Name: Apricot Basil Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup plaiin Greek yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 5 teaspoons white wine vinegar; 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast; 1/4 cup sliced almonds; 2 celery stalks (diced); 1/3 cup dried apricots; 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)

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Dried apricots and fresh basil, add bright, warm weather flavors that would make this make ahead Apricot Basil Chicken Salad stand out in any picnic lineup.

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Original content posted May 2013. Updated May 2021.

Sometimes it’s nice to have a meal waiting for you in the fridge that’s ready to simply pull out and enjoy. Especially when one, or rather one’s menagerie, is feeling quite hangry. (Adjective: bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger.)

One of my favorites is this Apricot Basil Chicken Salad. Simply pull it out of the fridge and grab your favorite bread from the pantry and you’ve got a delicious sandwich in a matter of minutes.

This isn’t your ordinary chicken salad, but yet it also doesn’t include any have to run to the grocery store to grab a million ingredients I’m never going to use again. (Yes, that’s a total run-on sentence.) Dried apricots and fresh basil, add bright, warm weather flavors that would make this Apricot Basil Chicken Salad stand out in any picnic lineup.

What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in Chicken Salad?

A dash of smoked paprika and the crunch of sliced almonds continue to elevate this Apricot Basil Chicken Salad’s flavor game. Another plus? This chicken salad uses Greek yogurt for extra creaminess instead of lots of gloppy mayo. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also saves you from unwanted calories, too.

Hooray for a healthier chicken salad, right?! I knew you’d agree!

Can You Make Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?

YES! I love to make it at the beginning of the week so that I can have a quick meal at the ready. This Apricot Basil Chicken Salad is not only delicious between two slices of bread but is also equally delicious on a bed of greens. It’s also absolutely heavenly on a fresh croissant.

I keep this salad in heavy rotation alongside my Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad and Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad. Easy meals for the win!

How to Make Apricot Basil Chicken Salad

[1] In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, yogurt, paprika, garlic and vinegar.

[2] Stir together to completely combined.

[3] Add chicken, almonds, onion, celery, apricots and basil to bowl.

TIP: This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken. In a pinch, I also like to use a rotisserie chicken.

[4] Stir to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

How Long Does Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this Apricot Basil Chicken Salad will remain good for 3-5 days.

If you’ve tried this Apricot Basil Chicken Salad or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment!

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5 from 10 votes