Delight your taste buds with this rockstar Chicken Salad with Grapes recipe! It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that offers a perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this salad will leave you feeling satisfied and energized! Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Budget Information
This delightful Chicken Salad with Grapes recipe costs approximately $10.50 to make, which means it’s just about $2.10 per serving. Not too shabby for a dish that feels so gourmet, right?
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicken Salad with Grapes works wonders because it’s all about contrast! The juicy, sweet bursts of grapes play off the tender chicken beautifully, while the crunch of celery adds texture, and the creamy dressing ties it all together. It’s customizable too—feel free to add nuts or swap in your favorite herbs. Plus, it’s a quick prep, making it a lifesaver on busy days!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you need to whip up this scrumptious chicken salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded ($4.00) – Substitutions: rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work beautifully!
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved ($3.00) – Try using diced apples or dried cranberries for a twist!
- 1/2 cup diced celery ($0.50) – Bell peppers can add a fun crunch if you can’t find celery.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans ($1.00) – Leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.
- 1 cup mayo ($0.75) – Greek yogurt could be a lighter alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ($0.20) – Honey mustard is a tasty substitute.
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter—think of this as your cooking stage! Prepare your cooked chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just pull off those tender pieces and toss them into a big mixing bowl. You’ll want that heartiness!
Step 2: Next, grab those vibrant grapes and give them a quick rinse. Once they’re dry, slice them in half. This little step allows their juicy goodness to meld beautifully with the chicken and dressing. For an unexpected texture twist, add your chopped celery too; that crunch is essential!
Step 3: Now, into the mixing bowl, add your mayo and Dijon mustard. This creamy combo is what makes our salad sing! Toss everything together using a spatula or your clean hands (it’s more fun!) until the chicken, grapes, and celery are well-coated and full of flavor. Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste; you want to dial in that seasoning just right!
Step 4: If you opted for nuts, fold those in last. They’ll give the salad that extra crunch that makes every bite exciting. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the nuts too much—you want those delightful pieces to shine!
Step 5: Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a fabulously refreshing dish. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 6: Finally, serve this wonderful chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crunchy crackers. Enjoy the applause you’re sure to get—because this dish will have them asking for seconds!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a quick health breakdown for one serving of this Chicken Salad with Grapes:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Total Fats: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Salad with Grapes is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it—just pop it back into the fridge and it’s ready when you are!
Serving Suggestions
There are so many delicious ways to serve this Chicken Salad with Grapes! Try it on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch, or pile it onto whole-grain bread for a classic sandwich. Feeling indulgent? Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or for a fancy touch, stuff it into a buttery croissant. The options are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Throw in some diced apples for added sweetness or swap out the nuts for sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern. You can even add a dash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. And remember, letting it chill before serving makes all the difference—flavor marinates as it sits!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great shortcut, just drain it well before using.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
It will keep fresh for about 3 days, so enjoy those leftovers!
What can I serve with Chicken Salad?
Try it with a side of fruit, potato chips, or even a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day before is totally fine. Just give it a stir before serving to wake up those flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or serving it in lettuce wraps!
