Have you ever had that sudden craving for chicken salad but didn’t know where to turn? I’ve been there too! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, planning a party, or just want something refreshing for dinner, chicken salad is always a solid choice. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences finding the best chicken salad spots and give you all the info you need to satisfy your chicken salad cravings.
Top Chicken Salad Destinations in 2025
From my own chicken salad adventures, I’ve discovered that not all chicken salads are created equal Some places really stand out from the crowd!
Chicken Salad Chick
If you’re serious about chicken salad, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Salad Chick. This restaurant specializes in – you guessed it – chicken salad! With locations in places like Fairfax, VA (13057 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy) and Pimmit, VA (7505 Leesburg Pike), they’ve become a go-to spot for chicken salad lovers.
What makes them special is their variety They don’t just serve one type of chicken salad – they offer multiple flavors to suit different tastes Whether you prefer traditional, spicy, fruity, or nutty variations, they’ve got you covered. Many of their locations also offer online ordering options, making it super convenient when you’re in a hurry.
Local Delis and Sandwich Shops
Some of the best chicken salad I’ve ever had comes from local sandwich shops and delis Places like
- The Sandwich Shop in Vienna, VA
- South Street Under in Leesburg, VA
- Izē’s Deli & Bagelry in Rockville, MD
These local gems often make their chicken salad fresh daily, using quality ingredients and special family recipes. The Sandwich Shop in Vienna has amazing reviews (314 on Yelp!), which tells you something about their quality.
Grocery Stores and Butcher Shops
Don’t overlook specialty grocery stores and butcher shops! Wine’ing Butcher in Ashburn, VA has garnered 237 reviews on Yelp, and many customers specifically mention their chicken salad. These types of establishments often make small batches of fresh chicken salad daily.
Ordering Chicken Salad Online
In 2025, getting chicken salad delivered is easier than ever! Most of the restaurants I mentioned above offer delivery through services like DoorDash. I’ve personally ordered chicken salad delivery on busy workdays, and it’s been a lifesaver.
Many restaurants like Chicken Salad Chick have “Start Order” options directly on review sites, making the process even simpler. You can browse menus, read reviews, and place your order all in one place.
Making Your Own Chicken Salad
Sometimes the best chicken salad is the one you make yourself! If you’re feeling adventurous, here’s my simple recipe that always gets compliments:
Quick Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayo (adjust to your preference)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion (red onion adds nice color)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: grapes, apples, nuts, herbs, or curry powder
Mix everything together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The flavors get better overnight!
Chicken Salad for Different Dietary Needs
One thing I love about chicken salad is how versatile it is. Many places now offer options for different dietary needs:
- Low-carb options: Skip the bread and enjoy chicken salad on a bed of lettuce
- Gluten-free choices: Many chicken salads are naturally gluten-free (just check any added seasonings)
- Lighter versions: Some restaurants offer lighter mayo or yogurt-based dressings
If you have specific dietary requirements, don’t hesitate to ask when ordering. Most places are happy to accommodate.
What Makes a Great Chicken Salad?
In my chicken salad journey, I’ve noticed certain qualities that separate the good from the great:
- Fresh ingredients: The chicken should be freshly cooked, not processed
- Good texture: A mix of creamy and crunchy elements
- Balanced flavors: Not too much mayo, well-seasoned
- Consistent quality: Tastes the same every time you order it
- Proper chilling: Served at the right temperature
Best Ways to Enjoy Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic sandwich on croissant or bread
- Stuffed in a tomato or avocado
- On crackers as an appetizer
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
- As a salad topper on mixed greens
Finding Chicken Salad Near You
If you’re wondering “where can I get chicken salad near me,” here are my top tips:
Use Review Sites
Yelp is fantastic for finding highly-rated chicken salad spots. Their “Near Me” feature shows options close to you, complete with reviews, hours, and ordering options. For September 2025, they have comprehensive listings of chicken salad places with ratings and reviews.
Ask Locals
Some of the best chicken salad places are local secrets! Ask coworkers, neighbors, or friends where they get their favorite chicken salad. I’ve discovered some amazing spots this way that don’t have a big online presence.
Check Grocery Store Deli Sections
Don’t forget to check your local grocery store’s deli section. Many make fresh chicken salad daily, and some even have multiple varieties to choose from.
