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Chicken Salad with Grapes (Creamy, Fresh & Classic)

ByFoodarshia

So you’re craving something fresh, creamy, crunchy, and sweet… but also want lunch that doesn’t require turning on the stove? Same. Chicken Salad with Grapes is that classic, slightly fancy-but-not-really dish that tastes like something you’d get at a cute café—except you made it in your own kitchen wearing questionable pajamas.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This salad is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy. It’s idiot-proof—even I didn’t mess it up, and trust me, I’ve ruined easier things. It’s great for meal prep, picnics, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or just eating straight from the bowl with zero regrets. Plus, it’s customizable, refreshing, and feels way fancier than it actually is.

Course: Lunch / Salad

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (bless)

Calories: Around 350 per serving

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie is elite)
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or almonds
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for tang + balance)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: green onions, dried cranberries, fresh dill

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, and nuts. It should already look delicious.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, more lemon, whatever makes your taste buds happy.
  5. Chill for 20–30 minutes if you want extra flavor (or eat it immediately because you’re hungry).
  6. Serve in sandwiches, lettuce cups, wraps, or just grab a fork and go for it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using warm chicken: It makes the dressing runny. Cold or room temp only.
  • Skipping the yogurt: It adds balance so the salad isn’t heavy.
  • Overmixing: You don’t want grape mush. Be gentle.
  • Adding too many nuts: A little crunch is good. A nut explosion? Not ideal.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Swap grapes for apples, dried cranberries, or pineapple.
  • Use walnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds instead of pecans.
  • Make it lighter with all Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
  • Add chopped bacon because… bacon.
  • Want it savory? Skip fruit and double the Dijon.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day.

How long does it last in the fridge?

About 3–4 days.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Nope—mayo + grapes + freezing = chaos.

Can I use canned chicken?

If you must, yes. Just drain it well.

Why is my salad watery?

Warm chicken or overripe grapes are usually the reason.

Can I use green grapes?

Absolutely. Use whatever you like.

Is this healthy?

Healthier than a burger, less healthy than lettuce. Perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Salad with Grapes is creamy, refreshing, crunchy, and classic for a reason. It’s the easiest lunch upgrade ever—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, picnics, or straight-from-the-bowl snacking. Now go whip up a batch, stash it in the fridge, and enjoy knowing you’ve got delicious, no-effort meals waiting for you. You earned it!

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