Holiday Chicken Salad Recipe – A Festive Classic Perfect for Entertaining
Holiday Chicken Salad is a timeless dish that feels right at home during the festive season. Creamy, crisp, lightly sweet, and savory, it’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for Christmas brunch as it does for Thanksgiving leftovers, New Year’s gatherings, or cozy winter lunches. With tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet fruit, and a well-balanced dressing, this salad delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.
What sets a great Holiday Chicken Salad apart is balance. The richness of the dressing is offset by fresh acidity, the sweetness is subtle rather than cloying, and the textures remain lively and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, ideal for make-ahead meals, and endlessly versatile in how it’s served—on croissants, in lettuce cups, or as part of a larger holiday spread.
This recipe is designed to be reliable, crowd-pleasing, and polished, making it a go-to option for stress-free entertaining during the busiest time of year.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
-
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (roasted or poached)
-
¾ cup celery, finely chopped
-
½ cup red grapes, halved
-
⅓ cup dried cranberries
-
⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
-
2 tablespoons red onion or shallot, very finely minced
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Creamy Dressing
-
¾ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-
1 teaspoon honey
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Cook and Prepare the Chicken
If needed, cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow it to cool completely before dicing or shredding into bite-size pieces. Cooling prevents excess moisture and keeps the salad from becoming watery. -
Toast the Nuts
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans or walnuts for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and let cool. -
Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. -
Assemble the Salad
Add the chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing. -
Gently Combine
Fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated. Take care not to overmix, which can break down the chicken. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. The flavor should be balanced and bright. -
Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Expert Tips & Variations
Chef Tips
-
Roasted chicken adds deeper flavor than plain poached chicken.
-
Dice ingredients evenly to ensure consistent texture throughout.
-
Add nuts just before serving if preparing far in advance to preserve crunch.
Ingredient Variations
-
Substitute grapes with diced apple or pear for a winter twist.
-
Use sliced almonds or pistachios instead of pecans.
-
Add a pinch of paprika or white pepper for subtle warmth.
Dietary Options
-
Lightened version: Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
-
Dairy-free: Use full-fat dairy-free mayonnaise.
-
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile:
-
Serve on buttery croissants or brioche rolls for a festive lunch
-
Spoon into butter lettuce or endive cups for elegant appetizers
-
Pair with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for a composed salad plate
-
Serve alongside soups like roasted squash or tomato bisque for a cozy meal
The creamy texture pairs beautifully with crisp breads, while the sweet-savory notes complement traditional holiday sides.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
-
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Make-ahead: Can be prepared 24 hours in advance; stir gently before serving.
-
Freezing: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate.
-
Rehydrating leftovers: Add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or lemon juice if needed.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 1 of 6 servings
-
Calories: 415 kcal
-
Protein: 27 g
-
Fat: 31 g
-
Saturated Fat: 6 g
-
Carbohydrates: 11 g
-
Fiber: 2 g
-
Sugar: 6 g
-
Sodium: 470 mg
Holiday Chicken Salad is a dependable, festive recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re hosting guests or planning ahead for busy holiday meals, this classic salad offers comfort, elegance, and flexibility—making it a staple worth returning to year after year.