12 Of the Most Favorite High-Protein Chicken Salads
From zesty to creamy, these protein-packed chicken salads are more than just meals—they’re colorful, flavor-rich creations perfect for fueling your day. Whether you’re meal-prepping, picnicking, or craving something satisfying and crisp, this roundup offers a refreshing mix for every palate.
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” – François de La Rochefoucauld
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein and satisfying
- Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors
- Great for meal prep or quick lunches
- Versatile for any dietary preference
- Easy to customize with pantry staples
“Cooking is love made visible.”
Ingredients: The Best Picks for High-Protein Chicken Salad Recipes
Classic Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
Instructions:
Toss romaine with Caesar dressing. Top with sliced chicken, parmesan, and croutons. Serve chilled.
Tip: Grill chicken ahead for quick assembly.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 grilled or shredded buffalo chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- Optional: crumbled blue cheese
Instructions:
Layer greens, then top with buffalo chicken, celery, and dressing. Add blue cheese if desired.
Tip: Toss chicken in hot sauce and butter before adding.
Southwest Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups romaine or mixed greens
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- ¼ cup black beans, rinsed
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- ¼ avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons lime-cilantro dressing
Instructions:
Assemble greens with toppings and drizzle with dressing. Toss just before serving.
Tip: Use grilled corn for a smoky twist.
Cobb Salad With Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 cups salad greens
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons vinaigrette
Instructions:
Arrange ingredients in rows over greens. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
Tip: Make it ahead but add avocado last to keep it fresh.
Asian Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 grilled or poached chicken breast, shredded
- ¼ cup mandarin orange segments
- ¼ cup crunchy noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons ginger-soy dressing
Instructions:
Combine cabbage, chicken, and oranges. Top with noodles, sesame seeds, and dressing.
Tip: Toast sesame seeds for extra depth.
Grilled Chicken Greek Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ¼ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and toss with olive oil and lemon juice.
Tip: Marinate chicken in oregano and lemon before grilling.
BBQ Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 grilled BBQ chicken breast, sliced
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup black beans, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crispy tortilla strips
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- Optional: crispy Bacon
Instructions:
Layer lettuce with BBQ chicken, corn, beans, cheese, and tortilla strips. Drizzle with ranch dressing.
Tip: Use leftover BBQ chicken to save time
Chicken Taco Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 seasoned chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- ¼ cup pinto or black beans
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- Optional: sour cream or shredded cheese
- Optional: tortilla bowl or chips
- Optional: Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions:
Place lettuce in a bowl or tortilla shell. Top with chicken, beans, avocado, salsa, and optional toppings.
Tip: Season chicken with taco spice blend for full flavor.
Avocado Chicken Salad (No Mayo)
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions:
Mix mashed avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. Fold in shredded chicken. Season and serve chilled.
Tip: Add diced red onion or celery for crunch.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup cooked pasta, cooled
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Optional: grated parmesan
Instructions:
Toss pasta with pesto, then mix in chicken and tomatoes. Sprinkle parmesan if desired.
Tip: Chill before serving for better flavor fusion.
Lemon Herb Chicken & Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette
- Optional: Fresh Basil leaves
Instructions:
Combine quinoa, chicken, cucumber, and parsley. Toss with lemon vinaigrette.
Tip: Serve slightly warm for a cozy, herby taste.
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, diced
- ¼ apple, diced
- ¼ cup red grapes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons light mayo or yogurt
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients gently and chill before serving.
Tip: Toast walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
The Fresh Flavor of Every Chicken Salad Bowl
Each of these high-protein chicken salads brings its own unique charm—from the zesty notes of Southwest flavors to the creamy comfort of a classic Caesar. Whether you’re preparing lunch for the week or assembling a vibrant dinner in minutes, there’s a bowl here to match every craving and lifestyle.
Try a few. Mix and match ingredients. Make them yours.
