17 Best Creamy Chicken Salad Recipes for Every Occasion

Nothing beats a perfectly creamy chicken salad for lunch, dinner, or party spreads. These tried-and-true recipes transform simple ingredients into something absolutely delicious.

From classic mayo-based versions to unique flavor combinations, you’ll find the perfect chicken salad recipe for any craving or gathering.

01. Festive Holiday Chicken Salad

This elevated chicken salad features aromatic seasonings that make it absolutely irresistible. The secret lies in perfectly seasoned mayonnaise and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ cup red onion (minced), 2 celery stalks (diced), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Festive Holiday Chicken Salad

1. Start by combining mayonnaise with poultry seasoning and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until completely smooth, creating a flavorful base that elevates ordinary chicken salad into something special.

2. Add the diced chicken to your seasoned mayo mixture and gently fold together until every piece is well coated. The chicken should be evenly distributed and completely covered with the creamy dressing.

3. Fold in minced red onion and diced celery, mixing gently to maintain the chicken’s texture while incorporating the fresh crunch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

02. Honey Dijon Chicken Salad

This vibrant chicken salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with colorful fruits and vegetables. Ready in just minutes, it’s perfect for busy weekdays.

Ingredients: 2 cans chicken breast (drained), 1 cup red grapes (halved), 1 cup green grapes (halved), ½ cup dried cranberries, 2 celery stalks (diced), ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey.

How To Make Honey Dijon Chicken Salad

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sweet and tangy dressing will coat every ingredient with incredible flavor.

2. Place drained canned chicken in a large bowl and gently break it into bite-sized pieces using a fork. You want chunks that are substantial but not too large for easy eating.

3. Add halved red and green grapes along with dried cranberries and diced celery to the chicken. The combination of colors makes this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.

4. Pour the honey Dijon dressing over the chicken mixture and fold everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend perfectly together.

03. Ultimate Creamy Chicken Salad

This crowd-pleasing chicken salad has earned rave reviews from both kids and adults alike. The perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh flavors makes it truly special.

Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded), 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 celery stalks (finely diced), ¼ cup fresh chives (chopped), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Ultimate Creamy Chicken Salad

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy base that’s perfectly balanced between rich and tangy.

2. Add the shredded chicken to your creamy mixture and fold gently to coat every piece thoroughly. The chicken should be evenly distributed throughout the creamy dressing without being overmixed.

3. Fold in finely diced celery and chopped fresh chives, which add both crunch and bright flavor to the salad. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together, creating the ultimate chicken salad that everyone will request again and again.

04. Carol’s Famous Chicken Salad

This party-perfect chicken salad has been tested on crowds and always receives glowing reviews. It’s the recipe everyone asks for after just one bite.

Ingredients: 5 cups cooked chicken (diced), 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped), 4 celery stalks (diced), ½ cup sweet pickle relish, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Carol’s Famous Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and onion powder until completely smooth. This tangy base creates the perfect foundation for all the other delicious ingredients.

2. Add diced chicken to the mayo mixture and stir gently to coat each piece evenly. Make sure the chicken is well-distributed throughout the creamy dressing for consistent flavor in every bite.

3. Fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, and sweet pickle relish. These ingredients add wonderful texture and flavor complexity that makes this chicken salad truly memorable.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine all ingredients without breaking up the eggs too much. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. This ensures every serving is perfectly creamy and flavorful.

05. Simple Perfect Chicken Salad

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones, and this chicken salad proves that point beautifully. Fresh flavors and great texture make it absolutely wonderful.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 2 celery stalks (diced), ¼ cup red onion (finely diced), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried dill, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Simple Perfect Chicken Salad

1. Combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and dried dill in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The lemon juice adds brightness while the dill provides subtle herbal notes.

2. Add diced chicken to the mayo mixture and fold gently until every piece is coated with the creamy dressing. Take care not to overmix, which can make the chicken mushy.

3. Stir in diced celery and finely diced red onion, which provide perfect crunch and mild bite to balance the creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

4. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This simple chicken salad is perfect on sandwiches or served over fresh lettuce.

06. Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad

Even people who typically avoid feta cheese fall in love with this flavorful chicken salad. The Mediterranean ingredients create an irresistible combination that’s become a household favorite.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled), ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), ¼ cup kalamata olives (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped).

How To Make Mediterranean Feta Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. This combination creates a lighter base while still maintaining that rich, satisfying texture everyone loves.

