Sweet, savory, and irresistibly creamy, this Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe is the sort of dish you’ll want in your lunch rotation all year round. The juicy pops of grape bring vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken, while the crunchy celery and nuts add just the right amount of texture. Tossed together in a luscious, slightly tangy dressing, this salad is both special enough for entertaining and simple enough for everyday meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients—each one adds a specific element, whether that’s creaminess, crunch, sweetness, or zing. Trust me, every component has a flavorful purpose!

Chicken breast: Cooked, shredded or chopped—this is your protein base, perfect for soaking up the delicious dressing.
Red grapes: Halved for bite-sized bursts of sweetness; feel free to toss in some green grapes for extra color.
Celery: Finely chopped, bringing a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances out the creaminess.
Red onion: Diced small, it adds just enough sharpness without overpowering the salad.
Mayonnaise: Adds a classic, rich creaminess that pulls all the flavors together.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Lightens the dressing and introduces a gentle tang.
Dijon mustard: Gives the salad a subtle bite and beautiful depth.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up, plus keeps the salad tasting fresh.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts lend a delightful, buttery crunch—try toasting them for extra flavor.

How to Make Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Main Ingredients

Start by prepping your chicken, grapes, celery, and red onion. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just shred or chop into bite-size pieces. Halve your grapes—don’t rush this, because bigger chunks can be overwhelming. Dice your celery and red onion nice and small so every forkful is perfectly balanced. If you’re using pecans or walnuts, give them a rough chop, or toast them briefly in a dry pan for extra dimension.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breast, halved grapes, celery, red onion, and the optional nuts. This is where you’ll see the beautiful interplay of colors and textures coming together, setting the stage for the dressing.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab a smaller bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You want this mixture to be smooth, creamy, and irresistible—we’re talking about a dressing that’s light yet decadent, a perfect partner for your chicken and grapes.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated and well combined. Every bite should have a bit of everything, from juicy grape to crunchy nut.

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover your bowl and refrigerate the Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe for at least 30 minutes (longer if you have the time!). This little pause gives the flavors a chance to mingle and meld, transforming good into great. Patience pays off—the cooler temperature also makes the salad extra refreshing.

How to Serve Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a handful of fresh chopped chives makes a lovely finishing touch. For a pop of color and flavor, scatter a few extra halved grapes or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving. Presentation matters, especially with something as pretty as this Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe.

Side Dishes

This salad loves good company! Try pairing it with crisp butter lettuce leaves, buttery croissants, or a rustic slice of sourdough for sandwiches. For a lighter meal, a simple green salad, tomato slices, or a side of chilled melon will complement the creamy, savory sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, serve scoops of the salad in halved avocados for an elegant appetizer, or pile it into phyllo cups for party-ready bites. Mini pita pockets and endive boats turn your Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe into easy finger food, ideal for brunches or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the salad tightly and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better!

Freezing

While the Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, freezing it isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing can separate, and the grapes tend to become watery and mushy after thawing, which changes the texture dramatically.

Reheating

This dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up and redistribute the dressing, then enjoy right away.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully in this Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe. Just remove the skin, shred or chop, and you’re ready to go.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Definitely. You can swap out the Greek yogurt or sour cream for a plant-based alternative, or simply use extra mayonnaise if dairy is a concern. Just make sure your mayo is also dairy-free.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, and it’s a smart move! Prepare your Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe the night before, keep it chilled, and add any nuts (if using) just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What can I use instead of grapes?

If you’re not a fan of grapes, try using diced apples, dried cranberries, or even pomegranate seeds for that unique sweetness and pop.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Absolutely! You can use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version of the Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe, and serve it atop leafy greens or in lettuce wraps for an extra health boost.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried the Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe yet, now is the perfect time to give it a spin. It’s endlessly adaptable, bursting with fresh flavors, and just plain fun to eat. Go ahead, make a big bowl, and share it with someone you love—this is one dish that always gets rave reviews!

Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

This Chicken Salad with Grapes recipe is a delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 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 small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled on lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.