Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe – Dairy Free

Learn how to make this easy Gluten-Free Chicken Salad recipe and it’s dairy free. This is a classic chicken salad with simple ingredients, and it’s a refreshing recipe with a little bit of a crunch to give it some more flavor and texture. From crunchy celery, colorful red onion, fresh cooked tender chicken, homemade mayonnaise and your favorite mix-in’s gives it so much flavor. It’s perfect to start off the spring season with some fresh sandwiches or wraps.

Is Chicken Salad Gluten and Fairy Free?

There are a lot of chicken salad recipes out there but not all of them tend to be gluten-free. Even if you go to the store and read the ingredient list, it may contain some form of gluten. This recipe does not have any gluten in it and just uses simple homemade ingredients. Some recipes do add vinegar but be sure it doesn’t say “malt vinegar”, this does contain gluten. Other recipes even add bread crumbs for added texture. So if your heading to a restaurant, grocery store or friends house, just ask what they add to it. I’d be cautious about store-bought rotisserie chicken as well, it’s hard to know the full ingredient list on those.

The same thing goes for dairy, occasionally you’ll find things like buttermilk, greek yogurt or sour cream as an added ingredient. Don’t forget, some people cook their chicken with butter, so be cautious about that as well. 

Quick and Easy Meal Idea

In the spring when your busy with all the projects to be done outside, coming back inside to cook a meal isn’t always convenient. That’s one reason why we love chicken salad. With some leftover chicken and some veggies I can quickly make up a batch of this delicious chicken salad recipe and have lunch on the table or take it to go. You can make your classic sandwich or a lettuce wrap if you don’t have any gluten free bread on hand. It’s a great recipe to have one hand year round even for my husband when a microwave is not an option at work.

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe

• ​If you want to add avocado to this recipe, add it at the end so it doesn’t get all mushed.
• Chicken salad is very flexible, try different variations of fresh vegetables to mix in. There are so many different ways to make chicken salad, from juicy grapes and red onions to add some bright flavors for an ultimate chicken salad recipe you and your family will love with all their favorite things. 
• Salt is such a personal thing I feel, so start off with the suggested amount in the recipe but I would then salt to taste. I find some people prefer a bit more salt and some less.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Gluten-Free Chicken Salad

• Chicken, or any type of white meat works. I prefer it shredded instead of chunks but you can cut it up as you like. I am actually using some left over rabbit meat this time since it tastes like chicken. Turkey can also be used instead. Chicken breasts, chicken thighs, light meat or dark meat can be used.
• Crisp Celery – I used 5 ribs, you can you less if you choose or use can use some pecans if you want a crunch still.
• Onion – I used a red onion but you can use yellow or other variety of onion like green onions. Walla Walla onions can add a bit of sweetness if you want that.
• Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand you like. I like to make my own homemade mayonnaise, just a few ingredients of oil, lemon juice, salt, Dijon mustard and an egg and takes just a few minutes to whip up.
• Sea Salt – I prefer to use Redmond Real Salt. I prefer the taste of this than other salts like Celtic Sea salt

Optional Mix-Ins for Gluten-Free Chicken Salad

• Black Pepper – I don’t find a need for that in this recipe but if you love the flavor with it, go for it.
• Dried Cranberries – These make for a nice tart flavor and a bit sweet since most are coated in sugar but still very tasty in chicken salad.
• Diced up Avocados mixed in at the end.
• Walnuts or pecans – if you want more crunch or a nutty flavor these are great choices. Some like to toast them to get even more flavor from them.
• Fresh fruit like Green grapes or Red Grapes – Another great way to add a nice sweet flavor.
• Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle some fresh herbs into this like fresh dill or some fresh parsley.

How to Make this Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe

​Step 1: Chop up or shred your chicken and add it to a large bowl.

Step 2: Cut your celery right down the center lengthwise and then slice them thinly and add that to your bowl.

Step 3: Finely dice up your onion and add this to the bowl.

Step 4: Add your mix-ins now if you choose to add any. If you want avocado, add it last, after you’ve mixed in your mayonnaise.

Step 5: Add your favorite mayonnaise to the bowl.

Step 6: Toss in your salt and give it all a good stir. 

Step 7: Taste and add more salt if needed and pepper if you choose. 

Meal Ideas for Chicken Salad 

• I love to eat chicken salad as is from a bowl as a light dinner option.
• Chicken salad sandwiches are always a favorite. My husband loves chicken salad on my sourdough bread. If you have your favorite gluten-free bread on hand, you can make this a gluten free chicken salad sandwich.
• Lettuce Wraps or Lettuce Cups – Grab some romaine lettuce, butter lettuce or Boston bib lettuce, these are popular types. Cabbage or any leafy greens you like can also be used as a healthy lunch option.
• Kids love crackers so you could pair it with some chicken salad and have a quick lunch option.

How to Store Chicken Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 – 5 days in the fridge.

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