Name: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3½ cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 stalks celery, chopped; ⅔ cup red grapes, halved; ½ cup chopped pecans; ½ medium red onion, diced; ⅔ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

This creamy, crunchy chicken salad combines tender chicken with sweet grapes and toasty pecans for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an elevated take on the classic chicken salad that works beautifully for lunch, picnics, or light dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. It’s incredibly versatile – serve it on croissants for an elegant lunch, in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or with crackers for a quick snack. The preparation is simple with zero cooking time (if your chicken is already cooked), making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining. Plus, the combination of juicy grapes and crunchy pecans elevates this from an ordinary chicken salad to something truly special that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken forms the protein-rich foundation of this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, poach your own chicken breasts for a tender result, or even use leftover roasted chicken for added flavor depth.
Celery adds essential crunch and a fresh, subtle flavor that balances the richness of the dressing. It also contributes a nice bit of fiber and helps stretch the salad.
Red grapes provide bursts of juicy sweetness that perfectly contrast with the savory elements. Their natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar in the dressing.
Pecans contribute a buttery crunch and slight earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Toast them lightly before adding for enhanced flavor, or substitute walnuts or sliced almonds if preferred.
Red onion delivers a sharp, aromatic bite that cuts through the creaminess. Soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing. You can use light mayonnaise if preferred, though full-fat provides the best flavor and texture.
Greek yogurt or sour cream adds tanginess while reducing the amount of mayonnaise needed, creating a lighter dressing with a pleasant complexity.
Parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color. It’s optional but highly recommended for both flavor and visual appeal.
Dijon mustard contributes a subtle sharpness and depth that rounds out the dressing. Its slight acidity helps balance the richness.
Lemon juice brightens all the flavors with its acidity and freshness. Fresh is always best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Season to taste, keeping in mind that you can always add more but can’t take it away.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add shredded chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, red onion, and parsley (if using). Toss until fully combined.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best served chilled on a bun, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family lunch or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 388 calories. The preparation takes only 15 minutes if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, with zero cooking time, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The total time investment is just 15 minutes, though the flavors develop nicely if you can refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Add chopped cucumber, feta cheese, and replace the grapes with halved cherry tomatoes. Use olive oil to replace some of the mayonnaise and add dried oregano.
Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the dressing, substitute dried cranberries for the grapes, and add diced apple for crunch.
Asian-Inspired: Include a tablespoon of sesame oil, substitute sliced almonds for pecans, add mandarin orange segments instead of grapes, and mix in some chopped cilantro.
Waldorf Chicken Salad: Add diced apples and substitute walnuts for the pecans for a classic Waldorf twist.
Herb Garden: Enhance the herbal profile by adding fresh dill, tarragon, or basil along with the parsley for a garden-fresh flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This chicken salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as they have time to meld together.
For food safety, never leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F).
This dish is not suitable for freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate upon thawing, and the texture of the grapes and celery will deteriorate.
No reheating is necessary or recommended for this dish, as it’s designed to be enjoyed cold. If you’ve just taken it out of the refrigerator, letting it sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature can enhance the flavors.

FAQs

What’s the best chicken to use for chicken salad?

Poached chicken breast provides a tender texture that’s easy to shred, while rotisserie chicken offers convenience and flavor. You can also use leftover roasted chicken. The key is ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned and not overcooked to prevent dryness.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop and improve when made a day ahead. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce calories by using light mayonnaise or increasing the ratio of Greek yogurt to mayonnaise. Consider using Greek yogurt with 2% fat instead of full-fat. You can also add more celery and reduce the amount of chicken for a lower-calorie option.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

Chicken salad is versatile and pairs well with croissants, whole grain bread, pita pockets, or lettuce cups for wrapping. It also works well alongside a green salad, fresh fruit, or soup for a complete meal.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of grapes?

Yes, dried cranberries make an excellent substitute for grapes, offering a similar sweet-tart profile with a different texture. You might want to reduce the quantity slightly as their flavor is more concentrated.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients, particularly the Dijon mustard, as some brands may contain trace gluten. Serve with gluten-free crackers or in lettuce cups to maintain a gluten-free meal.

How can I prevent my chicken salad from becoming watery?

Make sure your chicken is well-drained before adding it. If using freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before mixing. Additionally, pat dry the celery and grapes after washing to remove excess moisture.

Can I add other fruits to this chicken salad?

Certainly! Diced apples, halved cherries, or even mandarin orange segments work wonderfully. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the salad.

What’s a good non-mayonnaise alternative for the dressing?

For a mayo-free version, try using all Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a combination of olive oil and lemon juice. Each will create a different flavor profile, so adjust seasonings accordingly.

How do I toast pecans for this recipe?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Allow them to cool completely before adding to the salad for maximum crunch.

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans elevates a classic dish with its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements. It’s incredibly versatile—enjoy it as a sandwich filling, a protein-packed topping for greens, or simply with crackers for a satisfying snack. The combination of tender chicken, juicy grapes, and buttery pecans creates a memorable flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

Whether you’re preparing lunch for the family, planning a picnic, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers exceptional taste with minimal effort. The make-ahead friendly nature of this dish means you can enjoy gourmet flavor even on your busiest days. Try it once, and this chicken salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans