If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, creamy, and slightly sweet lunch or light dinner, then this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It strikes the perfect balance between tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped in a luscious dressing that combines mayonnaise and hummus for a surprisingly delightful twist. This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more each time you enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing the salad to life. From the creamy dressing to the crisp celery and sweet grapes, every element adds a unique touch of taste, texture, or color that makes this salad truly unforgettable.
- 4 ½ cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base that makes this salad satisfying.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the dressing.
- â…“ cup plain or garlic hummus: Brings a smooth texture and a garlic hint that deepens the flavor profile.
- ½ – ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory notes without overpowering the salad.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Offers a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild sharpness to brighten the dressing.
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped dill: Adds a fresh, herby dimension that’s both aromatic and colorful.
- ½ cup finely diced celery: Provides a crisp crunch and subtle bitterness to offset the creamy elements.
- ¾ cup toasted pecans: Delivers a rich, nutty crunch for textural contrast.
- 1 cup grapes, cut into bite-sized pieces: Bursts of juicy sweetness that surprise and delight in every bite.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by placing the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, hummus, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper into a large bowl. Stir these ingredients together until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. This combination gives the salad a luscious texture and flavorful foundation that blends tanginess, creaminess, and mild spice.
Step 2: Mix in the Fresh Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the finely chopped dill, diced celery, toasted pecans, and the bite-sized grape pieces. Be careful not to stir too vigorously here so the grapes maintain their shape and provide those wonderful bursts of juiciness. This step balances the salad with herbaceous freshness, crunch, and sweet juiciness, making it visually appealing and exciting to eat.
Step 3: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and place your salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while giving the dressing time to thicken slightly, enhancing every spoonful’s deliciousness.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
Once chilled, your Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is ready to enjoy. Whether you scoop it over crisp lettuce, pile it into a sandwich, or serve it alongside crunchy crackers, each serving is packed with fresh, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe, consider sprinkling extra toasted pecans or a small sprig of fresh dill on top just before serving. A light drizzle of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors further, adding a zesty note that awakens your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like mixed greens or a fresh fruit salad to complement its creamy sweetness. For a more filling meal, try serving it with crusty bread, pita chips, or even a simple vegetable soup to make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe to the next level by serving it in avocado halves for a fresh and elegant presentation. You can also stuff it inside whole wheat pita pockets or wrap it in buttery lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free option that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with time, but be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
Because of the fresh grapes and mayonnaise, freezing this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe isn’t recommended. Freezing can change the texture of both the grapes and the creamy dressing once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to enjoy a warm twist, consider reheating the chicken separately and then mixing it with the salad ingredients just before serving. This keeps the fresh, crisp textures of grapes and celery intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen grapes for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh grapes as frozen ones tend to lose their texture and become watery when thawed, which can dilute the creamy dressing. Fresh grapes keep the salad bursting with juicy bites.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast is ideal because it’s lean and tender, but leftover rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully and adds great flavor without extra effort.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or sliced almonds make excellent alternatives that still provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it a day ahead to let the flavors settle and enjoy it for quick lunches throughout the week.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses mayonnaise and hummus instead of yogurt or sour cream. Just make sure your mayonnaise and hummus are dairy-free versions, which they typically are.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe that manages to feel both indulgent and fresh at the same time. It’s a versatile dish full of texture, flavor, and simple ingredients that come together in a way that makes every bite a little celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and delicious homemade chicken salad can be!
Print
Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, combining tender chicken pieces with crunchy pecans, sweet grapes, and a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, hummus, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a light snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Base
- 4 ½ cups chicken (cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup hummus (plain or garlic)
- ½ – ¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Add-ins
- 1 ½ Tbsp. dill (finely chopped)
- ½ cup celery (finely diced)
- ¾ cup pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup grapes (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing and chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken pieces with mayonnaise, hummus, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
- Add fresh ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped dill, diced celery, toasted pecans, and grape pieces. Stir just enough to combine, taking care not to break apart the grapes for ideal texture.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken salad as a sandwich filling, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or alongside crackers for a delightful meal or snack.
Notes
- For best flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding to the salad.
- Use plain or garlic-flavored hummus based on your preference for added depth.
- Chilling the salad longer than 2 hours enhances the taste.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Suitable for a light lunch or picnic option.