2. Add diced chicken to the creamy mixture and fold gently until well-coated. The chicken should be evenly distributed throughout the dressing without being overmixed or broken apart.

3. Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives. These Mediterranean ingredients add incredible depth of flavor and interesting textures to every bite.

4. Finish by stirring in fresh chopped basil, which brightens the entire salad with its aromatic flavor. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving to let all the Mediterranean flavors meld together perfectly.

07. BLT Chicken Salad

This innovative chicken salad captures all the beloved flavors of a BLT sandwich in creamy salad form. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), 8 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled), 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped), ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make BLT Chicken Salad

1. Cook bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients for maximum crunch in the finished salad.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and lemon juice until smooth and well-combined. This creamy dressing ties all the BLT flavors together beautifully.

3. In a large serving bowl, combine diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. The colorful combination looks as good as it tastes.

4. Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Top with crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately over additional lettuce if desired. This salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

08. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This crowd-pleasing pasta salad combines the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken with satisfying pasta. Even those who aren’t buffalo sauce fans find themselves loving this recipe.

Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta, 3 cups cooked chicken (diced), ½ cup buffalo wing sauce, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 3 celery stalks (diced), ¼ cup blue cheese (crumbled), 2 green onions (sliced).

How To Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

1. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely before proceeding with the recipe.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and well-blended. This creamy buffalo dressing provides the perfect amount of heat and tang.

3. Add cooled pasta and diced chicken to the buffalo dressing, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Make sure all the pasta and chicken are well-covered with the flavorful sauce.

4. Fold in diced celery, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced green onions. These ingredients add essential crunch and traditional buffalo flavors that make this salad absolutely irresistible.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Give it a gentle stir before serving and add extra buffalo sauce if you prefer more heat.

09. Italian Parmesan Basil Chicken Salad

Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most delightful surprises, and this Italian-inspired chicken salad is proof. Fresh basil and Parmesan create an incredibly creamy and delicious combination.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped), 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves (minced), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Italian Parmesan Basil Chicken Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy base with incredible Italian flavors.

2. Add diced chicken to the Parmesan mixture and fold gently until every piece is well-coated with the creamy dressing. The Parmesan adds richness while the garlic provides aromatic depth.

3. Gently fold in chopped fresh basil and pine nuts, which add bright herbal notes and delightful crunch to every bite. These ingredients transform ordinary chicken salad into something truly special.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese is naturally salty. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the fresh basil infuse its flavor throughout the salad.

10. Rachel’s Cranberry Dill Chicken Salad

This fresh and flavorful chicken salad combines tart cranberries with aromatic dill for the perfect balance. It’s an excellent choice for light summer suppers and works beautifully with rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ¾ cup mayonnaise, ⅔ cup dried cranberries, 3 celery stalks (diced), ¼ cup red onion (finely diced), 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Rachel’s Cranberry Dill Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds brightness that perfectly complements the sweet cranberries and fresh dill you’ll add later.

2. Add diced chicken to the mayo mixture and fold gently until each piece is evenly coated. Take care not to overmix, which can break down the chicken’s texture.

3. Stir in dried cranberries, diced celery, and finely diced red onion. These ingredients provide wonderful texture contrast and flavor complexity that makes every bite interesting and delicious.

4. Fold in chopped fresh dill, which adds the perfect aromatic touch that sets this chicken salad apart from ordinary versions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. This salad tastes even better the next day as the dill continues to infuse its flavor.

11. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

This texturally exciting salad features crunchy Napa cabbage and crispy rice noodles paired with creamy sesame-ginger dressing. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering or picnic.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 4 cups Napa cabbage (shredded), 1 cup crispy rice noodles, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 2 tablespoons sesame seeds.

How To Make Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger until smooth and well-combined. This aromatic dressing brings all the Asian flavors together beautifully.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine shredded chicken and shredded Napa cabbage. The cabbage provides incredible crunch while staying crisp even when dressed.

3. Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the chicken and cabbage mixture, tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Make sure every piece is well-covered with the flavorful dressing.

4. Top with crispy rice noodles and sesame seeds just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. This salad is best served immediately after dressing for optimal texture and freshness.

12. Oriental Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

This crowd-pleasing pasta salad disappears quickly at every gathering, often before the main course is served. The combination of Asian flavors with satisfying pasta makes it absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta, 3 cups cooked chicken (diced), ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 red bell pepper (diced), 4 green onions (sliced), ¼ cup sesame seeds.

