Chicken Salad with Grapes

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Chicken Salad with Grapes is one of those really easy, make ahead recipes that makes life feel a little more put together. It’s creamy and lightly sweet, and full of texture. This makes it perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, easy meal prep, baby showers, or summer get togethers.

This lighter version uses a mix of light mayo and nonfat Greek yogurt, plus just a touch of honey for the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Juicy grapes and crunchy toasted almonds take it over the top in the best way.

If you are usually on the fence about fruit in chicken salad, I get it. But this combo wins people over every single time. I basically live off salads like this and my Healthy Chicken Salad or Dill Pickle Chicken Salad during the warmer months because here in the South, anything that heats up the kitchen is a hard pass.

This Chicken Salad Just Works

• Quick and easy to make
• Perfect for meal prep lunches
• Classic creamy taste, but lightened up
• Sweet and savory balance
• Great for sandwiches, wraps, or snacky plates
• Family and potluck approved
• Baby shower favorite

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Grapes

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy chicken salad with grapes. Here is what you will need.

• Cooked chicken– Finely shredded chicken works best for classic chicken salad texture. Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut.
• Red seedless grapes– These add the perfect juicy sweetness that balances the creamy dressing.
• Celery– Adds fresh crunch and keeps the texture from feeling too soft.
• Sliced almonds– Lightly toasted almonds bring a subtle nutty flavor and extra texture.
• Light mayonnaise– Keeps things creamy while lightening it up a bit.
• Nonfat Greek yogurt– Adds protein and a slight tang that balances the mayo.
• Honey– Just a touch for that sweet and savory balance.
• Apple cider vinegar– brightens everything up and keeps the dressing from feeling heavy.
• Celery salt and dried minced onion– Simple pantry seasonings that give this chicken salad its classic flavor. You can find these in any regular grocery store spice section.

Substitutions and Swaps

This chicken salad with grapes is very flexible, which makes it perfect for using what you already have on hand. Here are some easy swaps that still give you great results.

• Chicken options: You can also use poached chicken breast, instant pot shredded chicken, slow cooker shredded chicken, or canned chicken if that’s what you have. Just make sure the texture is finely shredded for the best classic chicken salad feel.
• Greek yogurt substitute– you can replace the Greek yogurt with additional light or full fat mayonnaise. Plain regular yogurt can work too.
• Different nuts- I’ve made this with chopped pecans and walnuts, both are absolutely delicious!
• Mayonnaise swap– You can use full fat mayo if that is what you keep stocked. The salad will be a bit richer but still delicious. 
• Nut free option– Simply leave out the sliced almonds if you need this recipe to be nut free. You can add sunflower seeds for a little extra crunch if desired.
• Grape alternatives– Red seedless grapes are best for sweetness and color. Green grapes will work but are slightly more tart. Dried Cranberries can work well too!
• Honey substitute– You can add a little bit of sugar or your favorite sweetener. You can also omit the sweetener completely if you like a more savory chicken salad.

How to make Chicken Salad with Grapes and almonds

This chicken salad comes together quickly and doesn’t require any cooking if you start with rotisserie chicken(my favorite choice).

• Step 1: Start by toasting the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about three to four minutes, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and let them cool.
• Step 2: Make the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the light mayonnaise, nonfat Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery salt, and dried minced onion until smooth and creamy.

• Step 3: Add the shredded chicken, sliced grapes, diced celery, and toasted almonds to the bowl with the creamy dressing.
• Step 4: Gently stir everything together until the chicken salad is evenly coated in the dressing. You’re looking for a creamy texture with the grapes, celery, and almonds evenly distributed throughout.

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes

A few small details can take your creamy chicken salad with grapes from good to truly crave worthy! These simple tips are kind of non negotiable when making the best recipe for chicken salad!

• Shred the chicken finely: Chicken salad tastes best when the chicken is finely shredded rather than chunky. Smaller pieces help the dressing coat every bite and give that classic creamy texture.
• Toast the almonds first: Toasting sliced almonds only takes a few minutes but adds a deeper, nuttier flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the finished salad.
• Use cold chicken: Cold, fully chilled chicken mixes better with the dressing and helps the salad stay thick and creamy. 
• Let it chill before serving:  For the best flavor (and texture), refrigerate the chicken salad for at least thirty minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend and the texture to set.
• Taste and adjust before serving: Everyone likes their chicken salad a little different. Add a tiny bit more honey if you prefer it sweeter, or a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want more tang. And of course, salt and pepper to taste!

Ways to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes

One of the best things about chicken salad with grapes is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple for quick lunches or dress it up a bit for parties.

• Serve on croissants-This is the classic for a reason. A flaky croissant with creamy chicken salad is always a win and perfect for lunches, light summer dinners, and showers.
• Spoon over lettuce: chicken salad over crisp lettuce or mixed greens. It makes a fresh, high protein lunch that still feels totally satisfying.
• Meal prep: Chicken salad with grapes holds up well in the fridge, which makes it great for meal prep lunches. Pair it with crackers, fresh veggies, or fruit for an easy grab and go option!
• Make it a wrap or sandwich
  Scoop chicken salad into a soft wrap, pita, or your favorite sandwich bread. 
• Serve with crackers for snacking: Set it out with crackers, cheese slices, pita chips, or sliced veggies or apples for a simple snacky plates.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Meal prep tip: If you’re prepping ahead, store the chicken salad separately from crackers or croissants to keep everything fresh and not soggy. I love these glass containers with compartments to keep everything separate and fresh. 
• Do not leave at room temperature: Because this recipe contains mayonnaise and yogurt, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. According to the USDA food safety guidelines, perishable foods should be discarded after 2 hours at room temperature, or after 1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F. If serving for a party or shower, serve in containers that nest on ice or in smaller servings so you can replace often.

More Easy Chicken Recipes To Love:

• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Chicken Macaroni Salad

⭐I hope this Chicken Salad with Grapes makes your week a little easier and a lot more delicious. If you try it, I would love to hear what you think in the comment section below! I hope you enjoy every bite.

This post was originally published on August 29, 2020 and has been updated with new photos and helpful tips.