21 Chicken Salad Recipes That Will Make You Forget Store-Bought Forever

Chicken salad has earned its place as the ultimate make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weekdays, elegant luncheons, and everything in between. But if you think chicken salad means bland, mayo-heavy mixtures from the grocery store deli, prepare to have your mind changed. These 21 recipes transform humble chicken into culinary masterpieces that range from nostalgic comfort food to sophisticated gourmet creations. Whether you prefer the crunch of fresh vegetables, the sweetness of dried fruits, the heat of spicy seasonings, or the richness of creamy dressings, there’s a chicken salad here that will become your new obsession. Best of all, most of these recipes taste even better after sitting overnight, making them perfect for meal prep and entertaining.

Newks Chicken Salad

Newks Chicken Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor the delightful combination of chicken, grapes, pecans, onions, and celery in this irresistible homemade version of Newk’s famous salad. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunch awaits in this simple copycat recipe.

Get the recipe -> Newks Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe

Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this refreshing chicken salad bursting with crisp cucumber and aromatic dill. Each creamy, tangy bite channels Chicken Salad Chick’s beloved recipe. Perfect for elevating your sandwich game or topping crisp crackers for an easy, satisfying meal.

Get the recipe -> Chicken Salad Chick Dill-icious Diva Recipe

Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Image Credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine

Elevate your lunch with this extraordinary chicken salad sandwich featuring crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet grapes, all nestled in a buttery croissant for a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Get the recipe -> Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken Salad with Grapes
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in this creamy chicken salad studded with juicy grapes and crunchy pecans. Enjoy it solo or nestled between bread slices for a satisfying sandwich. A timeless favorite that always earns rave reviews at gatherings!

Get the recipe -> Chicken Salad with Grapes

Toasted Sesame Asian Chicken Salad

Toasted Sesame Asian Chicken Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This mouthwatering Asian chicken salad delivers the perfect balance of fresh vegetables and savory protein, all brought together with a toasted sesame dressing that adds just the right amount of tang and sweetness. A light yet satisfying option for any meal.

Get the recipe -> Toasted Sesame Asian Chicken Salad

Roasted Poblano & Sweet Corn Chicken Salad

Roasted Poblano & Sweet Corn Chicken Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Indulge in this satisfying salad that brings together smoky roasted poblano peppers, sweet corn, and tender chicken. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Get the recipe -> Roasted Poblano & Sweet Corn Chicken Salad

Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad

Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This vibrant chicken salad combines tender meat with juicy fruits and crunchy pecans for a delightful medley of textures and flavors. It’s a refreshing, nutritious option that satisfies without weighing you down.

Get the recipe -> Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad

Fruit & Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Fruit & Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Dive into these vibrant lettuce cups featuring a delicious fruit-infused chicken salad. Perfect for a speedy lunch or light dinner, they offer a refreshing blend of flavors that’s both healthy and satisfying—no cooking expertise required!

Get the recipe -> Fruit & Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Light Creamy Chinese Chicken Salad

Light Creamy Chinese Chicken Salad
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This lighter take on Chinese chicken salad features a creamy dressing that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Perfect as a satisfying main dish or vibrant side, it offers a refreshing blend of textures and tastes while keeping things on the healthier side.

Get the recipe -> Light Creamy Chinese Chicken Salad

Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich

Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

This tantalizing sandwich combines zesty cranberries with smooth feta and crisp almonds in a creamy chicken salad. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tart, savory and crunchy textures that make for an irresistible lunch option or picnic essential.

Get the recipe -> Cranberry, Feta & Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich

Light Ranch BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich

Light Ranch BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Savor our lighter twist on the classic BLT with tender chicken and zesty ranch dressing. This refreshing sandwich delivers all the familiar flavors you love while keeping things healthy and satisfying—perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Get the recipe -> Light Ranch BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich

Turmeric Chicken Salad

Turmeric Chicken Salad
Image Credit: Running To The Kitchen

Enjoy this vibrant chicken salad featuring fresh turmeric root for an antioxidant boost. Creamy, crunchy, and gluten-free, it pairs perfectly with toasted bread or lettuce wraps for a nutritious and satisfying lunch option.

Get the recipe -> Turmeric Chicken Salad

Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: Running To The Kitchen

Enjoy our zesty garlic yogurt chicken salad sandwich, layered with rich sun-dried tomato spread on rustic ciabatta bread. This flavorful combination offers a Mediterranean twist on a classic lunch favorite.

Get the recipe -> Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad
Image Credit: Running To The Kitchen

Dive into this vibrant winter salad featuring crispy rotisserie chicken, zesty citrus, and toasted pine nuts. Nestled on a bed of hearty Tuscan kale and finished with fresh herbs, it’s all brought together by a tangy orange Dijon dressing.

Get the recipe -> Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: a homemade rotisserie chicken salad sandwich. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, seasoned chicken between soft, fresh bread. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible for lunch or a quick dinner.

Get the recipe -> Rotisserie Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol

Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Experience the joy of homemade chicken salad that rivals Chicken Salad Chick’s beloved Classic Carol. This recipe combines tender chicken tenderloins with creamy Duke’s mayonnaise for that perfect balance of flavors and textures that made the original famous. Your search for delicious chicken salad ends here!

Get the recipe -> Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol

Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in a homemade version of Arby’s famous Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich. This simple recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet grapes in a creamy dressing, all nestled between soft bread for a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Dive into the nostalgic comfort of this beloved classic sandwich. Tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and mixed with just the right touch of mayo and herbs, creates a creamy, satisfying bite that’ll transport you straight to lunchtime bliss.

Get the recipe -> Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad: Crispy and Flavorful

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad: Crispy and Flavorful
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Savor the vibrant flavors of this homemade favorite, featuring crispy panko-coated chicken tenders atop a bed of fresh greens with Asian-inspired dressing. Skip the restaurant wait and enjoy this delicious copycat salad in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Get the recipe -> Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad

Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in Subway’s Apple Orchard Chicken Salad year-round with our quick homemade version. By combining two apple varieties, this 15-minute recipe elevates the original with complex sweetness and crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something fresh yet satisfying.

Get the recipe -> Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad

Fruity Chicken Salad

Fruity Chicken Salad
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This vibrant chicken salad blends sweet grapes and mandarin oranges with crunchy celery and toasted almonds for a refreshing twist on a classic. Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, or light lettuce cups for a satisfying meal any time of day.

Get the recipe -> Fruity Chicken Salad

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS