Wondering what to make for your next picnic or outdoor lunch? Chicken Salad With Grapes is the answer! Fruity, creamy, and a little nutty—it will leave your taste buds tingling!
Ah, the joys of summer! Long, lazy days and the prospect of plenty of outdoor gatherings with friends and family. Whether it’s a picnic, day at the beach, or 4th of July get-together, for me, these occasions are the perfect opportunity to get creative with the food, which is, after all, a big element of what brings us together. Forget the usual bologna sandwiches or uninventive macaroni salad—this is my cue to get into the kitchen and whip up something that will have everyone’s taste buds tingling!
From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone will enjoy this chicken salad with grapes. It’s creamy, juicy, and has a delightful smoky crunch (thanks to the addition of a handful of toasted almonds). Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers. Have some roasted chicken in the fridge? It’s practically begging to be used in this delectable salad! So, fill those glasses with ice-cold lemonade and bring out this salad with plenty of bread, crackers, and crisp lettuce. Long live the summer and all the food that comes with it!
Is Chicken Salad with Grapes Healthy?
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also pretty wholesome. Sure, the mayonnaise adds some saturated fat, but you can always replace it with fat-free Greek yogurt, which would also increase the protein content. If you’re limiting your sodium intake, make sure the almonds used are unsalted, and feel free to skip the salt and add extra pepper and lemon juice instead. To make a vegan variation, use a plant-based mayonnaise and replace the chicken with jackfruit. When serving the salad, opt for healthier breads, such as sourdough or whole-wheat. It’s also delicious on a bed of brown rice or in a tasty lettuce wrap.
Don’t Like Grapes? No problem!
Understandably, grapes aren’t everyone’s favorite fruit. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the juicy goodness of this dish. There are several good alternatives, like raisins, dried cranberries, apples, avocado, or even pineapple! (The latter is pretty bold and daring, but if you want to add a little Hawaiian-style flare to the mix, then it’s a great option.) For nut alternatives, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even cashews. Have a nut allergy? Pumpkin seeds will work well, too.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Though it’s best enjoyed fresh, the salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This recipe doesn’t freeze well since the ingredients are prone to getting mushy during thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from the classic sandwich, you can also put a dollop or two on top of Fluffy Quinoa, brown rice, or Mediterranean Couscous. The salad is also perfect stuffed inside these Quick Baked Potatoes. You can also skip the carbs and enjoy it with a side of Sautéed Broccolini.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup red seedless grapes halved
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1/2 cup almonds toasted
- 1 green onion sliced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, and green onion.
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and kosher salt to the bowl and mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy with your choice of bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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