Name: 5-Minute Chicken Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooked chicken, diced (canned, rotisserie, or leftover); Apple, diced; Grapes, sliced; Celery, sliced; Mini cucumber, diced; Raisins; Mayonnaise; Plain yogurt or sour cream; Salt; Pepper; Dried parsley; Onion powder

This 5-minute chicken salad is quick, creamy, and full of texture and flavor. With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light meal on its own. I make it often when I need something fast but fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and flexible this chicken salad is. I can use leftover chicken, canned chicken, or rotisserie—whatever I have on hand. The mix of crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery gives it great texture, while the creamy dressing pulls it all together. It’s one of those simple recipes that always delivers.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken, diced (canned, rotisserie, or leftover)
Apple, diced
Grapes, sliced
Celery, sliced
Mini cucumber, diced
Raisins
Mayonnaise
Plain yogurt or sour cream
Salt
Pepper
Dried parsley
Onion powder

directions

I prepare all the fruits and vegetables by dicing and slicing them.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the diced chicken, apple, grapes, celery, cucumber, and raisins.
I add mayonnaise and yogurt or sour cream, then season with salt, pepper, dried parsley, and onion powder.
I mix everything together until well coated and creamy.
I serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for later.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3–4 servings. Prep time is just 5 minutes—no cooking needed if the chicken is already prepared.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch. I’ve swapped raisins for dried cranberries, and used Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. I also like adding a dash of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zip.

storage/reheating

I store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold, so I don’t reheat it—just give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, I use canned chicken when I need to save time. I drain it well and flake it before mixing.

What type of apple works best?

I like using a crisp, sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but any kind works.

Is this chicken salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make a batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches during the week.

Can I leave out the yogurt or sour cream?

Yes, I sometimes use just mayo or substitute with all Greek yogurt.

How do I serve this chicken salad?

I like it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on top of crackers. It also works great on a bed of greens for a light salad.

Conclusion

This 5-minute chicken salad is my go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. It’s easy to mix and match ingredients based on what I have, and it’s always a hit whether I’m eating solo or serving a group. Simple, fresh, and totally customizable—that’s why it’s a staple in my kitchen.