Chicken Breast Salad

This salad is perfect for any weeknight dinner and comes together quick!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.

2. Wash and dry lettuce.

3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and bake in oven until golden brown. Let cool and slice into strips.

4. Melt butter in a small pan over low heat, then sauté cashews until fragrant.

5. Whisk together San Gimignano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Balsamic Vinegar, Aceto Balsamico Platinum and soy sauce. Pour dressing over lettuce and toss.

6. Top with chicken breast, cashews and chives and spring onion.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Our Tip: You can also add cheese or your favorite nuts and seeds. We used cashews instead of walnuts and added cheese.

A Salad Built on Simplicity and Flavor

We know the best dishes start with great ingredients and a few simple steps. The right chicken salad ingredients—when thoughtfully combined—create a harmonious dish that balances flavor, texture, and freshness.

This chicken salad recipe shows how lean protein, crisp veggies and balanced dressings come together to give you all the flavor you want in a fresh and satisfying meal.

Chicken breasts are a top choice because they’re versatile, tender when cooked right and quick to cook in the oven or on the grill.

Why Chicken Breast is Perfect for Salad

Is chicken breast good for salad? Yes. Its lean profile allows the dressings and seasonings to shine, making it the base for both a classic chicken salad and the best chicken salad recipes.

Whether you’re grilling chicken, shredding chicken or using rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, the result is always a dish that works for sandwiches, lettuce wraps or a plate with bread on the side.

Balancing the Salad Ingredients

Every great recipe comes down to balance. Lettuce leaves provide crunch, cashews or sliced almonds nutty richness.

Green onions, red onion, and other onions add sharpness without overpowering the creamy texture from a splash of sour cream, mayo, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Lemon juice brightens the flavor, fresh parsley, dill, and other fresh herbs add aroma, and a light dusting of smoked paprika gives just the right amount of warmth. Add celery for crunch, chopped apples or red grapes for sweetness, and dried cranberries as add-ins that keep the whole family coming back for more.

Dressing That Binds It All

A chicken salad is only as good as its dressing. Using Vomfass olive oils and vinegars gives depth and complexity without heaviness.

A simple combination of extra virgin olive oil, apple balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and lemon juice ties everything together.

Whisking in a mixing bowl allows the seasonings to incorporate fully so when you toss with cooled chicken and vegetables in a large bowl every bite has balance.

How to Cook Chicken Right

To cook chicken properly, always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For best results, bake or roast the chicken in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

This guarantees cooked chicken that’s tender and safe.

After roasting or baking, let the chicken cool completely before slicing or shredding it on a cutting board so the juices stay inside. For meal prep, keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it will stay fresh for three to four days. This makes the recipe perfect for quick weekday lunches.

The Role of Meal Prep

Meal prep is a game-changer when it comes to enjoying a delicious chicken salad recipe any day of the week. By preparing chicken breasts in advance—whether you grill, roast, or use rotisserie chicken—you can have flavorful, cooked chicken ready to go for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

The best chicken salad recipe is perfect for meal prep because it can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge, making healthy lunches or dinners just a scoop away.

To prepare chicken for meal prep, cook your chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then let them cool completely before shredding or chopping. This step locks in moisture and ensures your chicken is both safe and flavorful.

Once cooled, combine your cooked chicken with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and chopped apples for a creamy texture and a burst of flavor. This great recipe not only saves time but also makes it easy to eat well throughout the week. Whether you’re using grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or simply cooked chicken breasts, meal prep helps you enjoy the best chicken salad with minimal effort and maximum taste.

The Classic Chicken Salad with Modern Twists

The beauty of a classic chicken salad is its versatility. Use mayonnaise for richness or lighten it with Greek yogurt and sour cream for creamy texture without excess heaviness.

Add ins like grapes, apples or nuts make it the ultimate chicken salad for gatherings or picnics. Sandwich lovers can spread it on bread but it’s just as delicious served in lettuce wraps or alongside lightly toasted slices for a balanced plate.

Pro Tips

• Season properly: Use kosher salt and pepper in layers, not just at the end.

• Mix gently: Over-mixing in a mixing bowl breaks down the texture; folding keeps it light.

• Storage tips: Use an airtight container in the fridge to preserve freshness and always stir once before serving to redistribute flavors.* Use leftovers: Today’s sandwich filling becomes tomorrow’s topping for lettuce leaves or mix with grains for a bigger salad recipe.

Storage and Handling

Keeping your chicken salad fresh and safe is all about proper storage and handling. After mixing up your chicken salad, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Covering the container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil helps lock in moisture and keeps out any unwanted odors from other foods. For the best flavor, store your chicken salad away from strong-smelling items, as it can easily absorb other aromas.

When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir to redistribute all the flavors and creamy dressing. This is also the perfect time to add in extras like dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a fresh crunch and a boost of flavor. With these storage tips, your chicken salad will stay delicious for up to 5 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep and quick meals throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about a chicken salad recipe is its versatility when it comes to serving. For a light and refreshing meal, spoon your ultimate chicken salad onto crisp lettuce leaves and top with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

If you’re craving something heartier, pile the salad high on whole grain bread or serve it in a sandwich with fresh herbs and a dash of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Chicken salad also makes a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps, a topping for mixed greens, or even a dip for crackers and veggies. For family gatherings, serve it in a large bowl with a variety of add-ins like garlic powder, fresh herbs, and sliced almonds so everyone can customize their plate.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving a crowd, these creative serving ideas ensure your chicken salad is always flavorful, satisfying, and enjoyed by the whole family.

All the Flavors Come Together

What makes this the best chicken salad isn’t one trick—it’s how all the ingredients work together. After preparing the chicken, combining it with the remaining ingredients is essential for completing the chicken salad.

From crunchy celery and nuts to the sweetness of grapes and the brightness of lemon juice each element is in harmony.

By using Vomfass oils and vinegars the dressing has sophistication even on a simple bowl of greens. This is more than just a meal; it’s how fresh herbs, proper preparation and quality products make everyday cooking. Try our Cafe de Paris Dip recipe for another flavorful way to enjoy fresh ingredients.

Conclusion

The chicken breast salad recipe is proof that when you cook chicken with intention, pair it with the right salad ingredients and season with balance you get a meal that satisfies both nutrition and flavor.

Whether you’re looking for the best chicken salad for family lunch, a classic chicken salad for sandwiches or the ultimate chicken salad with modern twists the foundation is the same: simple cooking and quality ingredients.

At Vomfass we’re happy to provide the oils and vinegars that make everyday salads feel special.