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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, and my family loves using it in sandwiches!
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for more protein-packed salad recipes, check out my avocado chicken salad, steak salad, and big mac salad next!
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.
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.
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. When I’m short on time, I like using cold rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- 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. Since we’re balancing the mayo with yogurt, I suggest using full-fat mayo, none of the low-fat or fat-free stuff.
- Yogurt. I used plain Greek yogurt, but natural yogurt also works. You can use all mayonnaise if you don’t mind a few 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 is a fabulous combo, so adding it 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
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep the chicken. Cook and cool the chicken, or use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Step 2- Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3- Mix. 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- Chill and serve. Transfer the chicken salad to a serving dish and serve or chill in the fridge.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Shred, don’t chop the chicken. I find 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 lets the flavors meld together so much better.
- Add flavor boosters. I sometimes change up the flavor/texture by adding some diced apples, dried cranberries, Dijon mustard, and/or lemon juice.
Ways to serve this chicken salad recipe
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Grapes add sweetness, which pleasantly complements chicken salad’s creamy and savory ingredients.
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.
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!