QUICK SUMMARY
What makes this easy chicken salad recipe healthy? This easy chicken salad recipe is made with juicy shredded chicken, fresh greens, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful vegan ranch dressing made without dairy, soybean oil, or canola oil.
It is gluten-free, dairy-free, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. You can serve it in a bowl, layer it in a mason jar, wrap it in a brown rice or veggie wrap, or change the flavor with taco seasoning, curry powder, vegan Parmesan, homemade French dressing, or sweet and spicy nuts.
Chicken is a wonderful protein to keep on hand because it is filling, cost-effective, and easy to prepare ahead of time. Choose pasture-raised organic chicken whenever possible, and local is always best.
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is proof that healthy lunches do not have to be boring or complicated.
With shredded chicken, fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, crisp toppings, and creamy vegan ranch, you get a nourishing meal that is refreshing, filling, and full of flavor.
It is flexible enough for meal prep, easy enough for busy weekdays, and customizable enough to keep your family from getting bored.
Keep cooked chicken and homemade dressing ready in the fridge, and you will always be just minutes away from a healthy, satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Salad
Salads are one of my favorite go-to meals, no matter what time of year.
My Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is light, refreshing, filling, and simple to prepare. It features juicy shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a flavorful vegan ranch dressing that tastes so much better than store-bought.
Chicken is an excellent protein to keep on hand because it is filling, cost-effective, and easy to use in multiple meals.
I always like to choose a pasture-raised organic option, and local is always best! Cooking chicken ahead of time makes meal prep a breeze and gives you the foundation for quick lunches all week.
This salad is perfect for:
- Fast lunches
- Easy dinners
- Meal prep
- Mason jar salads
- Summer meals
- Post-workout protein
- Gluten-free and dairy-free eating
The best part? You can make this salad your own.
A Customizable Lunch
This recipe is simple, but you can customize it in so many ways.
Here are some of my favorite salad additions.
- Include whatever vegetables you have on hand. Cucumbers, radishes, broccoli, carrots, peppers, celery, and peas are all great additions.
- Are you crazy about cheese? My favorite cheesy topping is my Vegan Parmesan. You can also top your salad with dairy-free cheddar or mozzarella-style shreds.
- Use leftover chicken from the night before, or throw a few chicken breasts on the grill.
- For a Tex-Mex twist, flavor your chicken with my Taco Seasoning before adding it to the salad.
- Not a fan of ranch dressing? Try my Homemade French Dressing.
- Add organic curry powder to your shredded chicken for a kick.
- Enjoy this salad in wrap form by mixing the shredded chicken with vegan ranch and placing it in a brown rice or veggie wrap. Add vegetables to get those same superfood benefits.
- Make gluten-free croutons. Cube gluten-free bread and spritz with olive oil cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until crisp. You can also use leftover breadsticks to make croutons with an Italian twist.
- Add some Sweet and Spicy Nuts. Yum!
- Need a hint of sweetness? Top your salad with sugar-free dried cranberries or freshly diced apples.
Application: Keep cooked chicken, washed greens, chopped vegetables, and vegan ranch in the refrigerator so healthy lunches come together in minutes.
What Lettuce Should I Choose?
Most people add their favorite lettuce to their shopping carts without realizing that all greens are not the same.
There are so many beautiful greens to choose from, and each has its own unique set of health benefits.
Here are a few of my top choices.
Kale
Kale is part of the cruciferous family, and it is one of the most nutritionally rich greens.
Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which break down into compounds studied for cancer-protective pathways and detoxification support. (1) Kale also supports your body’s antioxidant defenses, including pathways connected to glutathione, which helps your immune system stay strong.
Cruciferous vegetables are unique because many of their benefits are activated by chopping or chewing.
God is so creative!
Kale is a wonderful, hearty choice for salads. If the texture feels too strong, mix it with a milder green or massage it with a little dressing before serving.
Arugula
Arugula is another cruciferous vegetable that makes salads extraordinary.
Part of what makes these veggies so great is that they are low in calories while still containing many nutrients and bioactive compounds.
Arugula has been studied for antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-related protective effects in laboratory and preclinical research. (2)
Its peppery flavor pairs beautifully with chicken, tomatoes, vegan ranch, and sweet toppings like apples or dried cranberries.
Romaine Lettuce
If your plate is usually filled with iceberg lettuce, let me encourage you to try romaine.
Romaine lettuce has a mild flavor that blends well with almost any ingredient. It is not a cruciferous vegetable, but it still packs a punch.
Romaine contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and other nutrients that help make your salad more nourishing. (3)
Another mild option is butter lettuce.
