Sarra Ina Garten chicken salad recipes are some of her most beloved make-ahead dishes, and it’s easy to see why. Her collection ranges from a creamy tarragon classic to a bold curried version loaded with cashews and mango chutney. These 10 recipes cover everything from light lemon-dressed salads to rich, nutty picnic favorites.
1. Lemon Chicken Salad
Bright lemon vinaigrette coats juicy roasted chicken breasts and peppery arugula in this fresh, light salad. Shaved parmesan and creamy avocado add richness without weighing it down. Ready in about 40 minutes, it works beautifully as a main course for warm-weather dinners.
2. Mustard Chicken Salad
Two kinds of mustard, Dijon and whole-grain, give this no-cook chicken salad a sharp, tangy kick. Diced celery and red onion add crunch, while fresh parsley keeps it bright and herby. It comes together in just 15 minutes of prep with already-cooked chicken.
3. Tarragon Chicken Salad
Roasted bone-in chicken breasts get tossed with creamy mayonnaise and fragrant fresh tarragon for a salad that tastes like something from a Hamptons deli. Diced celery gives every bite a satisfying crunch. Done in about 50 minutes, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge.
4. Curried Chicken Salad
Sweet mango chutney and warm curry powder turn ordinary chicken salad into something deeply flavorful and a little unexpected. Golden raisins, toasted cashews, and sliced scallions add layers of texture and sweetness. Ready in under an hour, this one is a standout at any potluck.
5. Chinese Chicken Salad
Crisp Napa cabbage, julienned red bell pepper, and shredded carrots create a colorful, crunchy base for tender roasted chicken. A savory soy-sesame dressing ties everything together with tangy, umami-rich flavor. It’s done in about 40 minutes and holds up well on a buffet.
6. Chicken Salad Curry
Creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey lighten up this version of curried chicken salad while keeping it rich and satisfying. Diced celery, plump raisins, and toasted sliced almonds round out every forkful. It comes together in about 40 minutes and tastes even better the next day.
7. Chicken Salad Contessa
Toasted pecans and walnuts give this iconic chicken salad a nutty crunch that sets it apart from simpler versions. Sour cream blended with mayonnaise and fresh tarragon creates a tangy, herby dressing, while halved green grapes add bursts of sweetness. This is the recipe Ina sold mountains of at her Hamptons store.
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8. Roast Chicken Cobb Salad
Juicy roasted chicken, crispy bacon, ripe avocado, and crumbled Stilton cheese pile over a bed of baby arugula in this hearty salad. A bright lemon-mustard vinaigrette keeps the rich toppings from feeling heavy. Served at room temperature, it’s a full dinner on one platter.
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9. Roast Chicken With Bread and Arugula Salad
Warm roasted chicken carved over toasty bread and fresh baby arugula makes this Zuni Café-inspired dish feel rustic and special. Pan juices soak into the bread for savory, golden bites in every forkful. A tangy mustard vinaigrette pulls the whole plate together.
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10. Crispy Mustard Chicken and Frisée
Golden, panko-crusted chicken thighs sit on a bed of tender frisée lettuce with roasted potatoes in this warm dinner salad. A sharp shallot-mustard vinaigrette cuts through the crispy coating beautifully. It’s served warm, making it a cozy twist on the classic chicken salad concept.
