Texas Roadhouse California Chicken Salad is garnished with fresh greens and topped with grilled chicken and creamy dressing. This dish is a favorite of those searching for a light but satisfying meal. The best part? Well, you can make this delicious salad home with just a few simple ingredients!
Whether you love Texas Roadhouse or just love a good chicken salad, this recipe is a must. It’s new, accessible to make, and full of satisfactory flavor.

They Exercise Texas Roadhouse California Chicken Salad: A delightful salad that mixes grilled chicken, crunchy greens, crunchy nuts, and a fun dressing. Texas Roadhouse, famous for its MAN-sized meals, makes one that achieves flavor and texture perfection. If you love this salad and want to make it at home, you’re in for a treat! This guide will guide you through the simplicity, hail, and restaurant flip of the California Chicken Salad Texas Roadhouse Menu Recipe that can be done in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Recipe I think the best chicken salad recipe has to be an easy recipe 😉 Sure, you can always throw in fresh herbs or red onion, but it’s not at all necessary. This is an easy recipe using basic ingredients that you could find at your local grocery.
- High in Protein 23 grams of protein per serving! High in Protein Chicken salad is an awesome contribution to your protein needs.
- Meal Prep I like to prepare a large batch of homemade chicken salad so that we have enough for several days. Chicken salad travels well for lunches and is an easy meal if you will, especially the weeknight—and summer—hot-weather, busy-day variety.
- Kid-Approved Not only do my kids love this recipe, but when my nephew raved out it, I mean, that’s a win! 😍
- Dairy-Free This chicken salad recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free.
What Makes California Chicken Salad Special?
The Key Ingredients
The California Chicken Salad features fresh and bright ingredients, like:
- Chicken breast grilled
- Mixed greens (romaine, iceberg and spinach)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Red onions
- Slivered almonds or pecans, toasted
- Crispy bacon bits
- Grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Health Benefits of the Salad
Not only is this Texas Roadhouse California Chicken Salad delicious, but it’s also nutritious! It’s packed with protein from the chicken, chock-full of vitamins from the vegetables, and offers healthy fats from the avocado and nuts.

Texas Roadhouse Menu and Popular Items
What Sets Texas Roadhouse’s Menu Apart?
Texas Roadhouse is known for made-from-scratch sides, hand-cut steaks, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. The same goes for their salads, which are hearty with high-quality ingredients.
How Their California Chicken Salad Works
In contrast to most salads, Texas Roadhouse’s California Chicken Salad is satiating and full of flavor, making it a staple among those craving a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients Needed
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halves
- ½ cup very thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dried strawberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ½ avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp honey mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Seasoning the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil

Texas Roadhouse Menu Recipe: California Chicken Salad
Step-by-Step Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse California Chicken Salad recipe is packed full of fresh textures, crispy flavors, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Follow these step-by-step
Here’s how to make it at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The chicken is the star of this salad, and nailing the technique is what will give you a juicy, seasoned bite.
Ingredients for Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix all over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the Skillet: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Saute the Chicken: Add in the chicken breasts and sauté 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the fish is done. It should be 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Take the chicken out from the pan and refrigerate. refrigerate. rest 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- Slice Thin: Cut the chicken in thin strips for easy eating.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Now that the chicken is set, let’s assemble the salad.
Ingredients for the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halves
- 1/2 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dried strawberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ½ avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: The romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the red onion, and shredding the carrots.
- Tpsumples: In a large salad bowl, toss lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, carrots, and cheddar cheese.
- Amp Up the Extras: Sprinkle in some dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and diced avocado for even more flavor and crunch.
- Layer Grilled Chicken: Carefully layer the sliced grilled chicken on top.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
The dressing is the one that connects all the flavors!
Ingredients for Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, honey mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Whisk Well: If smooth and creamy, stop. If it is too thick, drizzle in a little more olive oil.
- Taste and Adjust: If you want it tangier, squeeze in a bit more vinegar; if you want it sweeter, add a drop of honey.
- Drizzle It Over the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Ultimate Cooking Tips for Maximum Taste
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The crisper the lettuce and the juicier the tomatoes, the better your salad will taste.
- Cook your chicken through—not over. If oven method, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, turning halfway.
- Chill Your Salad: To make the salad taste even better, put it in the fridge (without the dressing) for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Toast the Pecans: First, toast the pecans in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to release their natural sweetness.
- Adjust the Dressing: Do you want it creamier? Add Greek yogurt. Like it tangy? Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
- Marinated Chicken: This is the type of chicken I usually use. I marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least half an hour before cooking.
- Add a Yummy Crunch: For those who prefer a little extra crunchiness, add croutons or sunflower seeds.
- Pair it with the Right Drink: This salad marries well with a light white wine, iced tea, or lemonade.
Variations of the Recipe
Keto-Friendly Version:
- Skip the cranberries and honey mustard to lower carbs.
- Use the sugar-free dressing and additional avocado for healthy fats.
Vegan Alternative:
- Use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Use dairy-free dressing (such as avocado-based or cashew cream dressing).
Spicy Twist:
- You could throw sliced jalapeños into the dressing or sprinkle it with cayenne pepper.
- Use a chipotle ranch dressing in place of regular ranch.
Mediterranean Style:
- Replace the cheddar cheese with feta cheese.
- Go for olives, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe.
BBQ chicken salad:
- Soak the chicken in BBQ sauce, then chop.
- Top them with grilled corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex theme.

Serving Suggestions
Best Side Dishes:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread goes well with this salad.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness pairs well with the tangy dressing.
- Baked Potato: A Texas Roadhouse Side 101
Best Drinks to Pair With It:
- Lemonade: The zesty brightness cuts the creamy dressing.
- Iced Tea: An effervescent, palate-cleansing, sparkling drink.
- White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the salad.
When to Serve This Salad:
- Second Poise: This is a filling type of healthy grub.
- Dinner Side: With steak or grilled fish.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch that you can portion out for the week.
California Chicken Salad—Eat at Home—Tips for the Perfect Whites Chicken Salad
How To Cook Chicken – The Best Ways To Cook Chicken
- Check with a meat thermometer that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Baste the chicken with lemon juice and olive oil for extra flavor.
How to Store Greens So That They Stay Fresh and Crisp
- Keep greens with a paper towel in a closed container.
- Do not add dressing until just before serving.
Customization Ideas
- For a sweeter flavor, add fruits such as strawberries or cranberries.
- Add croutons for more crunch, if you like.
More Easy Delicious Recipes

Perfect Texas Roadhouse Menu Recipe California Chicken Salad
Description
This easy California Chicken Salad is ultra-creamy and delicious. It features cubed chicken, grapes, and crunchy toasted pecans! The Greek yogurt dressing is bright but bold and lightened up. It’s the best love salad for summer picnics or BBQs or if you just want healthy food for the week!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken
If using raw chicken breasts, season lightly with salt and pepper, then: Grill: Cook over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Boil: Simmer in water for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked.
Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly, then shred using two forks or dice into small cubes. - Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine: ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth. - Step 3: Chop and Prepare Other Ingredients
Slice the grapes in half.
Finely chop the celery and red onion for crunch and flavor.
Chop the nuts into small pieces.
Dice the avocado and gently coat it with a little lemon juice to keep it fresh. - Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and nuts into the bowl with the dressing. - Step 5: Add Avocado Gently
Carefully fold in the diced avocado last to prevent it from getting mushy. - Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy in different ways: Over lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
As a sandwich in whole-grain bread.
In a wrap or croissant for a heartier option.
With crackers or pita chips as a snack.