Let’s be honest, folks – chicken salad can get boring fast. I’ve made the same bland recipe for years until I discovered the magical world of spices that can transform this simple dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or preparing for a fancy gathering, the right spices will elevate your chicken salad game to professional chef levels!
The Basics: Essential Spices for Any Chicken Salad
Before we dive into creative variations, let’s talk about the foundation A good chicken salad needs these basic spices to shine
1. Salt and Pepper: The Non-Negotiables
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget the importance of properly seasoning with salt and pepper. The right amount brings out all other flavors in your chicken salad. Black pepper adds that subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess of mayo.
2. Poultry Seasoning: The Secret Weapon
Carol’s famous chicken salad recipe (which has over 450 glowing reviews!) uses ¾ teaspoon of poultry seasoning – and for good reason! This spice blend typically contains
- Sage
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Nutmeg
- Black pepper
Just a small amount gives your chicken salad that “what is that amazing flavor?” quality that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe,
3. Garlic and Onion Powders: The Dynamic Duo
A ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder creates a depth of flavor without overwhelming your palate or leaving you with dragon breath. These two spices provide a savory backbone that complements the chicken perfectly.
Beyond Basic: Exciting Spice Combinations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not experiment with these more adventurous options?
4. Curry Powder: Instant Exotic Upgrade
I was skeptical about adding curry powder to my chicken salad until my friend Martha convinced me to try it. WOW! Just 1-2 teaspoons transforms your salad into a totally different experience. The warm, earthy notes pair beautifully with chicken, especially when you add some sweet elements like grapes or dried fruit.
5. Herbs de Provence: French-Inspired Elegance
This French herb blend contains lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs that give your chicken salad a sophisticated flavor profile. About 1 teaspoon mixed into your mayo base will transport you straight to a café in Provence!
6. Smoked Paprika: Smoky Depth
For a twist that mimics the flavor of grilled chicken without actually grilling, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor adds gorgeous color and unexpected depth to your chicken salad.
Fresh Herbs That Make All the Difference
While dried spices are convenient, fresh herbs can take your chicken salad to the next level.
7. Dill: The Refreshing Touch
Fresh dill adds a bright, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of mayo-based chicken salads. About 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill will give your salad a refreshing quality that’s perfect for summer.
8. Tarragon: The French Classic
There’s a reason French chefs love pairing tarragon with chicken – it just works! This herb has a subtle licorice flavor that somehow makes chicken taste more like chicken. Use it sparingly (about 1 tablespoon) as it can overpower other flavors.
9. Basil: The Unexpected Twist
Most people don’t think to add basil to chicken salad, but I’m telling ya, it’s a game-changer! The sweet, slightly peppery flavor adds an Italian-inspired twist. Chiffonade about ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves and fold them in just before serving for maximum impact.
Spice Blends That Do the Work For You
Don’t want to buy a dozen different spices? These pre-made blends can save the day:
10. Baharat: Middle Eastern Magic
This Middle Eastern spice blend typically contains cumin, coriander, paprika, and other warm spices. Just 1 teaspoon gives your chicken salad an exotic flair that pairs beautifully with ingredients like chickpeas or olives.
11. Ras el Hanout: North African Inspiration
Another fantastic blend from Martha Stewart’s chicken salad upgrade suggestions, ras el hanout varies between makers but often contains cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and other warming spices. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
12. Celery Salt: The Two-in-One Wonder
Celery salt combines salt with ground celery seeds for an efficient way to add both seasoning and the distinct flavor of celery to your chicken salad. Particularly useful if you don’t have fresh celery on hand!
Building Your Perfect Chicken Salad: A Formula to Follow
The perfect chicken salad isn’t just about spices – it’s about balance. Here’s my foolproof formula:
Base:
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
Seasoning Mix (choose your adventure):
- Basic: ¾ tsp poultry seasoning + ¼ tsp each garlic and onion powder + salt and pepper
- Curry: 1-2 tsp curry powder + pinch of cinnamon + salt
- Herbal: 1 tbsp each fresh dill and tarragon + ½ tsp lemon zest
Crunch Factor (pick 1-2):
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup water chestnuts
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
Sweetness (optional but recommended):
- 1 cup halved grapes
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup diced apple
Wild Card (the unexpected twist):
- 1 ½ cups diced Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
Common Chicken Salad Seasoning Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there – the chicken salad that just doesn’t taste right. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Over-seasoning: Start with less, you can always add more!
