Transform your lunchtime routine with these six mouthwatering chicken salad sandwich recipes that blend classic comfort with creative twists.
From traditional mayo-based versions to modern Mediterranean-inspired variations, you’ll find the perfect combination to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a casual lunch gathering, these versatile recipes offer something for everyone.
Get ready to explore unique flavor combinations featuring fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, tangy fruits, and perfectly seasoned chicken that will elevate your sandwich game.
Classic Mayo-Based Chicken Salad with Fresh Herbs
Transform your ordinary lunch into something special with this creamy, herb-infused chicken salad.
This versatile recipe combines tender chicken, crisp celery, and fresh herbs in a perfectly seasoned mayo dressing.
It’s ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or served over fresh greens.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Dice your cooked chicken breast into ½-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add finely diced celery and red onion to the bowl.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Add the fresh herbs to the mayo mixture and stir well.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, avoid overmixing the chicken salad as this can break down the chicken too much. If you’re meal prepping, prepare the herbs just before serving to maintain their fresh color and flavor.
Curry-Spiced Chicken Salad with Golden Raisins
Elevate your lunch game with this vibrant Curry-Spiced Chicken Salad that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
The aromatic curry powder adds warmth and depth, while golden raisins provide bursts of natural sweetness.
This protein-packed dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Add shredded chicken to the bowl and gently fold into the curry mixture until well coated.
Step 3: Mix in golden raisins, red onion, and celery until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Stir in fresh cilantro and lemon juice.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 6: Serve on a bed of lettuce, between slices of bread, or in a wrap.
Pro Tip: Toast your curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the mayo mixture – this will intensify its flavor and aroma. For the best texture, let your chicken cool completely before shredding and mixing with other ingredients.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Dill and Cucumber
Elevate your lunch game with this refreshing Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad featuring crisp cucumber and aromatic dill.
This protein-packed, lighter version of traditional chicken salad swaps mayo for tangy Greek yogurt, creating a healthier yet equally delicious alternative that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or atop fresh greens.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the yogurt mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Fold in the diced cucumber, red onion, celery, and fresh dill until all ingredients are well distributed.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning to taste.
Pro Tip: To prevent your salad from becoming watery, salt your diced cucumber and let it sit in a colander for 15 minutes before adding it to the mixture. Also, if you’re meal prepping, store the cucumber separately and add it just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad
Transform your ordinary salad routine with this vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish.
This sesame ginger chicken salad combines crisp vegetables, tender marinated chicken, and a zesty homemade dressing that will wake up your taste buds.
Perfect for meal prep or a light dinner, this salad delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• ½ cup sliced cucumbers
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 minced garlic clove
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl and divide in half. Use one portion to marinate chicken for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers.
Step 4: Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Step 5: Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad just before serving.
Pro Tip: Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor. For the best texture, add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Honey Dijon
Elevate your lunch game with this delightful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Honey Dijon.
This refreshing combination brings together tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tied together with a creamy honey Dijon dressing.
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over fresh greens, this versatile dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Steps:
Step 1: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add the diced chicken, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
Step 4: Fold in the cooled pecans and cranberries until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Pro Tip: For the best texture and flavor, chop your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces about 1/2 inch in size. You can prepare this salad up to two days in advance, but add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Mediterranean Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad
Transform your ordinary chicken salad into a Mediterranean masterpiece with this vibrant and flavorful recipe.
This dish combines tender chicken breast with briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a perfect lunch or light dinner option that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Ingredients:
• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook chicken breasts until done, let cool, then dice into small cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
Step 3: Add the diced chicken, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl.
Step 4: Fold in fresh basil and parsley.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. Also, pat your sun-dried tomatoes with paper towels to remove excess oil, preventing your salad from becoming too oily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential ingredients needed for a classic chicken salad sandwich?
Combine cooked shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings. Add chopped herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor before spreading between bread slices.
How can you prevent your chicken salad sandwich from becoming soggy?
Toast your bread lightly and pat the chicken mixture dry before assembling. Layer lettuce leaves between the bread and filling to create a moisture barrier.
Which cooking method produces the juiciest chicken for chicken salad?
Poach your chicken breasts in seasoned water until just cooked through. This method keeps the meat tender and moist while infusing extra flavor.
What are some creative mix-ins to elevate a basic chicken salad recipe?
Add dried cranberries, toasted almonds, diced apples, or curry powder for unique variations. These ingredients bring texture and unexpected flavor combinations to your sandwich.
How long can you safely store homemade chicken salad in the refrigerator?
Keep your chicken salad fresh for up to three days in an airtight container. Always refrigerate immediately after preparing and check for any off odors before serving.
Final Thoughts
These six chicken salad sandwich variations offer something for every palate, from classic to adventurous.
Remember to always use well-chilled ingredients and toast your bread if you’re not serving immediately to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences, and don’t forget that the best chicken salad actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Whether you’re planning a picnic or preparing lunch, these recipes will elevate your sandwich game.
