Vegan Chicken Salad

This creamy, refreshing, and protein-packed Vegan Chicken Salad is a quick and easy dish you can whip up in just 10 minutes. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that’s ideal for lunch, meal prep, or picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 10 minutes

• High in plant-based protein

• Great for meal prep or packed lunches

• Easily customizable with different veggies, fruits, or proteins

• Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor combo everyone will love

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 batch vegan shredded chicken (jackfruit, soy curls, chickpeas, or seitan)

• 1 rib celery, finely chopped

• 2 green onions, finely sliced (or sub red onion)

• 1 cup red grapes, halved or quartered (optional)

• 3–4 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as chives and dill), chopped

• 2–3 tablespoons sliced almonds (or pepitas or sunflower seeds for nut-free)

• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, to taste

• 1 teaspoon agave syrup (or another sweetener), to taste

For serving:

• Bread

• Greens such as butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce

directions

1. Chill vegan chicken: If using homemade vegan shredded chicken (e.g., jackfruit), allow it to cool completely before mixing. Chill briefly in the freezer if needed.

2. Chop veggies and grapes: Finely chop the green onions and celery. Halve or quarter the grapes if using. Chop the fresh herbs.

3. Mix dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, and agave syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.

4. Combine: In a medium bowl, add the vegan chicken, chopped veggies, grapes, herbs, and sliced almonds or seeds. Fold in the dressing mixture until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill and serve: For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 20–30 minutes. Serve on bread, in wraps, or over greens.

6. Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 4 cups

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: None

• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Use chickpeas instead of jackfruit for a quick and hearty option

• Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for a sweet twist

• Use red onion for a sharper flavor

• Swap almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version

• Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness

• Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb option

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may change.

• Reheating: Not needed; this dish is served cold.

FAQs

Can I make this vegan chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance for the best flavor.

What can I use instead of jackfruit?

Chickpeas (lightly mashed), soy curls, seitan, or any store-bought vegan chicken substitute work great.

Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?

Yes, use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of almonds, and make sure your vegan mayo is nut-free.

What’s the best vegan mayo to use?

Any store-bought vegan mayo works well, or you can use a homemade version made with tofu for a lighter, oil-free option.

Can I leave out the grapes?

Absolutely. They’re optional and can be replaced with other fruits like apples or just omitted.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze vegan chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the mayo and fresh ingredients may separate or become watery upon thawing.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best served chilled, but if you use soy curls or seitan, you could lightly warm it and then add the dressing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your vegan chicken substitute and bread (if using) are gluten-free.

What should I serve with vegan chicken salad?

It’s great in sandwiches, wraps, on a bed of greens, or scooped with crackers or pita chips.

Conclusion

Vegan Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors, all made with plant-based ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and satisfying—great for any meal of the day. Whether you’re packing lunch or serving it up at your next cookout, this vegan twist on a classic never disappoints.

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