Listen, chicken salad often gets a bad rap. And I get it! Many of us grew up eating chicken salads that had more mayonnaise than actual chicken. Plus, there’s something about grapes and mayonnaise that just doesn’t sit right with me. Anyone else?!
this Spicy Chicken Salad It’s not where you grew up. I promise. It’s full of freshness, flavor, plenty of crunch, and a *little* hint of mayonnaise. It’s also easy to customize, so you can choose your own adventure when it comes to mixins! It’s super easy (ready in 15 minutes), a great way to use up leftover chicken, and has 30 grams of protein.
Scoop it with pita chips or crackers, add it to wraps, or enjoy it with my famous chicken melt and lettuce. Either way, it will be delicious and satisfying.
Light and unique chicken salad
Many traditional chicken salad recipes call for lots of mayonnaise, a little crunch from celery, and sweetness from grapes. I’ve always found this chicken salad to be bland and not fresh, so my twist is a little less “saucey” and uses a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for extra protein and a bit of lightness.
I’ve also added more veggies and herbs to keep it light and fresh while adding some much-needed crunch! If you don’t like grapes in your chicken salad, this is for you!
Ingredients for this spicy chicken salad
You can easily make this healthy chicken salad recipe in just minutes using ingredients you have in your fridge! It’s herbal, spicy, creamy and full of flavor. Here’s what you need:
- chicken: The base of this recipe is finely chopped, cooked chicken breast. Great for using up leftovers or making roasted or rotisserie chicken!
- produce: Crunchy and sweet red bell peppers, parsley, cilantro, and chives add freshness and vegetable flavor. Ah la la!
- sauce: As I mentioned earlier, we are using mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt as the “sauce” we mix into the chicken. I also add sriracha for spice, a little lime juice, and honey to balance the flavor. Oh my gosh, this is so amazing.
Make your own chicken salad
Everyone likes chicken salad a little differently, and there are tons of easy ways to customize it. Here’s what I can suggest:
- Choose your herbs and vegetables: Not a fan of cilantro? Add parsley or basil to your recipe. You can also mix in your favorite crunchy raw vegetables (e.g. celery). Chop it into small pieces.
- Choose your sauce ratio. You can use more mayonnaise than Greek yogurt, and vice versa.
- Choose your spices: If you like heat, add more sriracha! Otherwise, keep it as is. It is intended to have a slightly spicy taste, but those who are very sensitive to spicy food can omit the hot sauce.
Can I make it without dairy?
sure! I recommend using mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt.
A quick way to cook chicken in this salad
If you don’t have any leftover chicken, try one of these four super easy ways to cook chicken. Then dice or shred the chicken to make chicken salad!
Try a new protein
This recipe goes well with 2 cans of tuna or, for a plant-based option, 1 can of rinsed and drained mashed chickpeas. Yum!
How to Enjoy Spicy Chicken Salad
- Of course, you can also make Bangin’ Spicy Chicken Melts!
- Serve on bread or wraps with crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy avocado slices and red onion.
- Transform it into a spicy chicken melt. (Link when booking)
- Add to tortillas for lettuce cups, collard wraps, or chicken salad wraps!
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or pretzels for a super easy meal prep lunch.
storage tips
This spicy chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. After making it, cover it tightly and store it in an airtight container.
More lunch recipes you’ll love
Get all my lunch recipes here!
I hope you like this spicy chicken salad recipe! If you made it, please let me know if you liked it by leaving a comment and rating. Enjoy, X!
that
ambitious kitchen
cookbook
125 Incredibly Healthy, Sometimes Indulgent, and Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Spicy Chicken Salad
by
A spicy and creamy chicken salad made with fresh herbs, plenty of vegetables, and the heat of sriracha. This easy chicken salad recipe has 30 grams of protein and is delicious scooped up with pita chips or crackers, or in a sandwich or wrap!
ingredient
- 1 ½ cup Finely chopped chicken breast (about 3/4 pound)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander
- ¼ cup Chopped fresh parsley (or more cilantro!)
- ¼ cup Finely chopped green onions (about 2), additional ingredients for topping
- 1 chopped small red bell peppers
- 3 tablespoon Plain fat-free Greek yogurt
- 2~3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
guideline
In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cilantro, parsley, chives, green pepper, yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Add it to a sandwich (like the Spicy Chicken Melt), add it to a wrap, or top a salad with pita chips or crackers!
Recipe Notes
No chicken? Substitute 2 cans of tuna or 1 can of washed and mashed chickpeas.
nutrition
clothing material: 0.5recipecalorie: 334knifecarbohydrate: 11.3gprotein: 30.8gprovince: 19.1gSaturated Fat: 3.6gfiber: 1.7gsugar: 8.3g
Recipe by Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photo: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on September 29, 2022, and republished on April 8, 2026.
