12 Light and Tasty Chicken Salads That Are Perfect for Summer
When the weather heats up, the last thing you want is a heavy meal weighing you down. These 12 chicken salad recipes are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor—making them the perfect choice for sunny lunches, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. From fruity twists to herby, protein-packed classics, there’s something here to please every palate. Get ready to keep things cool, crisp, and delicious all summer long!
Ensalada de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Salad)
Ensalada de Pollo, or Mexican Chicken Salad is an easy and filling dish that tastes like home. With plenty of vegetables, chicken and a simple mayonnaise dressing, this dish is perfect for your next party or potluck!
BBQ Chicken Salad
This BBQ Chicken Salad is packed with goodness and flavor!! BBQ Chicken, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado, black beans, onions, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips are all tossed with delicious Ranch dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is spicy, creamy, and crunchy, making for a meal that’s filled with exciting flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for get-togethers, or as an easy weeknight meal.
Cordon Bleu Chicken Pasta Salad
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu inspired this delicious chicken pasta salad, complete with all the flavors of the original – it’s a perfect summer side dish for any picnic, party, or BBQ!
Pineapple Chicken Salad
This Pineapple chicken salad recipe is one of the best ways to use cooked chicken. The fresh pineapple flavor paired with the cilantro and pecans makes this one of my favorite chicken recipes to make. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Curry Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad just got a makeover! This Curry Chicken Salad recipe is a mouthwatering flavor bomb. Loaded with curry powder, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and onion, this recipe will be on repeat for make-ahead lunches!
Vietnamese chicken salad
Vietnamese chicken salad is simple but delicious – a great way to enjoy leftover chicken alongside vegetables, mint and a punchy Asian dressing that’s perfect for your lunchbox too.
Chicken and bacon salad
This chicken bacon salad doesn’t have a lot of ingredients but it’s packed with delicious flavor, all brought together with a tasty honey mustard vinaigrette. It makes a great light lunch or add in a few extras for a fuller meal.
Grilled chicken and blueberry salad
This grilled chicken and blueberry salad is healthy, easy to make & full of delicious flavors from the lemon-feta dressing to berries & nuts. It makes a wonderful lunch, but works any time.
Tarragon Chicken Salad
This tarragon chicken salad recipe is perfect for lunch or an easy dinner. Savory chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing with the herbaceous pop of tarragon make a uniquely delicious sandwich or spread. It’s a family favorite over here!
Blackened Chicken Salad with a Cajun Creole Dressing
Blackened Chicken Salad with a Cajun Creole Dressing makes a cool, crisp, refreshing salad topped with zesty flavorful Blackened Chicken and a creamy Cajun Creole Dressing.
Sticky Chicken Salad
This Sticky Chicken Salad is a mouth-watering idea to enjoy this summer! It’s a perfect meal to make on a busy day since it is so easy to prepare.
