Chicken Salad Grapes Celery

This creamy chicken salad with grapes is my favorite answer to busy days when I want something fresh and satisfying I love how the sweet burst of grapes pairs with tender chicken and crunchy celery and the whole thing comes together in just minutes It is equally at home tucked into a croissant as it is piled onto crisp lettuce or simply scooped up by the forkful

The first time I brought this to a family picnic everyone went back for seconds and ever since I cannot go to a potluck without getting a special request for it My favorite part is how quick it is to whip up even when I am short on time or energy

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Choose rotisserie or lightly poached chicken for tenderness or shred leftover roast chicken for richer flavor Look for chicken that is moist and not overcooked
• Red seedless grapes: Bring a sweet pop to each bite Go for grapes that are firm and deep in color and slice them in half to keep the salad juicy not watery
• Celery: Offers crunch and freshness Pick crisp tight stalks and dice them small so they mix in smoothly
• Red onion: Adds a gentle bite You can skip it for a milder flavor or run it under cold water after chopping to tame the sharpness
• Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts: Nutty crunch that makes the salad heartier Toasting really brings out their flavor but you can leave them out for allergies or a lighter salad

For the dressing

• Mayonnaise: Creamy richness is the backbone of the dressing Use good quality mayo for best taste
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Gives a balanced tang and makes the salad a bit lighter and creamier Opt for thick plain Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture
• Dijon mustard: Adds a punch of flavor and slight spice Choose smooth Dijon rather than grainy for the silkiest dressing
• Lemon juice: Brightens everything up Freshly squeezed gives a noticeable freshness
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Rounds out all the flavors and helps the salad pop Go for coarse ground pepper if you love a bit more bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop or shred your chicken into bite sized pieces Slice the grapes in half Dice the celery and onion If using nuts chop and toast them briefly in a dry pan until fragrant This step keeps every ingredient fresh crisp and evenly sized in the final salad

Mix the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl gently combine the chicken grapes celery red onion and nuts if using Stir everything together so each scoop will get a little of everything

Blend the Dressing:

Whisk together the mayonnaise Greek yogurt mustard lemon juice salt and pepper in a separate bowl until perfectly smooth The dressing should taste bright yet creamy If you want extra tang use a bit more yogurt or lemon

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together gently mixing until all the chicken veggies and grapes are coated but not crushed

Adjust and Serve:

Taste for seasoning and add extra salt or pepper if needed Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld Serve it over greens on fresh sandwich bread scooped with crackers or just as it is

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The addition of red grapes makes this simple chicken salad unforgettable They are my secret weapon for convincing the kids to eat salad because the sweetness gets them every time My happiest memory is making this salad in big batches before a family road trip with everyone sneaking spoonfuls before we even packed the cooler

Storage Tips

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator It stays fresh and crisp for up to two days To keep the salad from getting watery I recommend patting the grapes dry after washing and combining the dressing and salad just before serving for the best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use leftover turkey breast in place of chicken for a holiday twist Swap pecans or walnuts for sliced toasted almonds or leave out the nuts completely for allergies To make it lighter use all Greek yogurt for the dressing or try a vegan mayonnaise if you need a dairy free option

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines served on buttery croissants in crisp lettuce cups or scooped onto your favorite whole grain bread For parties I like to pile it onto small crackers or cucumber rounds so people can grab a bite easily It also makes a bright topping for a bowl of mixed greens

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Cultural or Historical Context

Chicken salad is a classic American deli staple that has been reimagined in countless ways Grapes and nuts are a nod to the popular Waldorf salad created at the Waldorf Astoria in New York around the turn of the twentieth century Over time home cooks have made it their own by customizing with ingredients on hand

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the pecans or walnuts to make it nut-free. The salad remains deliciously creamy and flavorful.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Use cooked chicken breast—shredded or chopped. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are convenient options.

→ How can I lighten up the dressing?

Substitute all or part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add extra tang.

→ How long does chicken salad stay fresh?

It tastes best within two days. Store covered in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and texture.

→ Can I add herbs for extra flavor?

Yes, stir in chopped parsley, tarragon, or dill for a fresh herbal note.