Name: Chicken Salad With Grapes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts; 2 cups red seedless grapes (cut in half); 4 sticks of celery (chopped); ½ red onion (chopped); ½ cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 lemon (juiced); 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped); ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Optional lettuce leaves and croissants

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The aroma of freshly made Chicken Salad With Grapes wafts through the kitchen, and instantly, it feels like sunshine. The vibrant colors pop—deep red grapes, crunchy green celery, and flecks of fresh dill speckled against fluffy shredded chicken. It’s a delightful medley of textures and flavors waiting to be devoured. I remember summers spent at picnics with family, where this salad was always a star player, served between crispy croissants and paired with fresh fruit. The lightness and creamy dressing reminded me of lazy afternoons under the sun, snapshots of carefree moments swirling in my memory.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Salad With Grapes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Salad With Grapes

As the seasons shift and picnic season approaches, this easy and satisfying recipe makes for a perfect make-ahead lunch or snack. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or planning a cheerful gathering with friends, this Chicken Salad With Grapes is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet burst of grapes meets crunchy celery and savory chicken in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its colorful ingredients, this salad is as pretty as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Great as a main dish, in sandwiches, or even as a delightful dip with crackers.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using appropriate breads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or the leftovers from a previous meal for effortless prep.
2 cups red seedless grapes (cut in half): The sweetness of red grapes adds a juicy contrast to the savory elements. You can substitute with green grapes if you prefer a tart flavor.
4 sticks of celery (chopped): Provides a crunchy texture essential for balance. Celery hearts are especially tender and flavorful.
½ red onion (chopped): Adds a lovely punch. If you’re sensitive to strong onion flavors, try soaking the chopped onion in cold water for a milder taste.
½ cup chopped walnuts: These give a delightful crunch. You can substitute with pecans or sunflower seeds for a different texture.
1 cup mayonnaise: This is the base for the creamy dressing. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise.
1 lemon (juiced): Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully. Bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh truly elevates the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped): Dill gives a refreshing herbaceous finish. If unavailable, swap for 1 tablespoon of dried dill.
¾ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper provides warmth and depth.
Optional lettuce leaves and croissants: Serve on leafy greens for a lighter option or in croissants for a hearty, indulgent sandwich!

How to Make Chicken Salad With Grapes

Combine Ingredients: Start by gathering a large mixing bowl and toss in the cooked shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, red onion, and walnuts. Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add flavor. Make sure to chop the celery into small, uniform pieces for even texture. This colorful mixture sets the stage for a vibrant salad.

Whisk Dressing: In a separate bowl, take the mayonnaise and whisk in fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This creamy dressing adds a luscious finish to your salad. If you prefer a lighter taste, consider swapping half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.

Combine and Mix: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together using a spatula. Be careful not to break up the chicken too much; you want nice chunks for texture. Make sure every piece is well coated in that zesty dressing to ensure a delightful bite every time.

Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chicken salad over fresh lettuce leaves for a light meal or pile it high in croissants for a hearty sandwich experience.

Storing & Reheating

This Chicken Salad With Grapes is best stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s in an airtight container to retain its freshness. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember that freezing may alter the texture, so I recommend enjoying it fresh. When ready to eat a portion from the fridge, no need to reheat; simply plate it cold for a refreshing salad.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before mixing it into the salad; this flavor will be essential for the entire dish.
If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigerating, stir in a touch more mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it.
Feel free to experiment with ingredients—adding apples, dried cranberries, or even a splash of mustard can add a delightful twist.
For a more solid base, serve it on a bed of quinoa or chickpeas for a nutritious boost and unique flavor.

The combination of juicy grapes, flavorful chicken, and crunch from the celery make this salad a go-to for gatherings, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner at home. It’s a beautiful representation of summer flavors, vibrant and fresh. I encourage you to experiment with your ingredients and make this dish your own. Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Salad With Grapes!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chicken can be a convenient alternative. Just drain and rinse it before incorporating it into your salad. While it may not have the same texture as shredded chicken breast, it will still work well in terms of flavor.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a healthier twist, consider swapping out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This not only reduces calories but also adds a boost of protein. You can also load it up with extra veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers, for even more crunch.

Can I make Chicken Salad With Grapes ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be aware that the longer it sits, the more the ingredients will meld together. It should still taste delicious and fresh for up to three days.

Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! The salad itself is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily serve it on gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a salad that everyone can enjoy. Just double check your mayo or yogurt for gluten-free standards.