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My chicken salad with grapes recipe features shredded chicken and juicy grapes in a creamy dressing. It’s so convenient and creamy; my family loves using it in sandwiches!
If you’re looking to up your salad game, start with this classic chicken salad recipe.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, it’s NOT as weird as it sounds. The grapes add a subtle sweetness that complements the other, richer ingredients, while the balance of textures leaves no room for wanting.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Minimal prep time. Like rotisserie chicken salad, there are plenty of ways you can cut corners to make this easy chicken salad recipe fit your schedule.
- A healthy snack, lunch, or dinner. Come 3 PM, you’ll likely catch me stealing spoonfuls of this salad from the fridge, but it’s even better piled onto a croissant sandwich or in a wrap!
- Incredible flavor and texture. The chicken is tender, the celery and nuts add crunch, and the dressing has that creamy element.
- Easy to make in advance. So long as you keep the dressing separate, a big batch of chicken salad should last up to 4 days.
If you’re looking for more protein-packed salad recipes, check out my avocado chicken salad, steak salad, and big mac salad next!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I simply adore this chicken grape salad. I love the sweet and salty combination, and this one is a winner. I like to prep a big batch on weekends and have lunches sorted for the week ahead.” – Maria
Key ingredients
- Chicken breast. Any cooked chicken breast works, whether it’s baked chicken breast, air fryer chicken breast, sous vide chicken breast, or Instant Pot chicken breast. I like using cold rotisserie chicken from the grocery store when I’m short on time.
- Red onion. It has a milder flavor than white onion and works perfectly for salads.
- Celery. Diced finely.
- Red seedless grapes. I prefer red grapes as they add a pop of color, but green or purple grapes also work. Either way, make sure they’re seedless.
- Mayonnaise and yogurt. For the creamy dressing. I like using a mix of both for richness, added protein, and less fat. You can also use all mayo if you don’t mind the extra calories.
- Walnuts. They add great texture and flavor to the salad. If you don’t have walnuts, use roasted pecans or almonds.
- Fresh thyme. Thyme and chicken are fabulous, so adding them to this salad is a no-brainer. No thyme? Try fresh basil or any of your favorite fresh herbs.
- Salt and pepper. Add to taste.
How to make chicken salad with grapes
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Cook and cool the chicken, or use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Step 2- Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3- Add the shredded chicken to a large bowl with the onion, celery, and grapes. Once mixed, stir in the mayo and yogurt, followed by the walnuts and seasonings.
Step 4- Transfer the chicken salad to a serving dish and serve or chill in the fridge.
Chicken salad with grapes serving suggestions
We typically enjoy the chicken salad stuffed into some form of bread, but it’s versatile to use other ways like:
- Wraps. Pile the chicken salad on wraps for a grab-and-go lunch.
- On a bed of greens. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over a bed of fresh lettuce.
- Croissant sandwiches. Slice and toast a croissant or slices of bread and add 1-2 scoops of chicken salad.
- As a dip. Serve the chicken salad with peanut butter crackers and air fryer potato chips.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Shred the chicken, don’t chop it. Shredded chicken yields a better, more pleasing texture than chopping it into cubes.
- Mix gently. So you don’t burst the grapes.
- Chill the salad. For the best flavor, chill the salad for several hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together much better.
- Add flavor boosters. I sometimes change the flavor/texture by adding diced apples, dried cranberries, Dijon mustard, and/or lemon juice.
Frequently asked questions
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the mayo and grapes won’t keep their texture once thawed.
When served as is, this salad easily feeds four people. However, if bread, rolls, and/or other side dishes are added, it can feed at least six people.
More easy lunch salads
- Healthy tuna salad
- Healthy pasta salad
- Egg white salad
- Asian chicken salad
- Or any of these healthy lunch ideas
If you tried this Chicken Salad With Grapes recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Chicken Salad With Grapes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast cooked * See notes
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 cup grapes halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 3 sprigs thyme chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prep the chicken or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Cut the chicken into cubes. Alternatively, shred the chicken.
- Add it to the mixing bowl, along with the onion, celery, and purple grapes, and mix well. Add the mayonnaise and yogurt and mix until all the chicken is coated. Fold through the walnuts and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately or refrigerate until chilled.
Wow. Tjis is perfect for hot summer days! Grapes chicken!
Interesting! Can I use only yoghurt instead of mayonnaise as I dont like the taste?
Superrr
Heeeeeeeeeeerlijk!