CHICKEN SALAD
Chicken salad is an absolute go-to Paleo lunch when I’m busy. Sometimes I’ll order it if I’m out, but most of the time I like to make it myself. You can easily add almost any flavor or spice to chicken salad, and it’s delicious served on top of fresh greens or in a big leaf of lettuce as a wrap. Or you can just eat it by itself with a fork. It’s the perfect Paleo staple, whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a snack. SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: None
2 (12.5-ounce) cans chicken breast
¾ to 1 cup (240 ml) Homemade Mayo (here), depending on desired consistency/creaminess
1 cup (240 ml) grapes, halved
1 celery stalk, diced
1 or 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, Homemade Mayo, grapes, celery, and scallions until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
VARIATION 1 CHICKEN SALAD WITH APPLES: Replace the grapes with diced apples for more of a crunch—green or red would work, although I’m partial to red. If you’re feeling summery, try diced mango instead.
VARIATION 2 CURRY CHICKEN SALAD: Swap out the grapes for ½ cup raisins and add 1½ tablespoons curry powder if you’re in the mood for something more piquant.
PREP TIP: Canned chicken is easy to find and even easier to use, but if you have 2 or 3 chicken breasts in your freezer or refrigerator and no idea what to do with them, gently boil them for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove them from the water, allow to cool, and shred with two forks.
More Recipes You'll Love
This chicken salad stirs canned chicken breast with homemade mayo, halved grapes, crisp celery, and scallions into a creamy, sweet-savory lunch with 10 minutes of work and no cooking. Serve it on greens, in a lettuce wrap, or straight from the bowl with a fork. The busy-day paleo staple.
Pro Tips
- Use homemade mayo and adjust the amount - 3/4 cup for a chunkier salad, a full cup for extra creaminess.
- Halve the grapes instead of chopping them. The halves keep their juicy pop against the creamy chicken.
- No canned chicken on hand? Gently boil 2-3 chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, cool them, and shred with two forks.
- Variation: replace the grapes with diced apple for more crunch - red especially - or diced mango when it is summery.
- Curry version: swap the grapes for 1/2 cup raisins and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of curry powder for something more piquant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken salad paleo?
With homemade mayo it is - chicken, mayo, grapes, celery, and scallions. No bread required.
How long does chicken salad keep?
Refrigerate it for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Stir it before serving since the mayo settles.
What should I serve it with?
Fresh greens, a big lettuce leaf as a wrap, or just a fork. It works as a full meal or a snack.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes - gently boil 2-3 chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, let them cool, and shred with two forks.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, Homemade Mayo, grapes, celery, and scallions until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
