enjoy leftovers refrigerated.
Reheating
Because it’s a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply stir your refrigerated salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and bring it back to its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose your rotisserie chicken or any baked chicken breasts you have on hand.
Is there a substitute for cashews if I have allergies?
Yes, you can swap cashews for other crunchy nuts like almonds or pecans if you like, or even seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative that still adds great texture.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and swap Greek yogurt and mayo for vegan alternatives. Adjust seasonings accordingly for a delicious vegan-friendly option.
How do I make this salad less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar or honey in the dressing or adjust the amount of grapes. You can also increase the savory seasonings to balance the flavors to your taste.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?
For parties, serve the salad in individual lettuce cups, on crostini, or alongside an array of crackers. This way guests can enjoy it as finger food, making it both elegant and crowd-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a gem that combines ease, flavor, and versatility in one bowl. It’s become one of my absolute favorites because it consistently delivers on taste and texture, and I’m sure once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again too. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously creamy, crunchy, and sweet salad—it’s a delightful way to brighten up any meal!
Print
Super Yummy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy chicken salad made with Greek yogurt and mayo dressing, combined with juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and roasted cashews. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, this flavorful salad is easy to prepare and versatile for serving in wraps, sandwiches, or on its own.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% milkfat or higher)
- 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 Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or diced (rotisserie chicken breast preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, sliced
- 1 cup finely diced celery (about 2–3 stalks)
- 1 cup roasted cashew halves and pieces
- Extra seasonings as desired (dried herbs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, freeze-dried chives, white pepper)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed, remembering it should be somewhat concentrated to blend well with the other ingredients.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, sliced red grapes, finely diced celery, and roasted cashew halves and pieces.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the mix-ins and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add as much dressing as you prefer depending on desired creaminess.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and add additional seasonings to your liking, such as dried or freeze-dried herbs, salt, pepper, or white pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the chicken salad cold on whole wheat wraps, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, toast, or with crackers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Adjust sugar or honey in the dressing to achieve your preferred sweetness.
- Add dried or fresh herbs such as chives for extra flavor.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
