Chicken Salad with Grapes

By Amelia MapstoneAug 26, 2024Jump to Recipe

A fruity, creamy picnic classic that will leave your tastebuds tingling!

Table of Contents

Imagine this: a hot summer day with the family, glasses of ice-cold lemonade, and a sandwich that’s creamy, juicy, and crunchy all in one. From grandmas to grandkids, everyone will enjoy this chicken salad with grapes for its bursts of flavor. Simple and easy to make in big batches, it’s the perfect salty and sweet treat for a luncheon or potluck.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that if you have leftover chicken, you can use it here! It’s the salad that keeps on giving because it’s not just about the chicken but the juicy red grapes, too. And then there’s the smoky crunch of toasted almonds to complement the creaminess. Trust me, I know the salad might look bizarre at first glance, but when it all combines harmoniously, your tastebuds will thank you!

Is Chicken Salad with Grapes Healthy?

Not only is this dish comforting, but it’s also wholesome as heck, offering a bounty of protein, good fats, and vitamin C. Without bread, this salad is totally gluten-free. (I prefer serving it on a bed of brown rice instead of bread to play with the harmony of textures even more.) For a lighter and brighter alternative to mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead, which makes it creamier and more protein-rich.

For a vegan alternative to chicken, I recommend trying jackfruit. It’s an easy and tasty replacement you can usually find canned in the international food aisles. Other than that, just get the most local and organic produce possible and enjoy the choir of flavors and textures!

Don’t Like Grapes? No problem!

Understandably, grapes aren’t everyone’s favorite fruit. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the juicy goodness of this dish. There are several decent alternatives, like raisins, apples, avocado, or even pineapple! (That last one is pretty bold and daring, but if you want to add a little Hawaiian-style flare to the mix, then it’s a great option.) For nut alternatives, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even cashews. Before serving it to others, try experimenting with the mix yourself, and find the textures and flavors that work best for you. That’s the best part of this dish.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb cooked shredded chicken breast
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/2 cup almonds, toasted
1 green onion, sliced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, and green onion in a bowl.

Dress
Add mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings; mix well.

Serve

Enjoy fresh or store for later use.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

You can easily whip this up ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend serving it within 24 hours of making it, though, to enjoy it fresh. This recipe doesn’t freeze well; however, since the ingredients are prone to getting mushy during thawing, don’t even try it. Just enjoy the freshness and share it with the whole family so you can keep up with any leftovers.

What if it’s too bland?

Try adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of pickle juice to the mix. The cucumber-infused vinegar will balance the creaminess nicely and create an interesting dynamic between acid and base. In this recipe, we’re using lemon juice, which has a similar effect, but feel free to play with it to your tongue’s content!

Does it need to be chilled?

I recommend storing freshly made chicken salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours to ensure it gets nice and cold before serving. It’s part of what makes for such a delightful summer treat! That being said, you can always toast your bread separately before slathering on the salad, creating a nice balance of textures.

Serving Suggestions

Aside from the classic sandwich, how else might this decadent salad be served? Well, like I said, I enjoy it on a bed of brown rice, but you can also put a dollop or two on top of quinoa or couscous.

For those who prioritize health, lettuce or cabbage wraps are excellent options. They not only add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your diet but also keep your meal light and refreshing.

Serve with a side of delicious Brussels Sprout Chips, and you’re good to go!

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