If you’re looking for a meal that is as bright and cheerful as a summer picnic, Chicken Salad with Grapes is about to become your go-to favorite. It’s the perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet and juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and that unmistakable creamy dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping healthy meals for your week, or whipping up something crowd-pleasing for a potluck, Chicken Salad with Grapes has you covered. This recipe is bursting with color, texture, and fresh flavors, making every bite memorable.

Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chicken Salad with Grapes so beloved is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one brings something important to the table. You don’t need anything fancy, but these elements combine to make a dish you’ll crave again and again!

Chicken: The star of the show! Chopped or shredded cooked chicken gives this salad protein and heartiness; canned, rotisserie, or cooked-from-scratch all work beautifully.
Celery: Adds that classic, refreshing crunch and a pop of green.
Red Seedless Grapes: Nature’s jewels in this recipe, bursting with sweetness and juiciness; quarter or halve them depending on size.
Sliced Almonds: Toasted for extra flavor and crunch—pecans make a delightful substitute.
Light Mayo: The base of the creamy dressing, giving richness without weighing things down.
Non-fat Greek Yogurt: Lightens up the dressing and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the grapes.
Dried Minced Onion: Packs in savory depth and a hint of texture—find it near the spices in your grocery store.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up the whole salad with a gentle, zippy kick.
Celery Salt: Enhances the fresh celery flavor but regular salt works too.
Honey: Just a touch pulls the flavors together and complements the grapes’ sweetness.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes

Step 1: Toast the Almonds

Start by toasting your sliced almonds in a dry, nonstick pan over medium heat. Keep them moving constantly so they turn a beautiful golden brown and become fragrant without scorching. This small step boosts their flavor tremendously and brings irresistible crunch to the Chicken Salad with Grapes.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together your light mayo, non-fat Greek yogurt, honey, dried minced onion, celery salt, and apple cider vinegar. This blend creates a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dressing that sets the stage for all the other ingredients. Don’t rush this part—make sure everything is smooth and well-combined!

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Add your chopped or shredded chicken, diced celery, and quartered grapes to the bowl. Give everything a gentle but thorough toss so every bite is evenly coated with dressing. This is where Chicken Salad with Grapes starts to come to life with gorgeous colors and textures.

Step 4: Add Toasted Almonds

Once the base is mixed, sprinkle in those toasty almonds (or pecans, if you’re using them) and fold them through. The nutty crunch pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and juicy grapes, elevating every forkful.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover your bowl and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, preferably 25. This brief chill time softens the dried onions, allows the flavors to mingle, and turns a good salad into an absolutely phenomenal Chicken Salad with Grapes.

How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Salad with Grapes with a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts, freshly cracked black pepper, or a few more halved grapes for an extra burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a touch of green and herby aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with so many things: serve it piled high on crisp butter lettuce leaves, alongside crunchy veggie sticks, or tucked inside a warm, toasted croissant. It’s also wonderful with a side of whole grain crackers or a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Chicken Salad with Grapes is endlessly versatile. Try spooning it onto cucumber rounds for a pretty appetizer, scooping it into small phyllo cups for party bites, or rolling it up inside tortillas for easy, grab-and-go wraps. For lunchboxes, pack it with crackers and extra veggies for a wholesome, deconstructed snack plate. No matter how you serve it, this salad turns heads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chicken Salad with Grapes in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to three days, and some say it gets even better on day two as the ingredients continue to mingle and marry their flavors!

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for Chicken Salad with Grapes due to the fresh grapes and creamy dressing, you can prep just the cooked chicken and freeze it in advance to speed things up later. For best texture and taste, always make the salad fresh.

Reheating

Chicken Salad with Grapes is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so you don’t need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the dressing and redistribute the delicious bits throughout.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or any cooked chicken (even grilled or poached) works perfectly. Just chop or shred into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

What can I use instead of almonds?

If you’re out of almonds or want to change things up, chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds are fantastic substitutions for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

Can I make Chicken Salad with Grapes dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or use additional light mayo. It will still be creamy and delicious.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Make sure your grapes and celery are well-dried before adding them to the mix. Storing the salad in a tightly sealed container also keeps it fresh and minimizes extra moisture.

Is Chicken Salad with Grapes gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or lettuce cups if you or your guests are sensitive to gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the sweet-savory combo in Chicken Salad with Grapes, and the ease of tossing it together makes it a win for busy days. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own—share it with loved ones or savor it for a simple lunch just for you. Either way, this salad is about to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe