15 Spring Chicken Salad Ideas

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your meal routine with vibrant, flavorful, and healthy chicken salads. These dishes are not only delicious but also packed with fresh ingredients that celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking for something tangy, spicy, or creamy, there’s a chicken salad here to suit every taste.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 unique spring chicken salad recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. From the brightness of citrus to the warmth of spices, these salads are designed to keep you energized and excited about cooking. Each recipe is detailed with ingredients, instructions, and nutrition information, so you can enjoy them with confidence. Looking for more ways to enjoy seasonal flavors? Check out our favorite Spring Chicken Recipes for fresh, tasty ideas beyond salads.

All images used in this post are courtesy of chickenrecipes.blog.

Citrus Avocado Chicken Salad

This Citrus Avocado Chicken Salad is a refreshing blend of juicy citrus fruits, creamy avocado, and tender chicken, all tied together with a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a light spring lunch or dinner. The combination of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons creates a bright and tangy flavor profile, while the avocado adds a silky texture. The chicken provides lean protein, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, orange segments, and grapefruit segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle the chopped mint and basil leaves on top and serve immediately.

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

The Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a flavorful and crunchy salad with a delightful Asian-inspired twist. It combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a nutty sesame dressing. The addition of sesame seeds and soy sauce gives it a bold umami flavor, while the red cabbage and carrots add a pop of color and crunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup shredded red cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve immediately.

Tropical Mango Chicken Salad

The Tropical Mango Chicken Salad is a sweet and savory delight, perfect for warm spring days. This salad combines juicy mango, tender chicken, and fresh tropical flavors, all tossed in a light and zesty lime dressing. The mango adds natural sweetness, while the red onion and cilantro provide a fresh and crunchy texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

The Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a classic and creamy salad with a sweet and tangy twist. It features tender chicken, crisp greens, and a rich honey mustard dressing. The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a balanced flavor, while the addition of fresh herbs adds a bright and refreshing note.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad

The Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad is a bold and flavorful salad with a Southwestern twist. It combines spicy chicken, crunchy tortilla strips, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy chipotle dressing. The addition of black beans and corn adds a hearty and satisfying element to the salad.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tablespoons chipotle mayo
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, black beans, corn kernels, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle mayo, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Salad

The Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Salad is a creamy and tangy salad with a refreshing twist. It features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a light Greek yogurt ranch dressing. The addition of fresh dill and chives adds a bright and fresh flavor, while the Greek yogurt provides a healthier alternative to traditional ranch dressing.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cucumber, carrots, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped dill and chives on top and serve immediately.

Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad

The Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad is a flavorful and aromatic salad with a Mediterranean twist. It combines tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. The addition of feta cheese and olives adds a salty and tangy element, while the fresh herbs provide a bright and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, feta cheese, olives, parsley, oregano, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

The Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is a sweet and savory salad with a delightful crunch. It combines tender chicken, crisp apples, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy honey mustard dressing. The addition of fresh thyme adds a fragrant and herbaceous note, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped thyme on top and serve immediately.

Quinoa Chickpea Chicken Salad

The Quinoa Chickpea Chicken Salad is a hearty and nutritious salad with a Middle Eastern twist. It combines tender chicken, quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. The addition of quinoa and chickpeas makes this salad a complete meal, while the fresh herbs add a bright and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, and tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

Creamy Avocado Pesto Chicken Salad

The Creamy Avocado Pesto Chicken Salad is a rich and flavorful salad with a creamy twist. It combines tender chicken, fresh basil, and avocado, all tossed in a creamy pesto dressing. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a salty and tangy element, while the avocado provides a silky texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, and fresh basil leaves.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.

Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes

The Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes is a sweet and savory salad with a warm and aromatic flavor. It combines tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery, all tossed in a creamy curry dressing. The addition of fresh cilantro adds a bright and fresh note, while the grapes provide a natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup red grapes, halved
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, grapes, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, curry powder, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately.

Caprese Chicken Salad

The Caprese Chicken Salad is a colorful and flavorful salad with an Italian twist. It combines tender chicken, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a light and zesty balsamic dressing. The addition of fresh basil adds a bright and fragrant flavor, while the mozzarella provides a creamy texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves on top and serve immediately.

Sriracha Lime Chicken Salad

The Sriracha Lime Chicken Salad is a spicy and tangy salad with a bold and refreshing flavor. It combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sriracha lime dressing. The addition of fresh cilantro adds a bright and fresh note, while the sriracha provides a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately.

Zesty Citrus Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

The Zesty Citrus Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a bright and refreshing salad with a tangy and sweet flavor. It combines tender chicken, juicy citrus fruits, and a light poppy seed dressing. The addition of fresh mint adds a bright and fresh note, while the poppy seeds provide a delicate crunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, orange segments, and grapefruit segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle poppy seeds and chopped mint leaves on top and serve immediately.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Chicken Salad

The Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Chicken Salad is a hearty and flavorful salad with a rich and tangy flavor. It combines tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a light balsamic dressing. The addition of fresh thyme adds a fragrant and herbaceous note, while the roasted vegetables provide a satisfying texture.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup roasted zucchini, diced
– 1 cup roasted bell peppers, diced
– 1 cup roasted cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle chopped thyme leaves on top and serve immediately.

Conclusion

These 15 spring chicken salad recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to brighten up your spring meals. Each salad is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a healthy snack. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, tangy, or creamy, there’s a salad here to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and make the most of the fresh flavors spring has to offer!