Chicken Salad for Every Occasion
Chicken salad isn’t just for lunch! Here’s how I use it for different occasions:
- Quick lunch: Chicken salad sandwich and fruit
- Party platters: Mini chicken salad croissants or stuffed tomatoes
- Family dinner: Chicken salad stuffed avocados with a side salad
- Meal prep: Make a big batch on Sunday for the week ahead
Price Ranges for Chicken Salad
In my experience, chicken salad prices vary depending on where you go:
- Fast food/chain restaurants: $7-12 for a sandwich
- Specialty shops (like Chicken Salad Chick): $9-15 for a meal
- High-end delis: $12-18 for a premium chicken salad sandwich
- Grocery stores: $8-12 per pound of chicken salad
My Personal Chicken Salad Rankings
After trying chicken salad from many different places, here’s my personal ranking system:
5-Star Chicken Salad
- Perfect balance of ingredients
- Fresh, high-quality chicken
- Creative but not overwhelming flavors
- Proper texture (not too wet or dry)
3-Star Chicken Salad
- Good but not memorable
- Might be a bit heavy on mayo
- Basic flavors without much excitement
- Decent quality ingredients
1-Star Chicken Salad (avoid!)
- Too much mayo
- Low-quality chicken (processed or dry)
- Off flavors or poorly seasoned
- Odd textures or inconsistency
Seasonal Chicken Salad Variations
Many places change their chicken salad offerings with the seasons:
- Spring/Summer: Lighter versions with fresh herbs, lemon, grapes
- Fall: Additions like apples, cranberries, pecans
- Winter: Heartier versions with curry, more robust herbs
So, where can you get chicken salad? The options are truly endless! From specialized shops like Chicken Salad Chick to local delis, grocery stores, and even homemade versions, there’s a chicken salad out there for everyone.
My best advice is to try several places and see which style you prefer. Some people love a very traditional chicken salad, while others prefer more creative versions with fruits and nuts.
Next time you’re asking “where can I get chicken salad near me,” remember this guide and all the wonderful options available. And don’t forget to check reviews before visiting a new place – those ratings are often a good indicator of quality!
What’s your favorite place to get chicken salad? Have you tried making it at home? I’d love to hear about your chicken salad adventures in the comments!
This article was last updated in September 2025 to provide the most current information on chicken salad options. Prices and availability may vary by location.
Trader Joe’s Wine Country chicken salad was too sweet for me.
Across multiple visits to three separate Trader Joes in my area, the closest option I found to the others on this list was the Wine Country chicken salad. However, it differed slightly from the others as it incorporated sweetened dried cranberries and pecans.
At first, I thought that might give it an unfair advantage in the ranking, since I normally enjoy a chicken salad with dried cranberries. The $5 price also seemed like a good deal for a 12-ounce container.
However, this chicken salad was way too sweet for my taste and not quite hearty enough. It seemed like there was a lot more goopy liquid than chunks of chicken, and the cranberries tasted like candy.
Overall, I thought this tasted more like a salad dressing than a deli salad.
Costco’s chicken salad was just OK.
I found the Kirkland Signature chicken salad in Costcos prepared foods section. It was priced at $6 a pound, making it the least-expensive option I tried on a per-pound basis. The container I picked up contained about 2 pounds of chicken salad.
The salad had the biggest chunks of chicken of any I tried by far, but it practically shimmered with grease.
I also thought it was bland in terms of flavor. However, since I was already familiar with the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, the briny, brothy flavor of the meat was easy to pick out.
There was celery in the mix, but it added more flavor than texture; ideally, Id prefer that reversed.
The chicken salad was fine but not especially good, and its hard to imagine a situation in which Id want two pounds of it.
How to Make Chicken Salad | Chicken Salad Recipe | Lunch Ideas | Canned Chicken Recipes
FAQ
Does Wendy’s sell Chicken Salad?
Yes, Wendy’s offers several different types of chicken salads, though a traditional “chicken salad” (with chicken mixed into mayonnaise-based salad) is not a standard item. Popular options include the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, Caesar Chicken Salad, and Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad, all of which feature grilled or spicy chicken breast as a topping for a fresh salad with a variety of ingredients and dressings.
Is there Chicken Salad at Chick-fil-A?
Chicken Salad was previously available on the menu at participating Chick-fil-A® restaurants nationwide. Even though it’s no longer on the menu, we’d like to offer the recipe so you can make it in your own kitchen. Learn how to make more of your favorite Chick-fil-A dishes by visiting our Recipes page.
Does Panera have Chicken Salad?
Yes, Panera does have chicken salad on its menu, though the specific type can vary by location and may be available as a sandwich or in a salad. For example, they offer a Napa Almond Chicken Salad sandwich and other chicken salad-containing items.
Is Chicken Salad actually healthy?