Chicken Salad 2 Ways
I’ve been reminding myself of this for a long time: meal prep makes life easier. Yet somehow, I still forget to do it consistently. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
However, once you start preparing simple basics—like roasted chicken breast—your weekly meals instantly get easier. Because cooked chicken in the refrigerator creates endless options. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks… the list goes on.
Today, I’m sharing Chicken Salad Two Ways, both packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep. Even better, these recipes use the same base ingredient but taste completely different. As a result, lunches stay exciting all week long.
Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Salad
This bright and fresh Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Salad is filled with all the good things. Think zesty lemon, fresh basil, chopped spinach, and crunchy walnuts. A spoonful of your favorite store-bought pesto ties everything together. It’s vibrant, herby, and incredibly satisfying. This one is perfect on toasted sourdough or spooned into lettuce cups.
Curried Chicken Salad
Next up is a classic: Curried Chicken Salad. The key here is high-quality curry powder. Truly—fresh, fragrant curry powder makes all the difference. It gives the salad warmth and depth without overpowering it. Add sweet grapes, crisp celery, and a little red onion, and you get a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and delicious every single time.
Both of these chicken salad recipes are simple, versatile, and meal-prep friendly. Roast a batch of chicken once, and you’ll have flavorful lunches ready for days.
What you need for these recipes.
- Roast Chicken or chicken breast
- Mayo
- Salt + Pepper
Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Salad
- Walnuts
- Basil
- Spinach
- Your favorite store bought pesto (no cheese, is my perference)
- Lemon – zest
Curried Chicken Salad
- Grapes
- Celery
- Red Onion
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Spinach
Meal Prep that...
Need more meal prep ideas for all that roast chicken in your refrigerator?
Check out my Crunch Peanut Chicken Wraps – such a great lunch to have this Summer. Make sure you sit outside and soak up some vitamin d too.
Oh wait, what about roasting a whole chicken for meal prep? I got you. My Classic + Basic Whole Roasted Chicken is a recipe you should have in your back pocket.
My favorite kitchen tools I used in this recipe
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Pro Tip: To keep your chicken salads extra fresh all week, store the mix-ins (like nuts, grapes, or greens) separately and combine them right before serving.
If you make these Chicken Salad Two Ways recipes, I’d love to see! Share your creation and tag me on Instagram @whitesparrowfoodco for more easy, delicious meal prep ideas.
Chicken Salad 2 Ways
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Salad
- 2-3 roast chicken breasts or 2 heaping cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 2 heaping tablespoons avocado mayo
- 2 heaping tablespoons of your favorite store bought pesto
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 10 fresh basil leaves (or more)
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup walnuts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 heaping handful of spinach, roughly chopped
Curried Chicken Salad
- 2-3 roast chicken breasts or 2 heaping cups of shredded cooked chicken
- 2 heaping tablespoons avocado mayo
- 2 teaspoons high quality curry powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped red grapes
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 heaping handful of spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
For both chicken salad recipes, I like to mix the shredded chicken with the mayo and seasonings first.
Then add in the greens. Toss with a fork helps keep it airy and not mushy.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time and kept in an air tight container for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: chicken
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: lunch
Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe!
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Hi, I'm Kat. Thanks for being here.
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