There’s something magical about the creamy tang of blue cheese chicken salad – it’s the kind of dish that makes people hover around the serving bowl at parties, sneaking just one more bite. I first fell in love with this recipe at a friend’s summer picnic, where it was piled high on crusty bread and disappeared faster than the deviled eggs! What makes it so irresistible? That perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and bold blue cheese flavor. Whether you stuff it in a sandwich, scoop it onto greens, or (let’s be honest) eat it straight from the mixing bowl, this salad brings serious crowd-pleasing energy to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

This isn’t just another chicken salad—it’s the one you’ll crave on busy weeknights and fancy brunches alike. Here’s why:

• Creamy meets crunchy: The rich blue cheese dressing clings to every bite of tender chicken, while celery and walnuts give that satisfying crunch you can’t resist.
• Whips up in a flash: Seriously, 15 minutes (plus chilling time) is all you need—I’ve made it during my toddler’s naptime more times than I can count!
• Shape-shifter supreme: Serve it on a croissant for ladies’ lunch, pile it on greens for a light dinner, or scoop it with crackers when friends drop by unannounced.
• Flavor that deepens: Like a good stew, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors melt together in the fridge (if you can resist eating it all at once!).

Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients – quality matters here! You’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works wonders)
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (I prefer Maytag or Danish for bold flavor)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is my go-to)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup celery, diced to pea-size (about 2 stalks)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want milder bite)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toast them for extra crunch!)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (don’t you dare use bottled!)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No sour cream? Greek yogurt works in a pinch. Walnut allergy? Try pecans or leave nuts out entirely. If blue cheese is too strong, feta makes a milder swap – but trust me, the lemon juice is non-negotiable. It cuts through the richness like a bright little miracle!

How to Make Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s get mixing! The secret to perfect blue cheese chicken salad is all in the order of operations. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time:

1. Make the dressing base first: In your favorite mixing bowl (I use my grandma’s old yellow Pyrex), whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste it – this is when I usually add an extra pinch of pepper!
2. Fold in the good stuff: Add your shredded chicken, crumbled blue cheese, diced celery, chopped red onion, and walnuts to the bowl. Here’s my pro tip: use a rubber spatula and gently turn the mixture over from the bottom up – you want everything coated without turning the chicken to mush.
3. The waiting game: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (I know, the hardest part!). This lets the flavors get to know each other and the dressing thickens up beautifully. If I’m being good, I’ll wait the full hour – it makes all the difference!
4. Final touches: Right before serving, give it one more gentle stir and top with extra blue cheese crumbles if you’re feeling fancy (I always am). A sprinkle of chopped chives makes it look restaurant-worthy too.

Serving Suggestions for Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way is piled high on a buttery croissant with crisp lettuce – pure heaven. For parties, I serve it in endive leaves or butter lettuce cups for easy grabbing. It’s also amazing with:

• Crusty baguette slices
• Ritz crackers (the saltiness is perfect!)
• Stuffed in tomatoes for a light lunch

Pair it with an ice-cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling iced tea with lemon – the acidity cuts through the creaminess just right.

Storing and Reheating Your Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

Here’s the good news – this blue cheese chicken salad actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together in the fridge! Just pop it in an airtight container (I swear by my glass Pyrex with the blue lid) and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days.

Fair warning though – you might notice a bit of separation after chilling. No panic needed! Simply give it a good stir before serving to bring back that creamy consistency. I like to taste and adjust the seasoning too – sometimes it needs an extra squeeze of lemon after its fridge nap.

Now, freezing? Don’t even think about it. The mayo and sour cream will turn grainy, and the walnuts lose their crunch – trust me, I learned this the hard way during my freezer-meal phase last winter. As for reheating, resist the microwave! The delicate texture of the chicken turns rubbery. If you must serve it warm (maybe leftover chicken salad grilled cheese?), let it come to room temperature first or gently warm just the bread.

Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts

Now, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, this indulgent-tasting salad is actually pretty balanced! Of course, exact nutrition can vary depending on brands and how much blue cheese you go wild with (no judgment here!). Here’s the scoop per 1/2 cup serving:

• 280 calories – perfect for a satisfying lunch
• 22g protein – thanks to all that hearty chicken
• 20g fat (6g saturated) – hey, blue cheese and walnuts bring the good fats!
• 5g carbs (1g fiber) – low-carb friends rejoice
• 420mg sodium – easy to reduce if you go light on added salt

The best part? You’re getting protein-packed nutrition that keeps you full for hours – way better than any boring diet food. I call that a win!

FAQs About Blue Cheese Chicken Salad

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this addictive salad:

• Can I use grilled chicken instead? Absolutely! The smoky char adds amazing depth – just chop it small so it mixes well.
• Too tangy for my taste? Easy fix: use half the blue cheese and bump up the mayo. Still flavorful but milder.
• Nut allergies? Skip walnuts or try sunflower seeds for crunch. Roasted chickpeas work too!
• Best chicken for this? Rotisserie is my shortcut hero, but poached breasts keep it lean. Just don’t overcook – dry chicken ruins everything.
• How to make it creamier? Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream. Warning: you might eat the whole batch in one sitting!

Share Your Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Creations

I’d love to see your twist on this recipe! Snap a pic and tag me—your best kitchen creations deserve applause.

Creamy Blue Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe in Just 15 Minutes

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 45 mins (including chilling)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

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Description

A flavorful and creamy blue cheese chicken salad with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy blue cheese dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
2. Add shredded chicken, blue cheese, celery, red onion, and walnuts to the bowl.
3. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.

Notes

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Adjust blue cheese quantity to taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: blue cheese chicken salad, easy chicken salad, creamy salad recipe