Chicken salad recipe with grapes is more than just a summer classic—it’s a versatile, flavor-packed dish that always hits the spot. Grapes bring a juicy burst of sweetness to the savory mix of shredded chicken, celery, and creamy dressing. Add toasted pecans and you’ve got the best chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans—perfect on croissants, lettuce wraps, or eaten straight from the bowl.
I first made this in my Asheville kitchen on a lazy spring afternoon, inspired by my mom’s potluck go-to from back in Vermont. I’ve tweaked the original recipe just enough to make it reliable, adaptable, and absolutely craveable.
Table of Contents
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes That You’ll Want to Make Weekly
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, sweet, and crunchy chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans that’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup toasted pecans, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, and pecans.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently.
5. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie or poached chicken for ease.
Chill for best flavor before serving.
Substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts if preferred.
To lighten, use half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Why This Is the Best Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
Grapes Add the Perfect Sweet Bite
You might be wondering—are grapes good in chicken salad? Absolutely. Red grapes add color, juiciness, and just the right amount of sweet to balance out the rich mayo-based dressing. I always halve them so they blend nicely into each bite. This recipe chicken salad with grapes is my favorite way to keep things refreshing and light without sacrificing flavor.
Grapes elevate this from standard deli fare to something you’ll want to make ahead for lunches all week. Serve it chilled alongside microgreens salad or a crisp carrot ribbon salad for an easy, wholesome meal.
Crunch Is Key—Here’s How to Nail It
Texture makes or breaks chicken salad. That’s why I add chopped celery and toasted pecans in every batch. The celery gives it that signature crunch, while the pecans add depth and warmth. This version of chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans is a true flavor harmony—soft chicken, sweet grapes, and nutty crunch in every bite.
You can use rotisserie chicken or poached breasts for the base, just make sure your dressing-to-ingredient ratio isn’t too heavy. For best results, chill it for at least an hour before serving. Pair it with protein pasta salad or chicken broccoli potato casserole to round it out.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans: Ingredients & Instructions
What Ingredients Do You Put in Chicken Salad?
When making the best chicken salad recipe with grapes, the ingredients should be simple but high quality. This is where freshness really counts. I’ve tested a lot of combinations, but this is the one I always come back to—it’s the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, crunch, and a little zip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (poached or rotisserie both work)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo/half Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp fresh lemon juice for brightness
Want to switch it up? Add a scoop of Greek yogurt, swap pecans for walnuts, or throw in some fresh dill for an herby twist.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes Step-by-Step
This recipe chicken salad with grapes comes together in 10 minutes if your chicken is already cooked.
- Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, and cooled pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to coat.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Serve on crusty bread, inside a lettuce wrap, or with a side of killed lettuce salad or dense bean salad. This chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans tastes even better the next day.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes: Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Making Chicken Salad?
Even the best ingredients can’t save a chicken salad if the proportions are off or the method is rushed. One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too much mayonnaise. A soggy salad is nobody’s idea of appetizing. Start with less and add more as needed. Another misstep? Skipping the chill time. Chicken salad tastes significantly better after an hour or two in the fridge, giving the flavors a chance to meld.
Another issue I see often is using bland chicken. If you’re working with plain poached chicken, season it well after cooking with a pinch of salt and pepper. Rotisserie chicken already has built-in flavor, making it a great shortcut for a flavorful recipe chicken salad with grapes.
And don’t forget texture—too much softness, and you lose the “bite.” Always include something crunchy, like celery or nuts, and balance it with something juicy like grapes. If you skip toasting the pecans, you’re missing out on depth and flavor.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overmix—Keep it Gently Tossed
When preparing your chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans, it’s tempting to stir aggressively, especially when blending the dressing. But overmixing crushes the grapes and turns your salad into mush. Fold the ingredients gently until just combined.
If you want to prep ahead, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving. And if you plan to use it in sandwiches, toast the bread—no one likes a soggy sandwich.
Try pairing it with something hearty like chicken shepherd’s pie or enjoy it chilled alongside dill pickle pasta salad for a contrast of creamy and tangy.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes: Variations & Ina Garten’s Famous Version
What Is Ina Garten’s Famous Chicken Salad Recipe?
If you’ve ever searched for the perfect chicken salad recipe with grapes, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Ina Garten’s version. Ina, known for her Barefoot Contessa recipes, uses roasted chicken breasts, a touch of tarragon, and large green grapes in her signature salad. She adds a sharp bite with celery and scallions and keeps the dressing simple with mayo, salt, and pepper.
What makes hers stand out? It’s the use of roasted skin-on, bone-in chicken for deep flavor and a silky texture. If you’ve got the time, it’s absolutely worth roasting your own chicken like Ina does. But for weekday lunches, I tend to stick with rotisserie or poached.
Inspired by her, I occasionally add a splash of white wine vinegar or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten up my chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans.
Easy Ways to Customize the Recipe
Want to make this your own? You can easily switch things up based on what you have:
- Swap pecans for sliced almonds or walnuts.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing (try half mayo, half yogurt).
- Add a dash of curry powder for a warm twist.
- Toss in chopped apple or dried cranberries for fall flavor.
- Skip the bread and serve it over the mediterranean cucumber salad or with a side of butter chicken for a unique combo.
This flexibility is why this recipe chicken salad with grapes stays in my rotation. No matter how you make it, the sweet-tart grapes remain the hero of the dish—just like they did the first time I stirred them in.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes: Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes (Beyond Sandwiches)
While a good chicken salad sandwich on toasted sourdough is always a winner, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this chicken salad recipe with grapes. For brunch gatherings or light summer lunches, I love serving it inside butter lettuce cups or piled high on thick tomato slices. It’s elegant, fresh, and easy.
Want something a little heartier? Spoon a scoop over creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne or serve it with a slice of chicken enchilada casserole with white sauce for a fusion of hot and cold textures that works surprisingly well.
Hosting a gathering? Use the salad as a filling for tea sandwiches or stuff it into mini croissants for a picnic-perfect option. It’s also a great topping for crackers or cucumber slices on a snack board.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Freshness
This chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
If you’re prepping ahead for a party, mix everything except the grapes and nuts. Add those just before serving to preserve their texture and crunch. And avoid freezing—mayonnaise-based salads don’t hold up well in the freezer.
For work lunches, pack it separately from bread to avoid sogginess. Add fresh lettuce or tomato slices on the side for easy assembly.
This kind of versatility is what makes this recipe chicken salad with grapes a permanent part of my kitchen rotation. It’s simple, flexible, and ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
Are grapes good in chicken salad?
Yes—grapes are more than just a sweet addition. They add a juicy pop that perfectly balances the creamy dressing and savory chicken. In this chicken salad recipe with grapes, red grapes are especially great for color and flavor contrast. Their sweetness complements the crunch of celery and toasted pecans, making the dish both refreshing and satisfying.
What are some common mistakes people make when making chicken salad?
Too much mayo, bland chicken, and skipping texture boosters are big offenders. For the best chicken salad recipe with grapes and pecans, don’t overmix or skip the chill time. Season your chicken well, use crisp celery, and toast your pecans to avoid a soggy or one-note result.
What is Ina Garten’s famous chicken salad recipe?
Ina Garten’s version features roasted chicken breasts, green grapes, celery, scallions, tarragon, and a mayo dressing. It’s known for its depth of flavor and elegant simplicity. While her recipe is a classic, this recipe chicken salad with grapes offers a bit more crunch with pecans and flexibility for everyday cooking.
What ingredients do you put in chicken salad?
The core ingredients are chicken, grapes, celery, pecans, and a creamy dressing (usually mayo or Greek yogurt). Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and lemon juice add extra brightness. Optional mix-ins like apples or fresh herbs can make your chicken salad unique while keeping it grounded in classic comfort.
Conclusion: Make This Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes Your Own
If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—simple, satisfying, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable—this chicken salad recipe with grapes is it. Whether you serve it over greens, between slices of crusty bread, or chilled in a picnic container, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
I hope this recipe inspires you to grab a bowl, get a little messy, and create something delicious. And if you’ve ever added too much mayo, forgotten the salt, or swapped sugar for salt (yes, I’ve done that too!), then welcome—you’re in the right kitchen.
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