Healthy Salad Ingredients 101
This salad uses simple, whole ingredients to create a delicious meal.
You probably have most of these components in your kitchen already. Here is what you need.
Chicken
Keep it easy and use leftover chicken.
This incredible hack allows you to get two meals out of one. When purchasing chicken, look for organic, pasture-raised or free-range birds whenever possible.
High-quality chicken gives this salad filling protein and makes it satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes add a lot of juiciness to this salad.
They contain lycopene, a carotenoid studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects connected to oxidative stress. (4) Tomato nutrients have also been studied for skin protection against UV-related damage when eaten consistently as part of the diet. (5)
You can use any tomato you have on hand, but heirloom tomatoes are my all-time favorite.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs give this salad added protein, healthy fats, and texture.
When purchasing eggs, grab organic, pasture-raised or free-range eggs when possible. If you are egg-free, simply omit this ingredient.
Mama Z Pro Tip: To make fast work of cutting hard-boiled eggs, use an egg or strawberry cutting tool. Cut one way and then switch directions. I can cut three eggs in less than a minute this way!
Vegan Mayonnaise
We try to avoid soybean and canola oil whenever possible.
One way to do this is by using soy-free Vegenaise or your preferred avocado-oil or grapeseed oil vegan mayonnaise.
As consumers learn more about their bodies, these products are in higher demand. You can probably find them at your local grocery store. If you are having trouble finding vegan mayo, you can always find it online.
Spices
This vegan ranch dressing uses a decadent blend of spices to create that typical ranch flavor we all know and love.
Garlic, chives, and dill are a classic combination that tastes amazing.
Instead of Italian seasoning, I prefer using Herbes de Provence. This tasty mixture of oregano, thyme, rosemary, and tarragon adds a lovely flavor to any dish.
You will notice it does not contain sage, which is intentional. Sage has traditionally been used to reduce milk supply, and LactMed notes that sage has been used as an antigalactagogue, so nursing moms should use caution. (6)
Sea Salt
Traditional table salt undergoes a rigorous refining process that strips it of naturally occurring trace minerals.
We recommend using Colima sea salt because it is hand-harvested. This process leaves the good stuff intact.
It tastes fantastic and adds a gourmet flair to any recipe. If you do not have sea salt on hand, you can always use pink Himalayan salt.
How to Make My Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
This recipe comes together in minutes and serves one.
If you are feeding a crowd, simply adjust the amount of ingredients. You can also prep this salad ahead of time by layering it in a mason jar or glass container.
Easy Chicken Salad With Vegan Ranch Dressing
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic dark leafy greens, chopped OR organic butter/Romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup organic heirloom tomatoes, chopped
- 2 pasture-raised organic eggs, hard-cooked
- ½ cup organic AND free range chicken breasts, shredded OR cubed
- Optional additions organic raw sunflower seeds, organic raw hemp hearts/seeds, organic diced carrots, organic diced cucumbers, mushrooms (canned OR fresh), etc.
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
Supplies
Instructions
- If using, cook the eggs according to our Perfect Hard-Cooked (“Hard-Boiled”) Eggs recipe. Peel and halve the eggs.
- Place your lettuce of choice in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and eggs.
- Sprinkle the chicken evenly over the lettuce.
- Top your salad with any additional garnishes and dress with Vegan Ranch.
Perfect Hard-Cooked ("Hard-Boiled") Eggs
Servings
Ingredients
- Pasture-raised organic eggs
- Purified OR distilled water
Supplies
Instructions
If Using a Gas Range/Stove:
- Place the eggs in a large saucepan. Fill the pot with water until it covers the eggs by one inch. Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once at a rolling boil, turn the heat to the lowest setting and let the eggs simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove from the burner, and let sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes on a cold burner. Pour out the hot water, rinse the eggs by running cold water over them a couple of times, then add ice cubes or ice packs. Let stand for another 5-10 minutes in the sink until the ice is melted and the eggs are cool.
If Using an Electric Range/Stove:
- Place the eggs in a large saucepan. Fill the pot with water until it covers the eggs by one inch. Cover the saucepan, bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for 15 minutes on the same burner. Pour out the hot water, rinse the eggs by running cold water over them a couple of times, then add ice cubes or ice packs. Let stand for another 5-10 minutes in the sink until the ice is melted and the eggs are cool.
Step One: Create Your Salad Base
Place your lettuce of choice in a large bowl.
Add tomatoes and any additional vegetables.
Step Two: Add Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken evenly over the lettuce.
Add the hard-boiled eggs.