- Under-salting: Chicken needs proper salting to avoid blandness
- Forgetting acid: A touch of lemon juice or vinegar brightens all flavors
- Using old spices: Check those expiration dates – spices lose potency over time!
- Not letting flavors meld: When possible, make your chicken salad a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors develop
How to Know Which Spices Will Work Together
Not sure which spices play nice with each other? Here’s a simple guideline:
- Mediterranean profile: oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, lemon
- Asian profile: ginger, garlic, five spice, sesame
- Indian profile: curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander
- Mexican profile: cumin, chili powder, oregano, lime
My Personal Favorite Chicken Salad Recipe
After years of experimenting, I’ve landed on what I consider the perfect chicken salad recipe. It borrows elements from Carol’s famous recipe on Allrecipes but with my own twist:
Ultimate Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ tsp poultry seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- ⅓ cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, all seasonings, and lemon juice until smooth
- Add chicken, celery, and green onions, tossing to coat
- Gently fold in grapes, almonds, and fresh dill
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving (though it’s even better the next day!)
Adapting Your Spices to Different Serving Styles
The way you plan to serve your chicken salad can influence which spices will work best:
For Sandwiches:
Use stronger spices as bread can mute flavors. Add a pinch more salt and consider adding fresh herbs just before assembling.
For Lettuce Wraps:
Lighter seasonings work well here as there’s nothing to compete with the flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add brightness.
For Crackers or Appetizers:
Bold seasonings stand up well. Consider adding a hint of heat with cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
When to Add Spices in the Preparation Process
Timing matters! For best results:
- Mix dry spices with your mayo/dressing base first
- This helps distribute them evenly
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their color and potency
- Allow at least 30 minutes (preferably 2+ hours) in the refrigerator for flavors to develop
The beauty of chicken salad is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to play around with different spice combinations until you find your perfect match. Start with the basics and gradually introduce more adventurous options as you gain confidence.
What’s your favorite spice for chicken salad? I’d love to hear about your successes (and even failures – we learn from those too!) in the comments below.
Remember, there are no strict rules here – just guidelines to help you create something delicious. Trust your taste buds and have fun with it!
Now excuse me while I go make another batch of chicken salad with my new favorite curry-dill combo. My stomach is literally growling as I type this!
How To Make Chicken Salad
- Chicken breasts: You can’t have amazing chicken salad without perfectly cooked chicken that’s seasoned, juicy, and relatively lean. Including dark meat in a chicken salad is common, but I think it can make the overall dish a little too soft and fatty. Instead, poaching breast meat in seasoned chicken broth is an easy way to guarantee that you wont be disappointed by dry, bland chicken. Choosing smaller breasts that will cook more evenly is key here. If youre a bit pressed for time, a rotisserie chicken is a great option too, but fight the urge to shred the chicken. Chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces allows for more even distribution of ingredients.
- Chicken broth: You can use water here, but I definitely recommend chicken broth for the flavor it brings to the overall salad.
- Seasoned salt: Ditto here—regular works, but seasoned will take this over the top.
- Dressing: Mayonnaise is king for creamy salads, but it needs a little help to keep it from weighing everything down. Adding acid in the form of full-fat Greek yogurt, lemon, and Dijon mustard will help keep things rich yet light and bright.
- Mix-Ins: In my book, the only mandatory add-ins for chicken salad are celery for crunch, some kind of onion (I like red for the pop of color), and leafy herbs (I <3 dill and parsley). Other than that, this is the fun part! Go nuts… or grapes, or avocado, or whatever your heart desires. Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans will add an extra layer of texture, and fruit will add a pop of sweetness. I chose chopped dill pickles for my ultimate add-in because of the layer of crisp, briny salt they provide. Whatever you go with, be sure to chop them into pieces all around the same size so that they distribute evenly in each bite.
