The best healthy chicken salad recipes! They are easy to make, made from simple ingredients, and absolutely delicious. Plus, all are packed with protein to help fill you up and reach your goals. You’ll be sure to find one you love!
Leftover chicken is a staple in our house. We always have it on hand, and it makes such an easy protein during the week to repurpose in numerous ways. And making a batch of healthier chicken salad is one of our favorite ways to use it.
Chicken salad is beyond easy to make, super customizable with endless mix-ins – from fruit for sweetness, vegetables for micronutrients, nuts for crunch, and fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor – and loaded with protein and nutrients (if made right). Plus, to make it even easier, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
So we are rounding up our favorite healthy chicken salad recipes to help inspire you. From classic to buffalo, hummus, avocado, and more, you are sure to find one you love!
Why you’ll love these healthy chicken salad recipes
- easy to make – simply chop everything up, add to a large bowl, and stir to combine!
- packed with protein – one cup has 25+ grams of protein in each of these recipes!!
- versatile – use it on salads, in sandwiches, or just as a quick protein option.
- great for meal prep – it’s great to make at the beginning of the week to have on hand for an easy meal. The flavors get better the longer it sits, too!
Is chicken salad healthy?
Chicken salad can be a healthy addition to any diet. Chicken is packed with lean protein, which is going to help fill you up and keep you full. It also usually has some vegetables and fruit for micronutrients and fiber.
Store-bought chicken salad can be loaded with fat due to the amount of mayonnaise used, which can easily add calories. Using Greek yogurt will reduce the number of calories and fat, while also adding more protein. When making it at home, you have full control over your ingredients.
How to make shredded chicken
We usually have shredded chicken in our house at all times. It makes for super easy meals during the week. Here are some ways to make it.
- instant pot – pour water or broth into your pressure cooker to cover the bottom. Add chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Then close the lid and make sure it is locked and the valve is set to seal. Set on manual mode for high pressure for 13 minutes. The amount of time will depend on how thick your breasts are. Let the pressure release naturally or turn the valve to venting for quick pressure release. Last, remove and add to a bowl and shred with 2 forks.
- crockpot – pour water or broth into your slow cooker to cover the bottom. Then add chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remove and add to a bowl and shred with 2 forks.
- stovetop – add chicken to a large pot. Cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 10-16 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove and add to a bowl and shred with 2 forks.
How to serve
- chicken salad sandwich – on sourdough, whole grain bread, bagel, or lettuce wrap with your favorite sandwich additions.
- salad – serve on a bed of lettuce with your favorite veggies.
- with chips, crackers, or sliced veggies
- in a power bowl – add some kind of grain, veggies, and avocado for an easy bowl meal.
- chicken salad melts – on top of a piece of toast and then melt a little cheese on top. SO GOOD!
- as is – honestly, I love this as is with some veggies and carbs for a complete meal on days we are super busy.
Meal prep
These healthy chicken salad recipes are a great option for meal prep. It saves well in the fridge, and the flavors get better as it sits. Some ingredients can lose their crunch, but the flavor will still be there. You can easily double or triple this recipe if needed, too!
Storage
- refrigerator – store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
- freeze – I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe due to the mayo or greek yogurt used, as it can change consistency once defrosted.
Healthy chicken salad recipes
Healthy chicken salad with plain greek yogurt, red grapes, toasted almonds, celery, dijon mustard, and herbs is bright, fresh, and ready in 15 minutes. Serve it in a salad, a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or eat it as is. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy lunch.
Fall-inspired chicken salad with apples, walnuts, celery, dates, and herbs, and tossed with creamy greek yogurt for extra protein. This chicken salad recipe is perfect in a salad, in a sandwich, on lettuce wraps, or eaten as is. Gluten-free and high in protein.
Avocado chicken salad made with shredded chicken, avocado, red onion, greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Ready in 10 minutes and perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy lunch. Gluten-free and high protein.
Chipotle chicken salad is tossed with chipotle mayo, veggies, lime juice, honey, and cilantro for a sweet and smoky combo. It’s light and fresh, ready in 15 minutes, and packed with protein.
Cilantro lime chicken salad calls for 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make. It’s light and fresh, packed with protein, and so delicious. Perfect for a healthy lunch or to have on hand for a busy week.
Hummus chicken salad has shredded chicken and bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, fresh dill, and comes together in a creamy lemon hummus dressing. Ready in 15 minutes and packed with protein for an easy lunch.
Cranberry pecan chicken salad is crunchy and sweet and makes a protein-packed lunch or dinner! It combines chicken, pecans, celery, dried cranberries, and mayo and is ready in 15 minutes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30.
Buffalo chicken salad combines two classic flavors, buffalo and ranch, into a protein-packed, gluten-free, and healthy chicken salad recipe. Serve it in a salad, in a sandwich, on lettuce wraps, or just eat it as is.
Chicken and egg salad is creamy, crunchy, and so delicious, and the best of both worlds. Made with shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickles, mustard, fresh dill, and tossed with creamy greek yogurt for extra protein. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick and healthy lunch.
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
