When the temperature climbs and the afternoons stretch long, nothing tastes quite as refreshing as this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe. Bursting with juicy grapes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy nuts, this colorful salad is the ultimate answer to what you crave for a light yet deeply satisfying meal. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook up a fresh batch just for this, the combination of creamy dressing, zesty Dijon, and a pop of lemon brings every bite to life. It’s easy enough for a weekday lunch, special enough for a picnic or brunch, and endlessly adaptable to whatever summer bounty you have on hand.

Summer Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe is how it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Every element serves a purpose—bringing just the right blend of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each to make your salad shine!

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
Seedless grapes (1/2 cup, halved): Red or green grapes add pops of sweetness and keep every forkful interesting.
Diced cucumber (1/2 cup): Brings cool crunch and fresh garden flavor to every bite.
Diced celery (1/3 cup): Classic character and satisfying crunch, plus a lovely bright undertone.
Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Just enough mellow onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
Slivered almonds or chopped pecans (1/4 cup, toasted): Toast these for richness and irresistible nuttiness.
Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Greek yogurt keeps things light and tangy, while mayo brings classic creaminess—use your favorite.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds zippy depth and binds the dressing perfectly.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A bright squeeze wakes up all the flavors.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Gives balance and an extra lift—taste as you go!
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish (optional): Sprinkling on herbs makes it look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Summer Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Mix-Ins

Start by chopping and prepping all your mix-in ingredients: shred or dice the cooked chicken, halve the grapes, dice the cucumber and celery, chop the green onions, and toast your almonds or pecans if they aren’t already. Having everything prepped upfront makes the rest of the process so easy!

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chicken, grapes, cucumber, celery, green onions, and nuts. This is where the magic starts—the different colors and textures look stunning mixed together!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and fresh black pepper. Whisk until it’s completely smooth and creamy. You want the dressing to be vibrant, tangy, and well seasoned before it meets the salad.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and, using a gentle hand or a large spatula, fold everything together. Aim to coat every ingredient without mashing the grapes or crunchier parts—gentle tossing is key!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Taste for seasoning and adjust with a little extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors really meld. Serve your Summer Chicken Salad Recipe cold for the most refreshing experience.

How to Serve Summer Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh dill, parsley, or even thinly sliced chives gives this salad extra color and a burst of fresh flavor. Try adding a few extra toasted nuts or a light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving for that irresistible final flourish.

Side Dishes

This Summer Chicken Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy croissants, lightly toasted sourdough, or a pile of crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Round out your plate with summer sliced tomatoes, watermelon wedges, or a chilled soup like gazpacho for an easy, breezy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad scooped into avocado halves, piled high in lettuce cups, or as the filling for a fresh sandwich or wrap. For picnics or parties, spoon it into individual jars or cups—everyone loves their own little serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Summer Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to recombine the dressing if it separates a bit.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh veggies and grapes lose their crisp texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge and only make what you’ll eat within a few days!

Reheating

This delightful salad is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no reheating necessary. If serving leftovers straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a high-quality avocado oil mayonnaise, or use your favorite dairy-free yogurt alternative for the creamy dressing. The salad remains just as luscious, with all the classic flavor you crave.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken is perfect for this recipe, but you can also quickly poach or roast some chicken breasts just for the occasion. Make sure your chicken is chilled and well seasoned before tossing into the salad.

Can I add fruit other than grapes?

Definitely! Chopped apples, diced mango, or even dried cranberries are delicious options. Just keep the fruit bite-sized and opt for something with a little juice or chew to balance the savory ingredients.

How far in advance can I make the Summer Chicken Salad Recipe?

You can make the salad a day ahead for the freshest taste and texture. Simply mix everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Give it a stir and add your garnishes just before serving.

What herbs work best for garnishing?

Fresh dill and parsley are classic choices, but tarragon, basil, or chives are all wonderful here. Use what you love or what you have on hand—herbs add both beauty and a summery aromatic finish.

Final Thoughts

A bowl of this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe is like a little taste of sunshine, no matter the weather. It’s so easy, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with freshness—give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite summer staple. I can’t wait for you to dig in!

Summer Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Summer Chicken Salad recipe is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for picnics or light summer meals. Made with tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it’s a flavorful delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup seedless grapes (halved)
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans (toasted)

Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, cucumber, celery, green onions, and nuts.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.