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Almond Chicken Salad

Almond Chicken Salad is a great lunch option! Tender chicken with crunchy almonds tossed in a creamy, honey sweetened dressing.

If you are looking for a great way to use leftover chicken why not turn it into lunch the next day? This  Almond Chicken Salad does just that and it is a crowd pleaser. It is loaded with tender chicken, crunchy celery and nutty almonds all tossed in a delectable sweet and creamy dressing.

This quick and easy way to jazz up your lunch requires just a handful of ingredients and can be on your table in a flash. Whether you serve it on it’s own, on bread as sandwiches or on lettuce as a low carb meal, you’re going to love this. 

The ingredients you need to make Almond Chicken Salad:

There is two parts to this almond chicken salad: the chicken mixture and the dressing. For the chicken mixture you’re going to need: 

  • CHICKEN: Any cooked shredded chicken will do. 
  • ALMONDS: Slivered almonds work perfectly in this. 
  • CELERY: For the added crunch. 
  • ONION: This also adds crunch and flavor. I like to dice them small so that the onion flavor isn’t too overpowering.

For the creamy dressing you’ll need: 

  • MAYONNAISE: It is what gives the salad it’s creaminess. 
  • APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Adds acidity. 
  • HONEY: When I originally made this dressing, I didn’t add the honey. After I revamped it, I tried it and WOW. The little touch of sweetness adds another layer of flavor to the dressing and is so good. 
  • GRANULATED GARLIC: you can also use garlic powder or garlic salt. If you use garlic salt go easy on the additional salt. 
  • SALT AND PEPPER: Just to taste! 

How do you make Almond Chicken Salad? 

It literally could not be easier! Especially if you’ve already got the chicken shredded. 

STEP #1: Combine chicken, celery, onion and almonds together in a bowl. Mix well. 

STEP #2: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey and granulated garlic. 

STEP #3: Pour dressing over the top of the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve alone, on bread or lettuce for a low carb meal. 

I love chicken salads because they are so incredibly versatile. To make this a more classic Napa Valley (or Panera) style chicken salad, simply add some sliced grapes. I’ve also made a few other chicken salad variations over the years, if you’re looking for some check these out: 

Creamy Dill Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad

Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad Sandwich

Moroccan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Note: This recipe was originally posted in 2009. It was updated in 2022 with new photos and a modified recipe.

Almond Chicken Salad

Almond Chicken Salad is a great lunch option! Tender chicken with crunchy almonds tossed in a creamy, honey sweetened dressing. Serve it on its own, on bread or in lettuce wraps . 
Prep Time 35 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 459 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup celery chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup minced onion

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tesapoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine chicken, celery, onion and almonds together in a bowl. Mix well. 
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey and granulated garlic. 
  • Pour dressing over the top of the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the top of the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve alone, on bread or lettuce for a low carb meal. 

Notes

While this salad tastes pretty great right when made, the 30 minute chill time really gives the flavors a chance to develop. 
Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 268mgPotassium: 403mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 118IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: almonds, chicken, chicken salad, entree, lunch, sandwich

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Roxy
    March 3, 2017 at 9:06 pm

    …for Ryan and me.

  • Reply
    Cookie
    July 8, 2009 at 9:01 am

    What a great recipe for left over chicken! I bet the crunchy almonds go perfectly with the creamy chicken mixture.

  • Reply
    Alejandra
    July 7, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    That looks so delicious! I love a good chicken sandwich. Oh…now I’m thinking about buying a chicken to roast just for the leftovers…

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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