26 Delicious & Nutritious Chicken Salad Recipes for a Quick and Easy Lunch

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Sprinkled throughout the seasons, from fresh fruits and vegetables to BBQ favorites, these delicious salad recipes with chicken are sure to please everyone.

They’re not only bright and healthy but also irresistibly tasty. Plus, they’re often hearty enough that you don’t need anything on the side! Summer may evoke a sense of nostalgia when it comes to food, especially in terms of warm-weather cuisine.

Lime Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad Delight

Lime Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad Delight

Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your salad cravings. The grilled chicken offers an incredible depth of taste, while the fajita veggies add a delightful crunch and vibrant colors to the dish. Meanwhile, the chili-lime dressing perfectly unites all the ingredients, resulting in a healthy meal that’s both delicious and easy to make – something everyone will surely enjoy.

Grilled Chicken Fiesta Salad

Grilled Chicken Fiesta Salad

Refreshing a summer BBQ isn’t complete without a vibrant and delectable Mexican-inspired salad that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of succulent grilled chicken, an assortment of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, paired with a zesty dressing, creates a truly mouth-watering experience.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its convenience – it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other party essentials and enjoy your gathering without any last-minute stress. With the grill fired up and ready to go, you’ll be all set for a fantastic summer salad that’s sure to impress your guests! Go to Recipe

Avocado Chicken Balsamic Salad Delight

Avocado Chicken Balsamic Salad Delight

Among the key ingredients that make this salad so delicious is the combination of chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, all brought together by a drizzle of balsamic vinegar dressing. The chicken is cooked in a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which infuses it with a rich and savory flavor that’s both tender and full of depth.

Meanwhile, the creamy texture provided by the avocado complements the fresh flavor of the tomatoes and mozzarella perfectly, while the balsamic vinegar dressing adds a subtle sweetness to balance out the flavors. As a result, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making this salad both satisfying and enjoyable.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight

Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight

With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is an absolute must-try! The combination of tangy and sweet notes, paired with the satisfying crunch of the apples and celery, creates a truly delightful experience. What sets this recipe apart, however, is its simplicity – it’s a straightforward and effortless process that requires minimal effort.

To prepare it, simply combine cooked chicken, diced apples, celery, grapes, raisins, and mayonnaise in a large bowl, then give the mixture a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. The result is a foolproof dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Heavenly Chicken Salad with Avocado Crunch

Heavenly Chicken Salad with Avocado Crunch

Lighting up your taste buds with an effortless yet delightful combination is what this salad embodies. The union of chicken, cucumber, and avocado creates a dish that’s greater than its individual components. If you don’t have the convenience of a rotisserie chicken readily available, simply cook some chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices, then chop them into bite-sized pieces once they’ve cooled down.

To add texture to this refreshing mix, finely chop the cucumber but leave the avocado in chunky, creamy slices. Finally, bring all the flavors together with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette.

Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Elevate your mealtime routine with this scrumptious chicken pasta salad recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch on-the-go. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste by adding any veggies you have available in the fridge or sticking with the classic combination of peppers, carrots, and green onions.Whether you’re looking for a filling yet light option or want to make a large batch for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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Sweet Caramelized Chicken Peach Salad

Sweet Caramelized Chicken Peach Salad

Fresh from the grill, this salad boasts an array of nutrient-dense ingredients that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. The perfectly grilled chicken and succulent peaches take center stage in this mouthwatering combination. If you’ve never attempted grilling fruit before, be prepared for a delightful surprise – the enhanced flavor and deep caramelization are truly unforgettable.

It’s safe to say that the sweet and juicy peaches might just steal the show with their incredibly rich taste!

Pistachio Chicken Salad with a Crunchy Twist

Pistachio Chicken Salad with a Crunchy Twist

Elevate your mealtime routine with this revitalized chicken salad recipe that’s not only crunchy and fun to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors. The addition of pistachios not only brings vibrant pops of color but also provides a satisfying crunch, while the Greek yogurt adds a hint of sweetness that complements the dish perfectly. For an extra special touch, serve it atop a bed of crisp greens or paired with a crusty baguette to add a delightful textural contrast.

