10 Chicken Salad Recipes for Lunch or Meal Prep

Chicken salad isn’t just your grandma’s mayo-heavy lunch option anymore. It’s become one of the most versatile, protein-packed meals you can throw together when life gets busy. Whether you’re staring down a hectic work week or just want something satisfying that won’t leave you hunting for snacks an hour later, chicken salad delivers.

The beauty of these recipes? They’re built for real life. You can make a big batch on Sunday and eat well all week. Serve them over greens, stuff them in wraps, pile them on crackers, or eat them straight from the bowl with a spoon. No judgment here.

What makes chicken salad even better is how forgiving it is. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect. Grilled chicken from last night’s dinner? Use it. Even a few chicken breasts you can quickly poach or bake will work. The base is simple, but the flavor possibilities are endless.

These ten recipes cover everything from classic creamy versions to lighter options with Greek yogurt, plus a few creative twists that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Each one is packed with protein to keep you full, loaded with fresh ingredients, and totally meal-prep friendly.

1. Classic Herb Chicken Salad

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This is the chicken salad that started it all. It’s creamy, satisfying, and loaded with fresh herbs that make every bite feel bright and flavorful. You get that familiar comfort food vibe without feeling weighed down.

The secret here is using both mayo and a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This combo gives you that classic creamy texture while cutting back on some of the heaviness. Fresh dill and parsley bring the whole thing to life.

Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep

This version holds up beautifully in the fridge for three to four days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, which makes it ideal for Sunday meal prep. Just keep it in an airtight container and you’re set for the week.

The celery adds crunch, the green onions bring a mild savory note, and if you toss in some toasted pecans or almonds, you get that satisfying texture contrast. It’s simple but never boring.

Quick Assembly Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time
• Dice everything into similar-size pieces for even distribution
• Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for two to three minutes
• Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving

Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half of the cooked chicken (before adding dressing) for next time.

2. Ranch Dill Chicken Salad

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If you’re a ranch lover, this one’s calling your name. The combination of ranch seasoning with fresh dill creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s tangy, herby, and ridiculously easy to make.

This recipe typically uses a base of Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of mayo, which keeps the calorie count reasonable while still delivering that creamy, dreamy texture. The dill adds a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness.

What Makes It Stand Out

The ranch flavor mixed with dill provides a vibrant taste that you won’t be able to get enough of. It’s like your favorite ranch dressing decided to become a chicken salad, and honestly, it’s a great decision.

You can serve this over a bed of lettuce, stuff it in pita bread, or eat it with crackers. However you enjoy it, the flavors stay bright and satisfying.

How to Customize

• Add diced cucumber for extra crunch
• Throw in some shredded carrots for color
• Use ranch dressing packets if you don’t have homemade
• Sub chives for green onions if that’s what you have

Fun fact: This is one of those recipes that gets better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

3. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad

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For anyone who loves a little heat, this spicy-meets-creamy combo is where it’s at. Buffalo sauce brings that familiar tangy kick, while ranch (or a ranch-style yogurt dressing) cools everything down. It’s the best of both worlds.

The beauty of this recipe is that you control the heat level. Start with a tablespoon or two of buffalo sauce, taste, and add more if you want things spicier.

Why You’ll Love This Version

Classic buffalo and ranch flavors come together with fresh vegetables to create something that feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy. The protein from the chicken keeps you satisfied, and the spice wakes up your taste buds.

Celery is a must here. It’s traditional with buffalo wings, so it belongs in buffalo chicken salad too. Diced carrots add sweetness and crunch that balance the heat perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pile it on celery sticks for a low-carb option
• Make lettuce wraps with romaine or butter lettuce
• Spread it on whole grain bread with extra veggies
• Serve with pita chips or tortilla chips on the side

Pro tip: If the salad’s too spicy, add more Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lime to mellow it out.

4. Cranberry Pecan Apple Chicken Salad

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This is the chicken salad that makes you crave it year-round, even though it’s filled with cozy flavors. The crunch of apple and onion paired with the softness of chicken and dried cranberries is genuinely magical.

Pecans add a buttery richness and satisfying crunch that makes this feel special. It’s sweet, savory, and has so many different textures happening that every bite is interesting.

Key Ingredients That Shine

Dried cranberries bring a chewy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken. Crisp apple chunks (leave the peel on for color and nutrients) add fresh crunch. Pecans tie everything together with their rich, nutty flavor.

The dressing is typically a simple mayo base with a touch of lemon juice to brighten things up. Some versions add a tiny drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

Make It Your Own

• Use walnuts instead of pecans if you prefer
• Try pears instead of apples for a different fruit profile
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
• Swap red onion for milder sweet onion if you’re sensitive to onion bite

This one’s especially good on a croissant or between two slices of hearty whole grain bread.

5. Greek Chicken Salad

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All the mouth-watering flavors of a classic Greek dish come together in this protein-packed chicken salad. You get tangy feta, briny olives, crisp cucumber, and bright lemon in every bite.

Instead of a mayo-based dressing, this version uses Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It’s lighter, tangier, and feels refreshing rather than heavy.

Mediterranean Ingredients You’ll Need

Feta cheese adds salty, tangy creaminess. Kalamata olives bring that distinctive briny flavor. Cucumber and tomato add fresh crunch and juiciness. Red onion gives a sharp bite that mellows when mixed with the other ingredients.

Fresh dill or oregano (or both) are essential here. They bring that authentic Greek flavor that makes this salad taste like something you’d order at a Mediterranean restaurant.

