This quick and delicious chicken salad is packed with flavor, texture, and freshness. Made with pre-cooked chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing, it’s the perfect dish for a light lunch, sandwich filling, or party appetizer. Ready in just 5 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is tasty!
Ingredients
(Serves 2–4)
- 2 cups cooked chicken , diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- ½ apple , diced but not peeled (use a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ¼ cup sliced grapes (red or green, halved)
- 2 celery stems , sliced thinly
- 1 seedless mini cucumber , diced
- ¼ cup raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream (Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Dashes of salt, pepper, and dried parsley , to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash, peel (if desired), and dice the apple, slice the grapes in half, thinly slice the celery, and dice the cucumber. Measure out the raisins if using.
- Combine the Salad Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, grapes, celery, cucumber, and raisins. Mix gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt (or sour cream) and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the onion powder , a dash of salt , pepper , and dried parsley . Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Mix Everything Together
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and produce are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients while mixing.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately as-is, or chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld. This chicken salad is versatile—serve it on its own, in lettuce wraps, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crackers or crostini.
Tips for Success
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize this salad with extras like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), dried cranberries, or even shredded carrots for added color and crunch.
- Lighter Option: Swap the mayo for additional Greek yogurt to make the dressing lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Meal Prep: This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the grapes and apples just before serving to prevent browning.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 5-Minute Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The juicy grapes and crisp apple add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing, while the celery and cucumber provide satisfying crunch. Best of all, it’s ready in minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re packing lunch or hosting guests, this chicken salad is a go-to recipe that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy this quick, wholesome, and flavorful dish—it’s comfort food made easy!
