Craving a chicken salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile? This Straub’s-inspired chicken salad is here to deliver. Combining tender shredded chicken, crisp celery and onions, sweet grapes or apples, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this dish is a celebration of texture and taste. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, in a croissant, or alongside crackers, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

I remember the first time I tried a similar chicken salad at Straub’s—it was one of those “wow” moments where every bite felt like a party in my mouth. The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and juicy chicken was unforgettable. Now, this recipe is my go-to whenever I want something fresh, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Straub’s Chicken Salad Recipe

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and sweet fruit create a harmony of textures and tastes.
Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich filling, atop a bed of greens, or alongside crackers or croissants.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, crunch, or creaminess to suit your taste—make it your own!
Great for Meal Prep: This chicken salad stores beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and sweet pops of grapes or apples, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.

How to Make It

Making this Straub’s-inspired chicken salad is as easy as shredding, mixing, and chilling. Here’s an overview of how we’ll bring this recipe to life:

We’ll start by preparing the chicken—shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.

Toss the chicken with finely chopped celery, red onion, and halved grapes or diced apples for sweetness and crunch. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Combine the chicken, veggies, fruit, and dressing in a large bowl, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold, either on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a larger spread.

Each bite will be a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory goodness.

Make Ahead Method

If you’re someone who loves being prepared (and let’s face it, life is so much easier when you are), this Straub’s-inspired chicken salad is perfect for make-ahead cooking. Here’s how you can plan ahead and save yourself some time:

Prepare the Chicken in Advance: One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prep the chicken a day or two ahead of time. Start by shredding rotisserie chicken or cooking your own chicken breasts—poaching, baking, or grilling all work beautifully. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This step not only saves time but also allows the chicken to firm up slightly, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.

Chop the Veggies and Fruit Ahead of Time: To minimize prep work on the day you assemble the salad, chop the celery, red onion, and grapes or apples a day ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. If you’re using apples, toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Celery and red onion can be stored as-is, but pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the salad to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.

Make the Dressing in Advance: Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer and more cohesive dressing when you’re ready to use it.

Assemble and Store: Once all the components are prepped, combine the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, fruit, and dressing in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the ingredients. Transfer the assembled salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage (Chicken Only): If you’re prepping for the future, freeze the shredded chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing, and label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, then mix it with the other ingredients when you’re ready to assemble the salad. Note: The full salad (with dressing, fruit, and veggies) should not be frozen, as the fresh ingredients won’t hold up well.

This make-ahead method is especially handy during busy weeks or when you’re meal prepping for the family. It allows you to break the process into manageable steps without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery, red onion, and grapes or apples make a world of difference in this dish. Avoid pre-chopped veggies, as they lack the same crunch and freshness. Similarly, use high-quality mayonnaise for the dressing—brands like Hellmann’s or Duke’s are excellent choices. For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.

Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor: If you’re adding nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a delicious textural contrast to the salad. Let the nuts cool completely before stirring them into the salad to prevent wilting the fruit or veggies.

Balance Sweetness and Tanginess: The sweetness of the grapes or apples pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing, but you can adjust the balance to suit your taste. For extra sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey or a sprinkle of dried cranberries. For more tang, increase the amount of lemon juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Add Fresh Herbs for Brightness: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon for a burst of freshness. These herbs complement the creamy dressing and add a pop of color to the salad. Chopped chives or green onions also work beautifully if you want a milder onion flavor.

Serve Creatively: This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Stuff it into croissants, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh twist. You can also spoon it onto crackers or toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer.

Reheat Properly (If Using Leftover Grilled Chicken): While this salad is best served cold, if you’re adding leftover grilled chicken, make sure it’s cooled completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting the fruit or veggies. If the chicken is too warm, it can cause the dressing to separate or become watery.

Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier salad, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of dressing slightly. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

Keep Apples from Browning: To prevent diced apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice or vinegar before adding them to the salad. This trick keeps them fresh and vibrant without altering the flavor significantly.

Storage Options

Once you’ve made this chicken salad, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, they should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezer: This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh fruit, veggies, and creamy dressing. However, you can freeze the shredded chicken separately for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then mix it with the other ingredients when you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Tools For This Recipe

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this dish, but having the right tools can make the process smoother:

Mixing Bowls: Perfect for combining the chicken, veggies, fruit, and dressing.
Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Handy for chopping celery, red onion, and grapes or apples.
Whisk: Ideal for blending the dressing ingredients until smooth.
Airtight Containers: Great for storing prepped ingredients or leftovers.

FAQs!

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Substitute shredded turkey for the chicken for a delicious twist. Leftover roasted turkey works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu for a vegetarian version. Marinate the tofu in a bit of lemon juice and spices for extra flavor.

What kind of apples should I use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work beautifully in this recipe. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture balance the savory dressing perfectly.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat. You can also garnish the salad with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This trick keeps them fresh and vibrant.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Stir in toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch, or add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this chicken salad. Here are some ideas:

Add Avocado: Stir in diced avocado for a creamy, buttery twist.
Try Different Fruits: Swap grapes or apples for diced pineapple, mango, or pears for a tropical or seasonal variation.
Switch Up the Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon for a burst of freshness.
Make It Low-Carb: Serve the chicken salad over a bed of greens or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Wrapping It Up: A Classic with a Twist

There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, and creamy dressing in this Straub’s-inspired chicken salad . It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of this chicken salad and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try one of the variations? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!