How to Serve

• Stuff it in pita pockets with extra lettuce
• Serve over a bed of mixed greens
• Make a Greek-inspired wrap with spinach tortillas
• Enjoy with whole grain crackers and hummus on the side

Bonus: This version is lower in calories but still super satisfying because of the protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt.

6. Curry Chicken Salad

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This Asian-inspired version combines sweet, savory, and warm spice notes that’ll wake up your taste buds. Curry powder gives it that distinctive flavor, while sweet mix-ins like grapes or dried cranberries balance the spice.

Don’t worry if you’re not a huge curry fan. The curry flavor here is gentle and works more as a warm background note rather than an overpowering spice.

What Gives It That Wow Factor

The dressing typically combines Greek yogurt or mayo with curry powder, honey, and lime juice. This creates a sweet-tangy-spicy flavor that’s unlike any other chicken salad you’ve tried.

Crunchy elements like celery, diced apples, and toasted almonds or cashews add texture. Dried cranberries or raisins bring pops of sweetness throughout.

Assembly Notes

• Toast your curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds to wake up the flavors
• Use a light hand with the curry at first, you can always add more
• Let it sit for at least two hours so the flavors can develop
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

The combo of curry, lime, and honey is seriously addictive. You might find yourself making this one on repeat.

7. Green Goddess Chicken Salad

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This is hands down the prettiest chicken salad you’ll ever make. It gets its vibrant green color from a blend of fresh herbs, and the flavor is absolutely incredible.

If you love green goddess dressing (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you have to make this. It’s like taking that beloved dressing and turning it into a complete meal.

Fresh Herbs Make It Special

The base typically includes basil, parsley, and sometimes dill or chives. These get blended or finely chopped and mixed with Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, and garlic. The result is bright, herby, and so fresh-tasting.

Some versions also include avocado, which makes the salad even creamier and adds healthy fats. You can either dice the avocado and fold it in, or blend it right into the dressing.

What to Add

• Diced celery for crunch
• Chopped green onions or chives
• A handful of baby spinach or arugula
• Cucumber for extra freshness
• A sprinkle of sunflower seeds or pepitas

Serve this on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with crunchy vegetables for dipping. The bright green color makes it feel extra healthy and fresh.

8. Avocado Chicken Salad

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Creamy avocado takes the place of some (or all) of the mayo in this lighter version. You get healthy fats, a beautiful color, and a silky texture that makes this salad feel indulgent.

The key is using ripe avocados that mash easily. You can either mash them completely for a smooth texture or dice some and mash some for varied texture throughout.

Why This Version Rocks

Avocado adds creaminess without dairy or tons of mayo. It brings healthy monounsaturated fats that keep you full and satisfied. Plus, the bright green color makes your lunch look Instagram-worthy.

Many versions add lime juice (which also prevents the avocado from browning), garlic, and cilantro. Some include diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Keep It Fresh

• Add lemon or lime juice to prevent browning
• Store with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface
• Eat within one to two days for best color and flavor
• Don’t freeze this one, avocado doesn’t thaw well

This is perfect for lettuce wraps, on toast, or just eaten straight from the bowl.

9. Quick Pickle Chicken Salad

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If you love anything pickle-flavored, this tangy, briny chicken salad is about to become your new obsession. Chopped dill pickles add crunch and that distinctive sour bite that pickle lovers crave.

This version typically uses a mix of Greek yogurt and a little mayo, which keeps it lighter while still delivering on creaminess. Fresh dill takes the pickle flavor even further.

What Makes It Special

The pickles add both flavor and texture. They bring that tangy punch that makes this salad taste bright and interesting. Plus, they’re already seasoned, so you don’t need to add much else.

Some recipes include pickle juice in the dressing, which amps up the flavor even more. Red onion, celery, and fresh herbs round everything out.

How to Enjoy

• Make it into sandwiches with your favorite bread
• Serve over a bed of spinach and greens
• Pair with salty chips for a classic lunch combo
• Add to a wrap with extra veggies

Pro tip: If you’re using ranch seasoning instead of fresh herbs, go easy on the salt since ranch mixes are already salty.

10. BBQ Chicken Salad

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This isn’t your ordinary chicken salad. Sweet and tangy BBQ flavors transform this into something that feels like summer, no matter when you make it.

The BBQ sauce does double duty as both a flavor-packed ingredient and part of the dressing. You get that familiar smoky-sweet taste mixed with creamy elements and fresh veggies.

Sweet and Savory Balance

The sweetness from BBQ sauce gets balanced by tangy Greek yogurt or mayo, plus fresh ingredients like corn, red onion, and bell pepper. Black beans are a common addition that adds fiber and makes the salad more filling.

Cilantro brings fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ. If you’re one of those people for whom cilantro tastes like soap, use parsley instead.

Mix-Ins to Consider

• Sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Diced bell peppers for crunch and color
• Black beans for extra protein and fiber
• Shredded cheese if you want it extra indulgent
• Diced avocado right before serving

This one’s fantastic in a wrap, over tortilla chips like a taco salad, or stuffed in a baked sweet potato.

Conclusion

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Chicken salad is one of those reliable recipes that saves the day when you need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. These ten versions give you enough variety to keep your lunch rotation interesting for weeks without getting bored.

The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. A few fresh vegetables, some herbs, and whatever cooked chicken you have on hand are all you need to pull together a delicious meal.

Mix and match the ideas from these recipes to create your own signature version. Maybe you love the herbs from the classic version but want to add the crunch of apples from the cranberry pecan salad. Go for it. That’s the beauty of chicken salad—it’s totally flexible and forgiving.