Name: Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed); 1 cup red seedless grapes (halved); ½ cup chopped celery; ¼ cup chopped red onion; ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Juicy grapes, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing come together in this crave-worthy Chicken Salad with Grapes—a refreshing twist on the classic that shines with every bite. This recipe isn’t just a weekday lunch hero or picnic favorite; it’s the sort of dish that has people hovering for seconds at any potluck or family gathering. Sweet, savory, crunchy, and satisfying, it brings together wholesome ingredients in minutes and is endlessly versatile for satisfying every craving. Once you try it, you’ll find it sliding into your regular meal rotation!

Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list—just a handful of simple, bright ingredients to make this Chicken Salad with Grapes absolutely unforgettable. Each component brings its own unique flair, whether it’s juicy freshness, a hint of tang, or a welcome crunch.

Chicken breast: Use cooked, shredded, or cubed chicken breast for a hearty, protein-packed base (rotisserie chicken makes prep even easier!).
Red seedless grapes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness that beautifully contrast the savory chicken.
Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to every bite and balances the creamy dressing.
Red onion: A little goes a long way—its sharpness perks up all the flavors.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): Chopped and, if possible, lightly toasted for a nutty crunch and a layer of rich texture.
Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the dressing, giving the salad its luscious mouthfeel.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Lightens the dressing with a boost of tang and extra creaminess.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon wakes up the flavors for a hint of sharpness.
Lemon juice: Brings zippy freshness and keeps the salad bright, not heavy.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all those lovely flavors—taste and adjust as you like.
Black pepper: Adds the perfect pinch of warmth and spice to finish the dish.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken, Grapes, and Veggies

Start by shredding or cubing your cooked chicken breast—if you’re using rotisserie chicken, you’ll save tons of time! Next, slice your red seedless grapes in half to unlock their juicy sweetness. Chop the celery into small pieces for snap and crunch, and dice the red onion finely so every bite gets just the right amount of punch. If you’re opting for nuts, give them a rough chop, and toast them lightly in a dry pan for incredible flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepared chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, red onion, and toasted nuts if you choose to use them. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly—this is where the textures and colors start to shine together!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This smooth and tangy dressing is what holds your Chicken Salad with Grapes together and gives it that dreamy, craveable taste.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Pour the creamy dressing all over your chicken and grape mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every morsel is coated with luscious dressing. Now is the perfect moment to give it a taste—add a pinch more salt, squeeze of lemon, or extra pepper if you want to really make the flavors pop.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop your finished Chicken Salad with Grapes into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short rest lets the flavors mingle and the salad become beautifully cold and refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, fluff it up with a fork and enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes

Garnishes

Top with extra halved grapes, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a few tender herbs like parsley or chives for eye-catching color and fresh flavor. It’s these bright little touches that turn a great dish into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Chicken Salad with Grapes pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, a cup of bright gazpacho, a handful of kettle chips, or some lightly salted crackers. Whether you’re picnic-bound or serving at home, let fresh, simple sides round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your salad by serving it in butter lettuce cups, pita pockets, or toasted croissants for an upscale lunch vibe. You can even heap it atop avocado halves, stuff it into mini bell peppers, or spoon it onto crunchy cucumber rounds for delightful bite-sized appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Salad with Grapes keeps beautifully! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Chicken Salad with Grapes—the creamy dressing can separate, and the grapes lose their lovely texture when thawed. Keep your salad fresh and vibrant by enjoying it within a few days of making.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Salad with Grapes?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, bringing tons of flavor and juicy texture to the salad while saving you prep time. Just shred or cube, and you’re ready to go.

What’s the best way to toast the nuts?

Toasting nuts is easy: just add chopped pecans or walnuts to a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before adding to your salad for maximum crunch and flavor.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter Chicken Salad with Grapes, swap out the mayo for all Greek yogurt, or try using half light mayonnaise. It cuts down on calories while keeping everything creamy and delicious.

Can I add other mix-ins or veggies?

Definitely! Diced apples, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs add more layers of flavor. Just keep the base simple and add your favorites as inspiration strikes.

How far in advance can I make Chicken Salad with Grapes?

You can prep this salad up to one day ahead—just wait to add ingredients like nuts and extra garnishes until right before serving, so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Chicken Salad with Grapes a try—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to delight, whether you’re planning an easy weekday lunch or sharing a platter with friends. There’s something special about the way juicy grapes, creamy dressing, and savory chicken come together. Don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant household favorite!

Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This chicken salad with grapes is a delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
1 cup red seedless grapes (halved)
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped red onion
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and nuts if using.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve on lettuce leaves, in sandwiches, or with crackers.