The Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a luscious, tangy dressing that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a perfect make-ahead meal, this salad brings together vibrant flavors and satisfying textures with every bite. The magic lies in the harmony between the refreshing herbs and the creamy base of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, creating a dish that is both wholesome and bursting with personality. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe, it will become your go-to for easy, flavorful meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a big punch, blending creaminess, freshness, and a satisfying crunch. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken providing protein to the fresh herbs brightening the flavor and the celery adding a delightful crisp texture.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced, ensure it’s cooked to 165°F for perfect texture and safety.
- Greek Yogurt: Plain and creamy, it adds tang and cuts down on fat for a healthier twist.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality variety to enhance richness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Finely chopped, it adds a fresh, slightly citrusy herbaceous note.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens and balances the salad with its clean, green taste.
- Fresh Chives: Finely chopped to add a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- Celery: Diced for a refreshing crunch that lifts every bite.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped to provide subtle sharpness and color contrast.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, it wakes up the flavors with a burst of acidity.
- Salt: To taste, bringing all flavors into balance.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, adding warmth and a gentle kick.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken breast until it reaches 165°F. You can poach for tenderness or grill for a smoky touch. Once cooked, let it cool before shredding or dicing to ensure perfect texture throughout the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This combination forms the luscious base of the salad, balancing tang and richness beautifully.
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning
Stir in the finely chopped dill, parsley, and chives along with freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. These herbs brighten the salad with fresh green notes while the lemon juice gives it a zesty lift.
Step 4: Incorporate Crunchy Veggies
Chop the celery and red onion into small pieces and add them to the chicken. These vegetables introduce a delightful crunch and a touch of sharpness, making each bite interesting and balanced.
Step 5: Combine the Salad
Pour your creamy herb dressing over the chicken and vegetables, folding gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the ingredients. This careful mixing keeps the texture light and airy.
Step 6: Chill and Marinate
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and develop into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled for the best experience, showcasing the fresh herbs and creamy texture perfectly balanced with the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness. You can also scatter a few toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with lightly toasted crusty bread, crisp green salads, or even sweet potato chips for an interesting contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes on the side can also enhance the salad’s delicate herbaceous notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in halved avocados or inside crisp lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option. You can also make delightful sandwiches or wraps using whole-grain bread or tortillas to take this dish on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 3 days, giving you ready-made, flavorful meals during busy days.
Freezing
Due to the creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise base, this salad is not ideal for freezing as the texture may separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Simply give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves time, making it a perfect choice for the Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or a high-quality plain yogurt if you don’t have Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that texture and tanginess may vary slightly.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure to dice the vegetables finely and mix right before serving, or store the dressing separately if making far in advance to maintain a fresh crunch.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Tarragon, basil, or even a touch of smoked paprika can add interesting layers and personalize the salad to your taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up very well when stored properly and is a great protein-packed option that stays fresh for a few days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like comfort and freshness combined in a bowl. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal yet special enough for casual entertaining. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a trusted favorite in your recipe box!
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken Salad combines tender cooked chicken breast with a flavorful mixture of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. Enhanced with crunchy celery, red onion, and a splash of lemon juice, this versatile salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded or diced, cooked until 165°F)
Dressing
- 3/4 cup Greek Yogurt (Plain)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (High-quality)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (Finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (Finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground, to taste)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Celery (Diced)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (Finely chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Poach or grill the chicken breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once fully cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, and chives. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Combine Vegetables and Chicken: Dice the celery and finely chop the red onion before adding them to the bowl with the shredded or diced chicken.
- Mix Salad: Pour the creamy herb dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Gently fold everything together to combine without breaking up the chicken too much.
- Adjust & Chill: Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Serve the creamy herb chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich or wrap, or on top of fresh greens for a delicious and refreshing meal.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken breast for best texture and flavor, but leftover roasted chicken also works well.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, so prepare ahead if possible.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Adjust herbs according to preference; tarragon or basil can be good alternatives.
- Serve immediately after mixing if you prefer a crunchier texture from the celery and onion.
