I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
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Chicken salad is one of those recipes I come back to week after week, and with good reason. It’s protein-packed, totally flexible, and perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners. Once you’ve got the base recipe down (link below!), these three variations add just the right amount of flair to keep things interesting!
Three easy variations to level up your chicken salad game.
Once you’ve made my Famous Chicken Salad Base Recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s creamy, light, and so versatile – just the way I like it! And when you’re ready to mix things up, these three flavor variations are a great place to start. Each one uses just a few simple ingredients to transform your basic batch into something new and delicious.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual luncheon, or looking for a fun on-the-go meal that can be easily packed in a cooler, this post has you covered.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS POST
Base Recipe Overview
Chicken Salad Variations
Storage Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Recipes You Might Love
Recipe Card
BASE RECIPE OVERVIEW
Start Here : My Chicken Salad Base Recipe
You’ll need to begin with a batch of my Famous Chicken Salad Base. It uses simple ingredients : chicken tenders, homemade avocado mayo, celery, and sea salt, and comes together in a way that’s creamy, flavorful, and honestly a little addictive. You’ll find the full step-by-step instructions for the base linked above. Pro tip : make your own mayo. You’ll see why in the base recipe, but the taste is definitely different when using store-bought mayo. Trust me on this one.
Once your base is ready, see below for how to customize it three ways.
Pro Tip : For fresh ingredients, such as the apple, mint, and pineapple, I recommend tossing into the chicken salad just before serving. This avoids any browning, wilting, or sogginess.
STORAGE TIPS
Each of these varieties will keep up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Because we’re not using stabilizers or preservatives, I recommend enjoying them within that window for best texture and flavor. If prepping ahead, as mentioned above, keep any fruit or herb add-ins separate and toss in just before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use store-bought mayo instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade makes a big difference. Store-bought mayo often has a tangy aftertaste and added ingredients that can affect the flavor and consistency. I always recommend making your own when possible. Trust me, it’s worth it!
What if I don’t have flavored balsamic vinegar?
You can absolutely use a splash of lemon juice, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and even fresh fruit juice if you’d like. But if you can get your hands on the flavored balsamic vinegars, you’ll taste the enhanced difference they bring.
Are these Whole30 or Paleo?
The base recipe is Whole30-friendly if made with compliant mayo. The variations with dried fruit and flavored balsamic vinegars may not be, so adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
I don’t recommend it. The mayo can separate and the texture becomes unpleasant once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LOVE
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch
Grilled Chicken Goat Cheese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Loaded Taco Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Chicken Caprese Muffin Cups
Cuban Salad with Plantain “Croutons”
DON’T FORGET TO SHARE!
Keep this post bookmarked or pinned so you can come back to it anytime you’ve got a batch of chicken salad base ready to go. Make some and snap a photo? I would love if you’d tag me on Instagram, or leave a comment below!
Three delicious variations to elevate my classic chicken salad base : Apple Walnut, Lemon Cream & Mint, and Pineapple Pecan. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
CHICKEN SALAD BASE
7 – 10 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
6 – 8 celery stalks (omit if you’d like)
1 egg (if making your own avocado mayo)
1 cup avocado oil (if making your own avocado mayo)
2 tablespoons Sicilian Lemon balsamic vinegar (you could also use fresh lemon juice)
2 – 3 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
2 – 3 tablespoons cream cheese (if you like it extra creamy!)
pinch (or two) of sea salt
PINEAPPLE PECAN CHICKEN SALAD
2 tablespoons Pineapple balsamic or Coconut balsamic vinegar (optional, but enhances the flavor)
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1/2 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
pinch (or two) of sea salt
Pro Tip : For fresh ingredients, such as the apple, mint, and pineapple, I recommend tossing into the chicken salad just before serving. This avoids any browning, wilting, or sogginess.
Add Mix-Ins : Combine the chicken salad base and your desired mix-ins, tossing to combine until everything is well mixed.
Refrigerate and Enjoy : I recommend refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to ensure the chicken salad is chilled through, and your mix-in flavors have a chance to meld.
All variations store well in the fridge for 3 days, just be sure to keep mix-ins separate until ready to serve.
Mix-ins can be adjusted depending on your pantry.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Category:Main Dish
Method:Mixed
Cuisine:American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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