Step Three: Add Garnishes
Top your salad with any of these suggestions: sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, shredded carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, radishes, apples, or gluten-free croutons.
Dress the Easy Chicken Salad Recipe with vegan ranch or other salad dressing of your choice.
Enjoy!
Vegan Ranch Dressing
If you have never had homemade ranch before, you are in for a treat.
This salad dressing comes together in minutes, and it is so much better than any store-bought variety.
Ranch Dressing (Vegan)
Servings
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy-free Vegenaise OR your preferred avocado oil OR grapeseed oil vegan mayonnaise
- 1 medium organic garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon organic chives, chopped
- 1½ teaspoons organic herbes de Provence
- 1½ teaspoons fresh dill OR 3 teaspoons, dried
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup purified OR distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
Supplies
Instructions
- Place the vegan mayonnaise, garlic, chives, herbes de Provence, dill, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, water, and sea salt in a large blender or food processor. Blend until well combined.
- Use as you would any other dressing. You can store this dressing in the refrigerator, where it will last 1-2 weeks, depending on your climate.
Step One: Blend the Dressing
Place the vegan mayonnaise, garlic, chives, Herbes de Provence, dill, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, water, and sea salt in a large blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Step Two: Dress the Easy Chicken Salad
Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad.
You can also use this vegan ranch dressing as a dip for vegetables, gluten-free crackers, wraps, or chicken tenders.
Store any leftovers in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
Swapping unhealthy dressings for nourishing versions is just the tip of the iceberg!
Meal Prep Tips & Variations
This salad is one of those recipes that can fit almost any season of life.
Make It Ahead
Store washed greens, cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately. Assemble when ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp.
Make It a Mason Jar Salad
Layer dressing on the bottom, then hard vegetables, chicken, eggs, tomatoes, seeds, and greens on top. When you are ready to eat, shake and pour into a bowl.
Make It Tex-Mex
Season your chicken with homemade taco seasoning. Add avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, peppers, and a squeeze of lime.
Make It Curry Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with vegan ranch and curry powder, then serve over greens with apples, celery, and sunflower seeds.
Make It Egg-Free
Omit the hard-boiled eggs and add extra chicken, hemp hearts, avocado, or sunflower seeds.
Make It Dairy-Free and Cheese-Like
Top your salad with vegan Parmesan, dairy-free shreds, or nutritional yeast for a savory finish.
Make It More Filling
Add quinoa, brown rice, chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, or extra protein.
Easy Chicken Salad FAQs
What is the healthiest chicken salad?
The healthiest chicken salad starts with pasture-raised organic chicken, fresh greens, vegetables, healthy fats, clean seasonings, and a homemade dressing made without soybean oil, canola oil, refined sugar, or artificial ingredients.
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Yes. Leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe. Use shredded baked chicken, grilled chicken, roasted chicken, or slow-cooked chicken.
What lettuce is best for chicken salad?
Kale, arugula, romaine, butter lettuce, and mixed greens all work well. Kale and arugula offer cruciferous vegetable benefits, while romaine and butter lettuce have a milder flavor.
Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?
Yes. This recipe is dairy-free when made with vegan ranch dressing and dairy-free toppings.
Can I make this chicken salad egg-free?
Yes. Simply omit the hard-boiled eggs and add extra chicken, avocado, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, or vegetables.
How long does vegan ranch dressing last?
Store vegan ranch dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator and use it within several days. Always check freshness by smell and appearance before serving.
Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes. Prep the chicken, dressing, greens, and vegetables ahead of time, but store them separately until ready to eat. This keeps the salad crisp.
Can I turn this into a wrap?
Yes. Mix shredded chicken with vegan ranch, place it in a brown rice or veggie wrap, and add lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, or any vegetables you love.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Try Homemade French Dressing, vinaigrette, avocado dressing, dairy-free Caesar, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
What toppings go well with chicken salad?
Great toppings include hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, shredded carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, apples, sugar-free dried cranberries, gluten-free croutons, vegan Parmesan, and sweet and spicy nuts.
Resources & References
- National Cancer Institute. Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
- Bennett RN, Rosa EAS, Mellon FA, Kroon PA. Ontogenic profiling of glucosinolates, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites in Eruca sativa. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006;54(11):4005-4015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352427/
- USDA FoodData Central. Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169247/nutrients
- Rao AV, Rao LG. Carotenoids and human health. Pharmacological Research. 2007;55(3):207-216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16929242/
- Stahl W, Heinrich U, Aust O, Tronnier H, Sies H. Lycopene-rich products and dietary photoprotection. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. 2006;5(2):238-242. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15830922/
- National Library of Medicine. Sage. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501816/
