Not Your Mama’s Chicken Salad Recipe!

What is better than homemade chicken salad? Homemade chicken salad on a soft croissant! This super easy recipe has a secret ingredient that makes it extra delicious. Plus, it’s filled with freshly toasted pecans. YUM!

I love the way that us American’s can add mayo to some fruit and protein and call it a salad. I mean, add some lettuce and dang, practically the epitome of health.

All jokes aside, I love chicken salad so very much. This easy recipe has so much flavor and amazing texture because of the grapes and pecans.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Salad

Another reason this recipe is so easy and great is because it only has a handful of ingredients and they are easily available at major grocery stores.

• Rotisserie Chicken. We picked up a $5 one from Costco! These are so versatile for so many recipes but we love it for chicken salad. You could also just cook up some chicken breast or thighs too, but this is way easier.
• Green Grapes. Okay, I know a lot of people use red grapes but I think green are superior. They are a little bit more tart which balances so well in this recipe.
• Toasted Pecans. You think this might be the secret ingredient, but it’s not! However, they are an essential ingredient in this recipe and totally elevate your chicken salad.
• Salt + Pepper. This is basically a must in all recipes. Add to your seasoning preference.
• Mayo. Hellman’s or Duke’s only. Preferably Duke’s. It’s the best.
• Honey. The secret ingredient! The honey is so incredible in this chicken salad recipe. It makes it just sweet enough to balance the grapes and mayo.
• Croissants. You can also use bread to make a sandwich! Or if you are opting for a gluten free chicken salad, toss it on some roaming or leaf lettuce.

Have you ever used honey in chicken salad? Well, now you will. It’s seriously delicious. You could even do a little drizzle on top for something extra tasty!

Now that you have the secret ingredient(s) for this recipe, let’s break it down on how simple it is ti make.

How to make chicken salad

This tasty recipe is so simple to make. Especially since the main ingredient is store bought.

• Toast the pecans. You want to start this first so they can cook while you prep everything else.
• Shred the chicken. Make sure your rotisserie chicken is cooled enough to handle. Remove the skin and any fat because that will not be tasty inside your chicken salad.
• Assemble the salad. Add all your ingredients and mix until combined. Easy, peasy.

Literally, that’s it! I love a good simple and delicious recipe and this one covers all those bases.

Okay, so when you make chicken salad? The answer is … always. But, in all seriousness, this is a great recipe for so many occasions. Here are some of our favorites.

• Easy Lunches. I literally ate this for lunch three days in a row. I sandwiched it in between some croissants (also from Costco) and regretted it zero times.
• Summer Picnics. This salad needs to be kept cold until serving so toss it in the cooler until you start your picnic. Serve with some potato chips!
• New Parents. If someone had brought me this after I had Finn, I would have jumped for joy.
• 4th of July. Similar to summer picnics, this would a great addition to the holiday cookout! Pair it with some summer games and a festive red, white, and blue outfit for a fabulous holiday.

And if you need some ideas on what to pair with your chicken salad on your picnic, here are a few side dish and drink recipes to get you going.

• Deviled Eggs. Is it actually a picnic without deviled eggs? These award winning deviled eggs are the perfect appetizer for this recipe.
• Classic Pasta Salad. I freaking LOVE this pasta salad. It would be an incredible addition to your picnic. If it makes it out of your kitchen.
• Sangria Mocktail. This family friendly drink is the perfect pairing with this chicken salad recipe! It’s fruity and delicious and easy to make.