Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds is sure to become a new favorite!This salad brings together soft, shredded chicken with the sweet taste of grapes and the crunchy texture of walnuts. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

I tried chicken salad without grapes but now I want to check salad with grapes and it tastes amazing. First thing is very easy to make . For your lunch time it will be best . I also added sliced almonds too . I personally like almonds and in this salad they work nice . 

You can use mayonnaise or ( greek yogurt or sour cream ) . But I used both . ½  cup from each . But if you don’t like mayonnaise you can skip it . I tried chicken salad without mayonnaise and it tasted nice . 

Ingredients

3 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken:

• The main ingredient in this salad is the chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already cooked, tender, and flavorful. You can also use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
• Make sure to remove any skin and bones from the chicken before shredding it. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, using either your hands, two forks, or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for faster shredding.

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise:

• You can use regular or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference.

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:

• Greek yogurt is a healthier option that adds a  flavor and creamy texture. It’s also packed with protein, making it a great addition to the salad.
• Sour cream can be used if you prefer a richer taste. Both options work well in combination with the mayonnaise.

2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, Chopped:

• Chop the parsley finely before adding it to the mix to ensure even distribution.

1/4 Cup Red Onion, Finely Diced:

• Red onion gives the salad a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy dressing and sweetness of the grapes. Dice the onion finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.

1/2 Cup Red Grapes, Quartered or Halved:

• Red grapes add sweetness and juiciness to the salad. Cut the grapes into quarters or halves to make them bite-sized and easier to mix into the salad.

1/2 Cup Celery, Sliced:

• Celery provides crunch and freshness to the salad, offering a nice textural contrast to the creamy ingredients. Slice the celery thinly so it incorporates well with the other ingredients and isn’t too overpowering.

1/4 Cup Sliced Almonds, Chopped:

• Chop the almonds into smaller pieces if you prefer smaller bits mixed throughout the salad.

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper:

• These are basic seasonings to enhance the flavors of the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, depending on your preference for seasoning. Kosher salt is often used in salads for its coarse texture, which helps distribute the salt evenly.

How To Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Shred the Chicken: Start by taking your cooked chicken (preferably rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken breasts) and shred it into small, bite-sized pieces using forks, hands, or a stand mixer. This ensures that the chicken is well-incorporated throughout the salad and easy to eat.
• Place in a Mixing Bowl: Transfer the shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl, which will be large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for easy stirring.

2. Make the Dressing

• Combine Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to the bowl with the shredded chicken. Mix the mayonnaise and yogurt together until smooth to create a creamy dressing base. The yogurt adds tanginess and a creamy texture, while the mayo adds richness to the salad.

3. Add Fresh Ingredients

• Add Parsley: Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely and stir it into the mixture. The parsley adds a burst of color and a mild herby flavor that complements the richness of the dressing.
• Add Red Onion: Dice 1/4 cup of red onion finely and add it to the bowl. The onion will add a bit of sharpness and balance out the sweetness of the grapes and creaminess of the dressing.
• Add Grapes and Celery: Quarter or halve 1/2 cup red grapes and slice 1/2 cup celery. Add them to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad. The grapes add a refreshing sweetness, while the celery gives a nice crunch and freshness.

4. Add Almonds

• Chop and Add Almonds: Chop 1/4 cup of sliced almonds into smaller pieces (if desired) and gently fold them into the salad. The almonds provide a crunchy, nutty texture that contrasts well with the creamy and juicy elements of the salad.

5. Season the Salad

• Season with Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle the salad with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the salad, so be sure to adjust according to your preference.

6. Chill and Serve

• Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the salad.
• Serve: After chilling, your salad is ready to serve. You can serve it:
  • On a bed of greens, such as mixed lettuce, spinach, or arugula, for a fresh and healthy presentation.
  • In a sandwich, by spreading the salad between two slices of bread or inside a wrap.
  • On its own, as a light, refreshing meal or side dish.

Pro Tips for Best Results

1. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken adds flavor and tenderness to the salad, making it easier to prepare. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a fresher option.
2. Make it Ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
3. Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add grapes of different colors, use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds, or substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a different flavor.
4. Adjust Seasonings: If you prefer a bit more tang, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing.

Substitutions

• You can easily switch things up by adding fruits like apples or different nuts like walnuts or pecans. This salad is incredibly flexible!
• Enhance the flavor by incorporating spices such as garlic, paprika, curry powder, or mustard.
• While rotisserie chicken works great in this salad, feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken you have available.

How To Store 

If you want to store it, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep—just store it in an airtight container for optimal freshness. Before serving, give it a good stir.

More Chicken Salad Recipes

• Chicken Salad Without Mayo
• Chicken Salad Without Celery
• Chicken Salad Recipe Without Grapes
• Chicken Macaroni Salad With Nestle Cream
• Chicken Macaroni Salad With Nestle Cream