Gluten-Free Chicken Salad (Dairy-Free)

What is Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad literally refers to any salad in which chicken is the key ingredient.

In this case, we’re referring to the chicken salad that’s common in Canada and the United States, where chopped cooked chicken is mixed with a binder such as mayonnaise, cream cheese, or a creamy salad dressing.

Other common ingredients you’ll find in the North American version of chicken salad often include raw celery, salt, pepper, and sometimes grapes.

Chicken salad can be served and eaten either on top lettuce leaves, with tomatoes and avocado, or it can be used as the filling for chicken salad sandwiches.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this gluten-free chicken salad recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: If you have leftover cooked chicken, or store-bought rotisserie chicken, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes – all you need to do is chop, dice and mix!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this delicious chicken salad recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances are able to enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this easy gluten-free chicken salad recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Chicken: I used boiled skinless boneless chicken breast and cut the chicken meat into cubes. Alternatively, you may also use shredded boiled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
• Grapes: I like using red grapes for contrast in color. Alternatively, you may also use green grapes. Seedless grapes makes eating easier, but if you don’t mind the seeds, feel free to use normal grapes instead. Alternatively, if you aren’t keen on grapes, you can use dried cranberries for sweetness instead.
• Celery: Diced crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch and taste to the chicken salad.
• Sliced Almonds: Adding sliced almonds adds extra contrast in texture to the creamy chicken salad. Alternatively, you may swap out the almonds for other nuts (such as chopped walnuts, cashew nuts, or pistachio nuts).
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh savory taste to the salad. Alternatively, you may also use chopped fresh chives or chopped red onion if you prefer.
• Mayonnaise: I used mayonnaise as a dairy-free binder in this chicken salad. Alternatively, you can also use vegan mayonnaise if you wish to keep the recipe egg-free. If you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use cream cheese or Greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Mustard: I like using Dijon mustard, but yellow mustard or honey mustard will work just as well.
• Lemon Juice: Make sure to add the lemon juice for a refreshing and tart citrus taste. Fresh lemon juice is best, but if you don’t have fresh, bottled lemon juice will work too. You can also use apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar if you prefer.
• Ground Black Pepper: I like adding a sprinkle of ground black pepper for a little kick of spice. However, if you rather not have the heat, feel free to leave it out.