11 Chicken Salad Recipes for Spring!

I’ve got a weakness for a great chicken salad, doesn’t everybody? And since brunch season is upon us, I thought it would be fun to round up my favorite recipes in case you’re hunting around for something to offer Mom this month, or maybe you’re looking to up your working lunch game.

My chunky Curried Chicken Waldorf Salad

is so satisfyingly chunky and full of goodies it’s hard to beat. Arrange it on good crisp lettuce and you’ve got a meal fit for the fanciest brunch. Then again, layer it thickly between two slices of toasted pumpernickel add some of that crisp lettuce, and I’m in heaven.

Curry stars in my Curried Chicken Salad Plate plate, too.

I like how the hint of spice plays against the sweet juicy fruit. I think this is the perfect Mother’s Day or shower salad, the colors are spectacular, and  I’ve used fruits that anyone can find all year long, just make sure they’re nice and ripe.

One of my favorite recipes has to be my Chicken Salad Summer Rolls.

As far as I know I created the concept, and it’s one of the most refreshing ways to eat chicken salad ever. Summer rolls are made with paper thin Thai rice wrappers that get soaked in water to make them pliable, then you can fill them with fresh ingredients. They have to be the most refreshing thing on the planet.

Thai Chicken Salad is a symphony of color, texture and flavor!

It commands center stage on any table. I use rotisserie chicken to make this healthy meal come together super quickly.

I’ve always loved salads that pair warm grilled meats or fish with cool crisp veggies, like my Grilled Chicken Greek Salad.

A little bit of careful seasoning turns a plain boneless skinless chicken breast into a wonderful meal.

Strips of chicken feature in another one of my favorite recipes on the blog, Chinese Chicken Salad.

I could eat this every day of my life, there’s so much going on, and all of it is good!

When you want to make a splash, make The Perfect Chopped Salad

I love to arrange all the ingredients on the top of the salad, it’s called a composed salad. It makes an amazing presentation on the table.

Don’t underestimate the dressing! Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Mayonnaise

When it comes to classic chicken salads, the mayo, or whatever dressing you choose, is key. I love to change things up, whether I’m making my own homemade mayonnaise, or just doctoring up store bought. Adding poppy seeds makes this Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Mayonnaise pretty enough for a party.

If you’re an adventurous cook try Yotam Ottolenghi’s Saffron Chicken & Herb Salad.

As with so many of his recipes, I never would have thought to pair these ingredients, or use a whole orange and saffron in the dressing (!) but it just works. And works deliciously. I like the idea that none of your guests will ever have had this, guaranteed.

Another favorite hot/cold pairing is my Firecracker Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Technically a chicken salad, right? The chicken and veggies are finely diced, and flash stir fried, so if you prep everything in advance it takes just minutes to prepare. You can serve it in in individual lettuce cups for wrapping, or do it as a salad, in one large bowl.

One of my all time favorite chicken salad recipes, Lemon Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing.

Based on one from Ina Garten, I added a pop of lemon to the chicken tenders that makes this such a wonderful meal, we go back to it again and again.