Bring something new to your lunch or dinner table with these creative chicken salad recipes.
Recipes by Sarah Godwin | Photographed by Joe Worthem
These make-ahead chicken salads can be served as easy summer suppers or tasty school lunch sandwiches. All of the recipes make good use of leftover chicken, or simply boil chicken breasts over medium-low heat for about an hour in just enough water to cover the chicken. Pull the meat by hand, or beat with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until chicken is shredded, about 1 minute. Greek yogurt keeps the chicken salad lighter in fat and higher in protein, and the mix-ins can be adjusted according to personal preference. Serve chicken salad with bread, crackers, fresh vegetables or in lettuce cups.
Curried Cranberry Chicken Salad
3-4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon ginger powder
½ lemon, juiced
2 bunches green onions, chopped
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup diced Granny Smith apple
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, and stir until well combined.
Bacon Caesar Chicken Salad
3-4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup Caesar dressing
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
5-6 strips cooked, crumbled bacon strips or
about ½ cup bacon bits)
½ cup chopped kalamata olives
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Black pepper, to taste
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, and stir until well combined.
Sarah’s Favorite Chicken Salad
3-4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought
¾ cup canned crushed pineapple (with juice)
½ cup toasted sweetened flaked coconut
¾ cup toasted pecan pieces
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, and stir until well combined.
Visit invitationmag.com/food-blog for a simple homemade mayonnaise recipe that will make these chicken salads extra special!