Best Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy & Full of Flavor

Who says the Best Chicken Salad Recipe has to be loaded with mayo or dairy? We’re about to break that mold and bring the flavor—and fun—along with it. This recipe swaps out heavy mayo for creamy coconut milk and piles on roasted chiles, fresh cilantro, and crunchy pecans for an epic, flavor-packed twist. Bonus points: It’s all served on big, beautiful butter lettuce leaves, so you can feel fancy and health-conscious at the same time.

Ready to upgrade your salad game? Let’s do this!

What You Need
Servings: 8 (but you might want to double it—this stuff goes fast)

For the Creamy Coconut Dressing:

• 1 (14oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (we’re talking fresh and flavorful, not the stuff that’s been hiding in the fridge for 2 weeks)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (get that zing)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (no, it’s not just for skincare)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
• Zest from one small lemon (go ahead, zest like you mean it)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (extra zing, please)
• Dash of salt and pepper (to taste, obviously)

For the Salad:

• 1 cup celery, finely chopped (the crunchier, the better)
• 1 cup red grapes, halved (sweet + savory combo, you’re welcome)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped (for that nutty crunch)
• 1 apple, finely chopped (because who doesn’t want a little sweetness?)
• 4oz can mild chopped green chiles (mild, but we’re still bringing the heat!)
• 1 lb roasted chicken, chopped (leftovers work great, too)

Instructions

1. Make the Creamy Coconut Dressing: Take a medium bowl, throw in all the ingredients, and whisk it like you’re a pro. Get it nice and smooth—this is your creamy goodness. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep the salad.
2. Make the Salad:Now for the fun part. Toss all your ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe into a large bowl. Don’t hold back—get everything in there—apple, grapes, pecans, chiles, chicken. You get the idea. Add the creamy coconut dressing and give it all a good mix. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. Taste it. Love it.
3. Serve It Up: Scoop that colorful creation onto large butter lettuce leaves like you’re plating a Michelin-star dish. Want to kick it up a notch? Throw on a dollop of Dijon mustard.

And boom—salad game: officially elevated.

Nutrition

One serving equals:

• 286 calories
• 20g fat
• 80mg sodium
• 6g carbohydrates
• 2g fiber
• 19g protein

So, let’s recap: It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, spicy, and all-around fabulous. You’ll want to make this again and again, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. You won’t even miss the mayo—promise.