Best chicken salad recipes: Salads never fail to delight us. Be it a hot summer afternoon or just another day when you're craving something fresh and healthy. They're crunchy, light on the tummy and a colourful treat for sore eyes. They're also vibrant and extremely versatile. In fact, one of the most fascinating things about salads is the fact that there are no set rules to prepare them. You've got a wide variety of veggies to choose from, a long list of zingy sauces to play with and a medley of amazing spices to explore. You can also throw some fruits into the mix for a more wholesome meal. The two most prominently featured ingredients in a salad are vegetables and chicken. Chicken is widely used in salads all across the world. Be it exotic oriental salads or simple and hearty continental ones. Health experts have also long vouched for the combination of chicken and vegetables.
Health and nutrition expert, Dr. Shikha Sharma, explains in her book '101 Weight Loss Tips' how certain food combinations can wreak havoc on our health. According to the book, carbohydrates should never be teamed with protein-rich food. Instead, it should be used with vegetables for a healthy and nutritious meal that helps with weight-loss.
According to a Delhi-based weight management expert, Gargi Sharma,"Chicken salads work wonders for those on a diet. A protein diet is absolutely essential for those who exercise and need to replenish lost energy and build muscle tone. I often suggest my clients go for a light dinner, which would primarily include chicken salad with some soup."
There are so many ways to add chicken to your salad. Grilled, baked or plainly boil it and leave the rest to your creativity. Boiled chicken loses its protein content and in order to make up for it, one can try adding nuts, flaxseed and sunflower seeds that not only adds depth to the dish, but also gives it a heightened crunch quotient.
So go ahead and loosen the reigns of your imagination. Cook up a brilliant salad with garden fresh veggies, crunchy nuts, succulent chicken pieces and your favourite dressing to seal the deal. Just in case you need some inspiration, we've fished out our best chicken salad recipes from across the globe. Gorge on an exquisite Asian sesame chicken salad or give your basic ingredients a good toss with chicken pieces to conjure up a classic, healthy breakfast salad.
Here are 13 chicken salad recipes you would love to try:
1. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Tender chicken breast strips are teamed with mixed greens, asparagus and topped with sesame seeds. This healthy and delightful salad is an ideal addition you can make to your weight loss diet. 
2. Pasta Salad with Asparagus Dressing
Toss your favourite pasta with a delightful combination of potatoes, asparagus, chicken ham, eggs and gooey cheese. And you thought an bunch of veggies can only be used to make all things bland and boring? 
3. Breakfast Salad
A quick and easy way to create a wholesome breakfast meal. Chicken sausages, eggs, lettuce, capsicum and tomatoes wrapped in honey-mustard sauce to delight your mornings. Say goodbye to grumpy mornings!
4. Natasha's Salad
Grilled chicken combined with fresh gooseberries, lettuce, avocado, figs with an added dose of parmesan cheese to seal the deal. Crunchy, fresh and oh-so-delightful! 
5. Roast Chicken, Potato Mash and Black Tomato Salad
Roast your chicken to perfection and pair it up with a sensational potato and black tomato mash. An easy-to-make and healthy treat you can whip up in minutes.
6. Chicken Salad With Plums
Succulent chicken pieces teamed with tangy plums. Here's an absolute delight for one and all!
7. Chicken Pasta Salad
A heartwarming mix of fusilli with tender cherry tomatoes, broccoli, sweet corn topped with a zingy honey-soy dressing.
8. Insalata Di Pollo
Here is an ultimate treat for those who keep a close watch on every extra calorie. An all-time Italian classic with boiled chicken pieces, fresh vegetables and a dash of olive oil.
9. Caesar Salad
The classic Caesar salad is a must on every salad menu. Give this vegetarian version a meaty twist by adding chicken in the form that you like the most.
10. Coronation Chicken
Make it into a salad or stuff it in a sandwich for a filling meal. Chef Manju Malhi shows how to create this versatile dish with cold chicken meat, tomato puree, mayonnaise and herbs.
11. Smoked Chicken, Whisky & Pearl Barley Salad
A salad with a boozy twist! This delicious treat packs the crunchy goodness of pearl barley spiked with whiskey paired with delightful flavour of smoked chicken. The warm salad combined with the crunch of sprouts, cucumber and pomegranate is one delicious treat you would not want to miss.
12. Chicken Minced Salad
Minced chicken tossed with a host of spices and veggies like carrots, cabbage, and green onions along with a delicious sauce made of sweet chili sauce, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce and red pepper, served in tarts.
13. Larb Gai (Thai Minced Chicken Salad)
A crunchy mixed chicken salad cooked with Thai herbs and served with a bowl of fresh vegetables and hot sticky rice.
Is chicken salad actually healthy?
Yes, chicken salad can be healthy because it is a good source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, its overall healthiness depends on the ingredients used, particularly the amount and type of mayonnaise or dressing, and portion control is crucial for it to be part of a balanced, healthy diet. Healthier versions can be made by using ingredients like Greek yogurt or avocado as a base, and incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables and whole-food additions.
Chicken Nutrition
As per the USDA, 100 grams of Chicken salad contains 48 Calories.
| Nutrient | Amount (g) | DV (%) |
| Total Fat | 1 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 96 mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 205 mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.7 g | 0% |
| Protein | 8 g | 16% |
What To Serve With Chicken Salads
Photo: Pexels
1. Breads & Wraps
Croissants: The buttery, flaky texture is a classic pairing that elevates the dish.
Sourdough or rustic bread: A sturdy, crusty bread holds up well to the creamy salad.
Pita bread or wraps: Great for a quick, portable lunch.
Crackers: Simple crackers offer a nice crunch and are perfect for a party platter.
2. Salads & Vegetables
Fresh fruit salad: The sweetness of fruit like grapes, melon, or berries provides a refreshing contrast to the savoury chicken salad.
Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a different type of crunch and tang.
Green salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to keep the meal on the lighter side.
Raw veggies: Carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices are perfect for dipping.
3. Heartier Sides
Photo: Pexels
Soup: A warm bowl of soup, like tomato or a light vegetable soup, is a classic duo, especially for a comforting lunch.
Pasta salad: A simple pasta salad, like a lemon orzo, can turn the meal into a more filling dinner.
Potato salad or fries: For a truly satisfying, comforting meal, a scoop of potato salad or a side of crispy fries works well.
Quick & Easy Chicken Salad Hacks for Busy Weeknights
1. The Leftover Chicken Trick
Don't start from scratch. Whether it's leftover chicken from last night's dinner, some grilled tandoori pieces, or even a few pieces from a restaurant takeaway, use what you've got. Shredding pre-cooked chicken saves you a huge amount of time, turning a meal from a project into a simple assembly job.
2. The Food Processor Fix
Photo: Pexels
Don't waste time chopping. A food processor is your best friend for quickly dicing onions, carrots, and celery. Just a few pulses and your veggies are uniformly chopped, saving you a ton of effort and time.
3. The One Bowl Method
To cut down on cleaning, mix all your dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, curd, salt, pepper, and spices—directly in the large bowl you'll use for the salad. This means no extra dishes and a much faster cleanup.
4. Leftovers are a Lifesaver
Look for anything in your fridge that can add a burst of flavour. Leftover roasted potatoes, crumbled paneer, or even a handful of crushed peanuts or cashews can make a basic salad feel special without any extra cooking.
5. Prep the Dressing Ahead
For ultimate efficiency, make your dressing mixture in a small jar at the start of the week. This way, on a busy night, all you have to do is shred the chicken, add the pre-made dressing, and toss everything together. It's a game-changer.
Try these delicious recipes at home and tell us which ones you liked the best in the comments below.