Crispy Chicken Salad (Printable)

Tender chicken mixed with celery, grapes, and mayo on fresh salad greens for a crisp, flavorful dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Salad

01 - 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
02 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
04 - 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
05 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
06 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans (optional)
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - In a large bowl, gently mix shredded rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, and halved grapes until evenly coated.
02 - Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute.
03 - Place mixed salad greens evenly onto four individual plates or a large serving platter.
04 - Spoon the chicken mixture over the salad greens to evenly distribute.
05 - Sprinkle with sliced almonds or pecans if desired, then finish with chopped chives or parsley.
06 - Serve immediately to maintain crisp texture and freshness.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes with almost zero actual cooking, making it perfect for when you're hungry but don't want to spend your evening at the stove.
  • The contrast between the cool, creamy chicken mixture and the fresh, crisp greens keeps every bite interesting and prevents that heavy, one-note feeling.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, so it actually feels nourishing rather than like you're settling.
02 -
  • Shred the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces rather than leaving it in chunks—bigger pieces make the salad harder to eat and less satisfying because you're constantly working for it.
  • Taste the rotisserie chicken before you add the mayo, because some are saltier than others, and this one step will save you from over-seasoning.
  • The grapes release their juice as they sit, which gradually tightens the dressing, so if you're making this ahead, you might need to loosen it with a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
03 -
  • Buy your rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli counter within a few hours of when you plan to make this—the fresher it is, the better the salad tastes, and you can feel the difference in the texture.
  • Keep all your ingredients cold before you assemble the salad, and chill the bowl you're mixing in for just a few minutes before you start—this small step keeps everything crisp and fresh tasting all the way to the last bite.
Return