You’ll start by poaching your chicken breasts breasts by combining them in a pot with broth and salt, then bringing everything to a boil. You’ll be aiming for an internal temperature of 165°, which should take about 10 minutes. Use your meat thermometer if you’ve got one! Once your chicken is cooked through, set it aside and allow it to cool and rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, make your dressing by combining your yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl and mixing until relatively smooth. You might be tempted to throw your crunchy mix-ins here too, but I found that it all mixes together better if you make the dressing first, then add the chicken to coat, and then add your mix-ins.
Once your chicken is cool, cut it into as uniform of cubes as you can manage, then add it to your dressing and stir everything together. Add whatever mix-ins you like, and stir to combine. Taste for seasonings (I usually have to add a good amount of salt here).
You can eat this right away, on its own or on a sandwich, but I usually like to get it into the fridge for a bit before enjoying to let the flavors meld together more. You do you!
Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe above.
What To Serve With Chicken Salad
- Pasta salad: Delish has plenty of beloved variations of this staple side dish, but this Italian-inspired recipe is my guaranteed go-to when I need a simple and reliable BBQ side.
- Potato salad: Similarly, this potato salad makes an appearance at almost all my summer cookouts because it’s creamy, just a touch tangy, and not too sweet (the worst!).
- Corn salad: I love corn in all its forms (mmm, elote), but there’s something particularly great about a simple corn salad. Like my chicken salad, this one is ripe for improvisation too.
Chicken salad is an ideal make-ahead recipe because it gets better as it sits. Make it a day or two ahead of time, then store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3 days, and enjoy epic lunch sandwiches (and salads!) for days.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 Tbsp. seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s) or kosher salt, divided
- 1/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 Tbsp. grainy or smooth Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (from about 2 spears)
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
-
- Step 1 In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine chicken, broth, and 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover pot, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 2 Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 3 Cut chicken into 1/4″ cubes and add to yogurt mixture, tossing to coat. Add celery, onion, pickles, pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt and mix until well combined.
How to Make Chicken Salad | Chicken Salad Recipe | Lunch Ideas | Canned Chicken Recipes
FAQ
How to add flavour to chicken salad?
Add minced fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon. Add fresh grapes for juicy little bursts of flavor. Add cooked pasta to stretch the chicken salad into a larger meal. (You’ll have to increase the amount of mayonnaise mixture to cover the pasta.)
What herbs go best in chicken salad?
Some of the best fresh herbs to use for chicken salad are chives, dill, thyme, and tarragon. However, you could also try using herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro.
What is the secret seasoning in chicken salad chick?
Shredded Chicken Breast – Chicken Salad Chick uses white meat chicken but you can definitely add in some thigh meat as well. Celery – be sure to FINELY MINCE the celery as you can tell it’s there but BARELY. Mayonnaise – always Duke Mayonnaise for me! Onion Powder – just a dash will do ya – that’s the secret seasoning!
What are the best spices to put in salad?
- Curry Powder. One interesting spice you can add to your salad to make it more flavorful is curry powder. …
- Garlic. …
- Ginger. …
- Mint. …
- Cumin.
What spices are used in chicken salad?
The classic spices for chicken salad include salt, pepper, and paprika. These three spices form the base of many chicken salad recipes and provide a simple yet delicious flavor. In addition to these classics, you can also consider adding a hint of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What can you add to chicken salad?
If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your chicken salad, consider incorporating herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, or cilantro. These fresh herbs can bring a burst of freshness and vibrancy to your chicken salad, creating a more complex and interesting flavor.
What is chicken salad seasoning mix made of?
Salad seasoning mix is typically made of a combination of dried spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and various other herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano. The specific ingredients and ratios will depend on the desired flavor profile. How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?
What is a good grilled chicken salad seasoning?
A good grilled chicken salad seasoning can include a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. You can also add a bit of brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness. What’s a good southwest chicken salad seasoning?
What is a good southwest chicken salad seasoning?
A good southwest chicken salad seasoning can include a blend of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
What herbs go well with chicken salad?
These fresh herbs can bring a burst of freshness and vibrancy to your chicken salad, creating a more complex and interesting flavor. Additionally, you can also include some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil for a more intense aromatic experience.