How To Make Oriental Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

1. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Allow pasta to cool completely before proceeding with the recipe.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey until smooth and well-blended. This sweet and savory dressing creates the perfect Asian-inspired flavor profile.

3. Add cooled pasta and diced chicken to the sesame dressing, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Make sure all ingredients are well-distributed throughout the creamy sauce.

4. Fold in diced red bell pepper and sliced green onions, which add beautiful color and fresh crunch to the salad. These vegetables provide essential texture contrast.

5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss once more before serving. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve chilled for best results.

13. Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad

This quick and easy chicken salad gets elevated with the addition of crunchy almonds and fresh flavors. It’s perfect served over spinach for a light dinner or packed for lunch.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted), 2 celery stalks (diced), ¼ cup red grapes (halved), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad

1. Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool completely, as warm nuts will wilt the other ingredients.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey until smooth and creamy. This slightly sweet dressing complements the crunchy almonds perfectly.

3. Add diced chicken to the mayo mixture and fold gently until well-coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is evenly covered with the creamy dressing.

4. Stir in diced celery and halved grapes, which provide wonderful texture and natural sweetness. Fold in the toasted almonds last to maintain their crunch, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad

This flavorful salad combines sweet and mildly spicy dressing with wonderfully crunchy textures from fresh vegetables and crispy wontons. Every bite delivers exciting flavor and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 4 cups mixed greens, 1 cup shredded carrots, 4 green onions (sliced), 1 cup crispy wonton strips, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce.

How To Make Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference for the perfect balance.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine shredded chicken, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. The colorful vegetables create a beautiful presentation while adding essential crunch.

3. Pour the sweet and spicy dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Make sure every component is well-covered with the flavorful dressing.

4. Top with crispy wonton strips just before serving to maintain their crunch. This salad is best enjoyed immediately after dressing for optimal texture and freshness.

15. Classic Basic Chicken Salad

Sometimes you need a simple, no-fuss chicken salad that delivers on flavor without complicated ingredients. This basic version is perfect for hot days when cooking feels impossible.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped), 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Basic Chicken Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and onion powder, whisking until smooth and well-blended. This simple base provides all the classic flavors you expect from traditional chicken salad.

2. Add diced chicken to the mayo mixture and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Take care not to overmix the chicken.

3. Fold in diced celery and chopped hard-boiled eggs, which add essential texture and protein to make this salad more substantial and satisfying for any meal.

4. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

16. Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

Even those who typically avoid sweet chicken salads find themselves amazed by this perfectly balanced recipe. The combination of sweet and savory elements creates something truly special and memorable.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy. The honey adds natural sweetness while the vinegar provides balancing acidity.

2. Add diced chicken to the sweet mayo mixture and fold gently until well-coated. Make sure every piece of chicken is evenly covered with the honey-sweetened dressing.

3. Stir in dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and diced celery. These ingredients provide wonderful texture contrast and the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and fresh flavors.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the natural sweetness from the honey and cranberries. Refrigerate for 45 minutes before serving to let all flavors meld beautifully together.

17. Tropical Curry Chicken Salad

This exotic chicken salad perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with aromatic curry spices. It’s been declared the best chicken salad ever by families who’ve tried this unique combination.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced), ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon curry powder, ½ cup golden raisins, ½ cup cashews (chopped), 1 apple (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1 tablespoon honey, salt to taste.

How To Make Tropical Curry Chicken Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, curry powder, and honey until smooth and well-combined. The curry powder should be evenly distributed throughout the creamy base without any lumps.

2. Add diced chicken to the curry mayo mixture and fold gently until every piece is coated with the aromatic dressing. The curry flavor will infuse the chicken beautifully.

3. Fold in golden raisins, chopped cashews, diced apple, and diced celery. These ingredients create the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and fresh textures that make this salad extraordinary.

4. Season with salt to taste, being careful not to over-salt since the cashews provide natural saltiness. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to allow the curry flavors to develop fully.

5. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. This unique chicken salad is perfect on croissants or served over fresh greens.

Final Thoughts

These seventeen chicken salad recipes offer something special for every taste preference and occasion. From classic creamy versions to exotic curry combinations, you’ll never run out of delicious options.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, these tried-and-true recipes will become your go-to favorites for satisfying, flavorful meals.