Shawarma-Style Chicken Salad Delight

Shawarma-Style Chicken Salad Delight

You’ll fall in love with the simplicity and flavor of this salad, which is packed with nutrients and ridiculously easy to prepare. Grilled chicken breast provides the perfect protein, while smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky taste that will keep you coming back for more.

The combination of juicy romaine lettuce, sweet Roma tomatoes, crunchy red onions, and tangy pickled banana peppers creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, reminiscent of your favorite shawarma wrap but in a fresh and revitalizing bowl format. And if you’re feeling adventurous, simply stuff this mix into a pita for a satisfying lunch or light dinner option.

Quick Chicken Salad Prep in Minutes

Quick Chicken Salad Prep in Minutes

Rounding out a busy week of meal prep, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious solution. Just chop up some chicken, veggies, and fruit, and you’re good to go. The salad holds well in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for preparing on Sunday and enjoying throughout the week. But be warned: it’s so tasty that you might find yourself devouring it all at once!

When it comes to dressing, I’m a fan of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Balanced Flavors in Thai Chicken Salad

Balanced Flavors in Thai Chicken Salad

Elevating your dish to perfection requires achieving a harmonious balance of flavors. In the case of Larb Gai, striking the perfect equilibrium between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy is crucial. Fortunately, this recipe delivers exactly that, hitting all the right notes and catering to even the most discerning palates. Its unique flavor profile makes it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary experience. Go to Recipe

Nutrient-Dense Green Goddess Salad Delight

Nutrient-Dense Green Goddess Salad Delight

Fancy a healthy and flavorful salad recipe that’s far from boring? Look no further than this vibrant green goddess salad, which is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like crisp lettuce, refreshing cucumber, and creamy avocado. The dressing is a masterful blend of yogurt, zesty lime juice, and rich olive oil, while the finishing touch comes in the form of crumbled goat cheese for a delightfully tangy kick.

Trust me, this salad is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished, so why not give it a try?

Grape Delight Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Grape Delight Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Create a delicious and refreshing salad using leftover rotisserie chicken in just a few simple steps. This mouthwatering mix of flavors is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. To make this tasty salad, combine chopped chicken with grapes, celery, whipping cream, and your choice of seasonings in a bowl. After mixing everything together, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

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Once chilled, serve it on top of a bed of crisp greens or enjoy as is – the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste.

Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Salad Delight

Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Salad Delight

Wrapping yourself in the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine has never been easier than with this mouth-watering grilled chicken salad recipe. Typically marinated in a savory Chinese BBQ sauce and then grilled to perfection, it’s one dish you won’t be able to get enough of – and neither will your guests! The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility, as the ingredients can be tailored to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.

I often find myself using a colorful mix of cabbage, carrots, and peppers, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bean sprouts or snow peas. Regardless of the combination, it’s all tossed together in a lovely light dressing that brings everything to life.

Smoky Mediterranean Chicken Salad Delight

Smoky Mediterranean Chicken Salad Delight

Sometimes, even classic recipes like chicken salad can become stale and unexciting. That’s where innovative ideas come in – this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is sure to reignite your passion for this picnic staple. The smoky flavor from the grilled chicken perfectly complements the zesty taste of lemon and herbs, creating a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite.

Not only is this salad healthy and low-carb, making it a guilt-free option, but its unique flavor profile also adds an exciting touch to your meal planning. Simply gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Easy Sesame Chicken Salad Delight

Easy Sesame Chicken Salad Delight

Vibrant flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony, creating a light and refreshing summer salad that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few key ingredients like juicy chicken, an assortment of colorful veggies, and a drizzle of Asian-inspired dressing, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad Made Easy

Vietnamese Chicken Salad Made Easy

Zeroing in on the essential elements of a great salad, we find that the rotisserie chicken is often the unsung hero. Its succulent and tender flavor profile elevates the dish to new heights. While it’s true that replicating this flavor at home can be challenging, there are practical considerations to take into account. For one, purchasing a whole bird is a cost-effective option, and having leftovers in the fridge for a few days is a bonus.

By pulling the meat off the bones and combining it with fresh veggies like cabbage, scallions, and carrots, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying salad without much fuss.

