10 Light Chicken Salad Recipes Perfect For Spring Days are just what you need to welcome the season of fresh air, blooming flowers, and sunny afternoons. As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s natural to crave meals that feel lighter, brighter, and full of flavor—and that’s exactly where chicken salad shines.
Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, packing lunch for work, or looking for a refreshing dinner that won’t weigh you down, these chicken salad recipes strike the perfect balance of protein, crunch, and zest. From tangy Greek-inspired bowls to creamy avocado blends, and fruity twists with grapes or apples, each recipe brings a fresh take on the classic dish.
These salads are easy to whip up, often requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Many of them can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and enjoyed on busy weekdays or relaxed weekends alike. Best of all, they’re customizable—perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, adding your favorite herbs, or swapping ingredients to suit your taste.
Whether you enjoy your chicken salad on a bed of greens, tucked into a wrap, or scooped into crisp lettuce cups, this collection will have you inspired to embrace the light, flavorful essence of spring with every bite.
Tropical Mango Chicken Salad with Coconut
This Tropical Mango Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh and vibrant flavors, making it a fantastic choice for warm spring days. The combination of juicy mango, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables creates a refreshing dish that’s both filling and light.
With its tropical flair, this salad is simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and the addition of coconut adds a unique twist that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced mango, red and green bell peppers, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this dressing over the chicken and mango mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined. Stir in the shredded coconut.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint. Enjoy your light and tropical meal!
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad with Quinoa
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad with Quinoa is a delightful mix of fresh flavors that’s perfect for those sunny spring days. The zesty lemon dressing brings a refreshing kick, while the quinoa adds a nice texture and makes this dish filling without being heavy.
It’s super easy to whip up with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, chopped parsley, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
- If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Grapes and Celery
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a light and refreshing option for those sunny spring days. The creamy Greek yogurt serves as a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise, giving the salad a tangy flavor while keeping it moist. Packed with juicy grapes and crunchy celery, this dish balances sweetness and crunch, making it a delightful meal or snack.
Not only is this salad simple to whip up, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes! Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to enjoy this tasty treat. Perfect for picnics or a quick lunch, it’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, Greek yogurt, halved grapes, chopped celery, and red onion.
- Add the Dijon mustard and fresh dill, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich. Enjoy!
Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Spring is the ideal time to enjoy a fresh and light meal, and this Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad does just that! With juicy strawberries, crisp spinach, and tender chicken, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the strawberries paired with the savory chicken creates a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
This salad is also simple to prepare, making it a perfect option for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Toss everything together and drizzle with a homemade poppy seed dressing for an extra touch of flavor. It’s a meal that showcases the best of spring while being healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup poppy seed dressing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, shredded chicken, and sliced strawberries.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately for a refreshing meal.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Feta and Olives
This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is a light and refreshing dish that captures the vibrant flavors of spring. Combining tender chicken, creamy feta, and briny olives, it offers a delightful balance of tastes and textures. The freshness of cherry tomatoes and crisp vegetables adds a colorful twist, making it perfect for warm days.
Best of all, this salad is simple to prepare, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Just toss your ingredients together, and you’re ready to enjoy a healthy meal that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld together.
Avocado Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of spring. With tender pieces of chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing, it’s refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or as a side at your next picnic.
The combination of the creamy avocado and the bright, tangy dressing enhances the flavors of the chicken, while the fresh cilantro adds a touch of herbal brightness. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet stays on the lighter side, perfect for warm weather!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces and a zesty honey mustard dressing over a bed of fresh mixed greens. The combination of sweetness from the honey and tanginess from the mustard creates a pleasing flavor profile that is refreshing and satisfying. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for those sunny spring days when you want something light yet filling.
The crisp greens complement the juicy chicken, while the added vegetables provide crunch and color, making each bite enjoyable. It’s a simple recipe that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for lunch or a light dinner. Serve it as a main dish or as a side, and you’re sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional pecans if desired.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Salad with Corn
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Salad with Corn is a delightful mix of flavors that bring a little kick to your spring days. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and a hint of smokiness from chipotle, it’s a refreshing yet satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare.
Whipping up this salad is a breeze, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches. The crunch of the black beans and the creaminess of avocado add the right touch, ensuring each bite is full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons chipotle sauce (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
- Add the chipotle sauce and lime juice, mixing everything well to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the chopped cilantro gently.
- Serve the salad on a plate topped with avocado slices.
Crispy Chicken Salad with Apple and Walnut
This Crispy Chicken Salad with Apple and Walnut is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that screams spring. The juicy, tender chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of fresh apples and the rich nuttiness of walnuts, making each bite a little celebration of taste.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also simple to whip up, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. The combination of crispy chicken and fresh ingredients makes it a satisfying dish that feels both light and filling. Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, crispy chicken, sliced
- 2 medium apples (your choice of variety), thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach and arugula)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, and crispy chicken.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Serve: If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy salad!
Herbed Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Herbed Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for those sunny spring days. This recipe combines tender chicken with a variety of herbs, creating a flavorful filling that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a simple dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
The taste is vibrant, thanks to the fresh herbs and a hint of citrus. Plus, using lettuce wraps instead of bread keeps things light and healthy, allowing the chicken salad to take center stage. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or just looking for a tasty meal, these wraps are sure to please!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is coated.
- Add the chopped parsley, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Lay out the lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon the chicken salad mixture into the center of each leaf.
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Wrap the lettuce around the filling and enjoy your fresh and tasty chicken salad wraps!
Conclusion
From creamy and classic to zesty and vibrant, these 10 light chicken salad recipes are your go-to options for fresh springtime meals. They’re versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, and they bring out the best in seasonal ingredients while keeping things simple and satisfying.
As the weather warms up, let these easy recipes add a touch of brightness to your menu. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or prepping meals ahead of time, there’s a salad here to match your mood and appetite. Light, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable—chicken salad never goes out of style, especially on beautiful spring days.