Description
This easy, creamy chicken salad with grapes is a healthy and refreshing lunch option, combining tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted nuts in a tangy, light dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (about 400g)
- 1 cup red grapes, halved (about 150g)
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup or 60g)
- 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped (about 35g)
- 2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced (about 10g, optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (about 60g)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (about 60g)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (about 5g)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 15ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or cherries (about 15g)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill or tarragon, chopped (about 2g)
- Optional: 1/2 medium apple, diced (about 60g)
- Optional: Lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: If using cooked chicken, chop or shred into bite-sized pieces. If poaching, simmer chicken breasts in salted water for 12-15 minutes, then cool and chop.
- Toast the nuts: Place pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Chop the produce: Halve the grapes, finely dice celery, slice green onion, and dice apple if using. Pat grapes dry for best texture.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, grapes, celery, green onion, toasted nuts, and any optional add-ins. Pour the dressing over the top.
- Mix gently: Using a spatula or large spoon, fold everything together until evenly coated. The salad should look creamy but not soupy.
- Chill (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Scoop onto lettuce leaves, toast, croissants, or your favorite bread, or enjoy straight from the bowl.
Notes
For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Pat all ingredients dry to avoid a watery salad. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor. The recipe is flexible—swap nuts for seeds for a nut-free version, or use different fruits like apples or mango. Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: chicken salad, grapes, healthy lunch, creamy chicken salad, meal prep, picnic, gluten-free, easy recipe, summer salad, rotisserie chicken