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Chicken Salad with Grapes

Category: Indulge in Timeless American Comforts

Tender cooked chicken is combined with halved sweet grapes, crisp celery and toasted nuts, then tossed in a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice. The result is a refreshing, flavorful mixture with a balance of textures: creamy, crunchy and juicy. This salad can be served on sandwich bread, croissants, in lettuce wraps, or atop a bed of greens. Customizable for nut-free or lighter versions, it's a versatile dish best enjoyed chilled. Ideal for easy lunches or gatherings, this blend stays fresh up to two days in the refrigerator.

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Updated on Fri, 04 Jul 2025 06:19:20 GMT
A close up of a chicken salad with grapes. Save
A close up of a chicken salad with grapes. | krispyrecipes.com

This creamy chicken salad with grapes is my go-to recipe for easy lunches and quick gatherings. It is loaded with juicy chicken breast, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and just the right amount of tangy dressing. It tastes amazing on bread or over a bed of fresh greens and is one of those comforting dishes that pleases everyone at the table.

I first made this version for a family picnic and everyone asked for the recipe. Now it is a staple whenever I need something quick but still impressive.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: diced or shredded best when moist and freshly cooked
  • Red seedless grapes: halved for natural sweetness choose firm grapes for best bite
  • Celery stalks: finely diced for crunch look for crisp green celery with no wilting
  • Red onion: finely chopped optional adds a hint of sharpness use fresh for best flavor
  • Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts: optional gives nutty crunch toast lightly for maximum aroma
  • Mayonnaise: creamy base for classic flavor full fat gives richest taste
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: optional for tang and extra creaminess choose plain and unsweetened
  • Dijon mustard: brings a gentle kick pick a smooth style for even mixing
  • Lemon juice: brightens and balances the richness use freshly squeezed for freshness
  • Salt: to enhance all flavors choose fine salt for even coverage
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: for a sharp finishing note grind fresh for more aroma

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken and Veggies:
Start by chopping or shredding your cooked chicken into bite sized pieces. Slice the grapes in half for sweetness with every bite. Dice celery and red onion finely for even crunch. If using nuts chop them evenly and toast lightly to bring out deep flavor.
Make the Dressing:
In a small clean bowl whisk together mayonnaise Greek yogurt or sour cream Dijon mustard lemon juice salt and black pepper. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the balance with a touch more lemon or salt if needed.
Combine in a Large Bowl:
In a roomy mixing bowl add the chicken grapes celery onion and nuts. Pour in the creamy dressing. Gently toss everything together using a big spoon or spatula. Aim for every piece to be coated but take care not to bruise the grapes.
Taste and Adjust:
Spoon up a little and see if it needs more salt lemon or pepper to suit your taste. If time allows chill for ten minutes so flavors mingle.
Serve It Up:
Enjoy chilled. Serve piled onto sandwich bread stuff into croissants wrap in crisp lettuce leaves or scoop over a fresh bed of greens.
A spoonful of chicken salad with grapes. Save
A spoonful of chicken salad with grapes. | krispyrecipes.com

My favorite part is the burst of sweetness from the grapes every time I bite in. When my sister was visiting we swapped stories over this salad and she immediately declared it her new lunch obsession.

Storage Tips

Store chicken salad in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. For best taste and texture enjoy within two days. If making for a picnic or potluck keep chilled until serving. Stir gently before serving if any dressing settles at the bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken just be sure it is tender and not overly seasoned. Swap pecans or walnuts for almonds or leave nuts out entirely for a smooth texture. For extra freshness stir in chopped parsley or tarragon. Dairy free mayonnaise works well if you need it.

A bowl of chicken salad with grapes. Save
A bowl of chicken salad with grapes. | krispyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is perfect mounded on fresh croissants for lunch. Scoop it into lettuce wraps for a low carb option or serve with crackers as an appetizer. For a full meal pair with a bowl of soup or a crisp green salad.

Cultural or Historical Context

Chicken salad with grapes became popular in American cuisine as an easy lunch and party dish especially in the South. The combination of juicy grapes and crunchy celery has been enjoyed for decades as a simple and delicious way to use up leftover chicken.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Cooked chicken breast, either chopped or shredded, works best for a tender texture and mild flavor.

→ Can I substitute mayonnaise for a lighter option?

Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier result.

→ Are nuts necessary in this salad?

Nuts are optional and add crunch. You can leave them out or swap for toasted almonds as desired.

→ How long will this chicken salad keep?

It stays fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ What are serving suggestions for this blend?

Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, croissants, or on top of mixed greens for a light meal.

Chicken Salad Grapes Creamy

Creamy blend of chicken, grapes, celery and toasted nuts, perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
20 min

Recipe Category: Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
02 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
03 2 stalks celery, finely diced
04 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
05 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

→ Dressing

06 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
08 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 1 teaspoon lemon juice
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, halved grapes, diced celery, red onion, and nuts if desired.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 03

Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 04

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 05

Chill before serving. Enjoy on sandwich bread, croissants, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.

Additional Notes

  1. For a lighter salad, substitute all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  2. Incorporate fresh herbs such as parsley or tarragon to enhance flavor.
  3. To make it nut-free, omit the nuts or replace them with seeds.
  4. The salad is best consumed within 2 days; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Contains tree nuts if nuts are used
  • Contains dairy if Greek yogurt or sour cream is included

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 21 g