Costco’s Famed Chicken Salad Delight

Costco

You’ll find that Costco’s chicken salad is an undeniably iconic dish, with a recipe that may be straightforward yet packs a punch in terms of flavor and satisfaction. When breaking down the ingredients, you’ll see that they’re comprised of a mix of chicken, dried cranberries adding a sweet and chewy texture, celery providing a refreshing crunch, mayonnaise to bind it all together, various spices offering subtle nuances, and crunchy pecans giving it an added depth.

Tangy Homemade Caesar Salad Perfection

Tangy Homemade Caesar Salad Perfection

Generally speaking, Caesar salad is a beloved dish around the globe, with its unique blend of flavors and textures that have captured the hearts of many. This classic salad typically consists of Romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a generous helping of Caesar dressing, which adds a tangy, creamy, and indulgent touch to each bite.

While store-bought versions are readily available in most supermarkets, they simply can’t compare to the rich, authentic flavor that comes from making it at home. With just one attempt at preparing this salad from scratch, you’ll likely become hooked on its deliciousness and never resort to bottled sauce again.

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Royal Chicken Salad with Exotic Flair

Royal Chicken Salad with Exotic Flair

Written specifically for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, this recipe has been fit for royalty since its inception. The combination of chicken, mayonnaise, dried apricots, and mango chutney already provides a vibrant and tantalizing flavor profile. However, it’s the inclusion of curry powder in the dressing that truly elevates this dish to new heights, adding depth and complexity to each bite.

Whether served on a bed of crisp lettuce or nestled within a crusty roll, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Smoked Chicken Delight in a Salad Bowl

Smoked Chicken Delight in a Salad Bowl

Taking your taste buds on a smoky adventure is easier than you think, especially when it comes to this delicious salad recipe. Perfect for those moments when you crave the rich flavor of grilled meat but don’t feel like firing up the grill or breaking out the BBQ equipment. By using store-bought smoked chicken, you can skip the prep work and get straight to enjoying your meal.

And even if you do decide to use regular chicken instead, the dressing’s inclusion of liquid smoke ensures that it still captures the essence of a smoky BBQ flavor.

Sweet Strawberry Chicken Salad Delight

Sweet Strawberry Chicken Salad Delight

Packed with an incredible combination of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and rich avocado, this salad is truly a culinary masterpiece. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a delightfully balanced dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also satisfies the palate. Moreover, this salad boasts an impressive array of nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and nutritious meal option.

What’s more, with its low calorie count, you can indulge in this delightful salad guilt-free, whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a wholesome dinner.

Garden-Fresh Chicken Salad Delight

Garden-Fresh Chicken Salad Delight

Gathering around the table with friends and family, chicken salad has been a staple at potlucks, picnics, and BBQs for generations, bringing people together with its classic combination of flavors. The tender chicken, fresh celery, and sweet grapes all come together in harmony, elevated by a rich mayonnaise dressing that adds a creamy twist to each bite. Whether served on a bed of crisp greens or nestled inside a flaky croissant, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a lunchtime favorite.

Peanut Chicken Salad with Satay Twist

Peanut Chicken Salad with Satay Twist

Knowing my love for chicken satay is no secret, I was excited to try a new way of enjoying this classic dish. Unlike traditional skewers, this version served the flavors in a more unexpected manner – and it definitely didn’t fall short of expectations! It still boasted all the same mouth-watering elements that make chicken satay so beloved: succulent chicken marinated to perfection, crunchy cabbage, and fresh green onions.

But what truly sets it apart is the sweet and tangy peanut sauce that’s sure to leave you craving for more.

Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Unleash the flavors in this mouth-watering salad that’s packed with grilled chicken, fresh avocado, and a rich pesto dressing. You don’t have to be a culinary expert to make it – feel free to use store-bought pesto or take on the challenge of creating your own from scratch! One of the best things about making your own pesto is the flexibility to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.

For instance, I like to mix pine nuts and walnuts for added texture and depth of flavor, and a bit more garlic never hurts! Whether you’re in the mood for a speedy lunch or a nutritious dinner option, this versatile salad recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

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