Chicken Salad with Grapes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its balance of savory and sweet elements. The combination of light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt creates a creamy yet healthier dressing. The addition of honey provides a subtle sweetness, while the toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be enjoyed in various ways, catering to different preferences and occasions.

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breast (cooked and shredded)

  • Light mayonnaise

  • Non-fat Greek yogurt

  • Honey

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Dried minced onion

  • Celery salt

  • Red seedless grapes

  • Celery

  • Sliced almonds

Directions

  1. Toast the Almonds: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Stir or shake the pan continuously for about 3-4 minutes until the almonds are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine light mayonnaise, non-fat Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, dried minced onion, and celery salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined 

  3. Combine Ingredients: To the dressing, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and toasted almonds. Gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and add-ins are evenly coated with the dressing.

  4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dried onion to soften 

  5. Serve: Once chilled, give the chicken salad a gentle stir and serve as desired—over lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Chilling Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Nut Substitutions: Swap sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

  • Fruit Additions: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apples for added sweetness and texture.

  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or tarragon to introduce a fresh, aromatic element.

  • Spice It Up: For a hint of spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold. If you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this salad?

Cooked and shredded chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for added flavor and convenience.

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light?

Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used; however, it will increase the calorie content of the dish.

Is there a substitute for non-fat Greek yogurt?

Plain regular yogurt or sour cream can be used as substitutes, though this may alter the nutritional profile slightly.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of Greek yogurt and ensure that the mayonnaise used is dairy-free.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld even more. Just give it a stir before serving.

What can I serve with this chicken salad?

It pairs well with leafy greens, whole-grain bread, wraps, or as a filling for croissants.

Are there any nut-free alternatives?

If you have a nut allergy, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

How do I prevent the grapes from making the salad watery?

Ensure the grapes are thoroughly washed and dried before slicing and adding them to the salad.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the creamy dressing and fresh grapes, which may not retain their texture upon thawing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken salad is naturally gluten-free. However, always check individual ingredient labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Chicken Salad with Grapes offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Its balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements ensures it will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a hearty sandwich filling, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

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Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken Salad with Grapes

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: (plus 3–4 mins to toast almonds)
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Lunch, Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chicken Salad with Grapes recipe is a healthy, flavorful twist on a classic. Packed with tender shredded chicken, juicy red grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted almonds in a creamy dressing made with light mayo and Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or picnics. Easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and customizable!


Ingredients

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1 cup red seedless grapes, halved

1/2 cup celery, diced

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted


Instructions

  • Toast Almonds: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, toast sliced almonds for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

  • Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, vinegar, minced onion, and celery salt until smooth.

  • Combine: Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and toasted almonds to the dressing. Gently fold to combine.

  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 25 minutes.

  • Serve: Stir gently before serving. Enjoy over lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.


Notes

  • Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts.

  • Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.

  • Mix in herbs like parsley or tarragon for freshness.

  • Sunflower seeds are a great nut-free alternative.

  • Best served cold; store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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