There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made chicken salad—especially when it has that perfect crunch. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless variations, but this Crunchy Chicken Salad recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with texture, making it ideal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of tender chicken with crisp vegetables, toasted nuts, and a creamy yet tangy dressing. Every bite delivers a mix of soft and crunchy elements, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a crowd, this salad is versatile, easy to customize, and always a hit!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: The star of this salad, chicken breast provides lean protein and a tender texture. You can use grilled, baked, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Celery: This adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Red onion: A touch of finely diced red onion brings a mild sharpness and a pop of color to the salad.
Almonds (or pecans/walnuts): Toasted nuts add a rich, nutty crunch that elevates the texture. Almonds are my favorite, but any nut works well.
Green apples: Diced apples contribute a sweet-tart contrast and extra crispness, making the salad more vibrant.
Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise): This forms the base of the dressing, offering creaminess with a lighter, tangy note if using yogurt.
Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon enhances the dressing with a slight sharpness and depth of flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad and prevents the apples from browning.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup almonds (or nuts of choice), toasted and chopped
- 1 green apple, diced
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crunchy Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by seasoning and cooking your chicken breast. You can bake, grill, or poach it until fully cooked, then let it cool before shredding or dicing.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the almonds (or your preferred nuts) until fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Let them cool, then roughly chop them for added crunch.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Apple
Finely dice the celery and red onion, ensuring they’re uniform in size for even distribution. Core and dice the green apple, tossing it with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, celery, red onion, apple, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—just shred the meat and skip the cooking step.
- Add dried cranberries or grapes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Swap Greek yogurt for mayo if you prefer a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Toast the nuts for deeper flavor—it makes a big difference!
- Serve on a croissant, in a wrap, or over greens for different meal options.
- Double the batch for easy meal prep—it stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Mayonnaise, sour cream, or even avocado work as substitutes for a creamier texture.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots would work well.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo as an alternative.
This Crunchy Chicken Salad is a foolproof recipe that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation too!