Grape Expectations Easy Breezy Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a chicken salad recipe with grapes that's quick, easy, and tastes amazing? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe is sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Brief Overview

Chicken salad, in its many forms, has graced tables for generations. Its origins likely evolved from the need to use leftover chicken.

This version is super easy, taking only about an hour, including chill time, and serves 4. It’s a tasty twist on a classic.

Main Benefits

One of the main reasons I love this chicken salad recipe with grapes is that it's a great source of protein.

It's perfect for a light lunch, especially if you're trying to eat healthy. It's also makes the best chicken salad for a picnic .

It's a real crowd pleaser, I tell ya!

Why This Grape Chicken Salad Recipe Rocks

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make for lunch? I know I have! This easy chicken salad recipe is your answer.

It's simple, delicious, and packed with flavor. Think creamy chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery what's not to love? It is also a great chicken salad with fruit recipe .

I love how the sweetness of the grapes balances the savory chicken. Honestly, it's a flavour explosion in your mouth.

And the best part? You can make-ahead chicken salad with grapes and store it in the fridge for a couple of days.

Chicken salad variations are also possible, using the same method.

What You'll Need to Make This Amazing Chicken Salad

Let's talk ingredients, shall we? Here’s what you'll need. I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but feel free to cook your own.

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded. Rotisserie chicken works brilliantly!
• 1 cup red grapes, halved.
• ½ cup celery, finely diced.
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced.
• ½ cup mayonnaise.
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed.
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.

Don't forget the optional goodies. A little crunch from toasted almonds or pecans is always a good idea. The grape chicken salad sandwich can also include fresh tarragon, if you're feeling fancy.

Honestly, it adds a lovely touch. This creamy chicken salad recipe really does makes the most of its ingredients. A great healthy chicken salad recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Honestly, the beauty of this chicken salad recipe with grapes is how simple it is. No need for fancy schmancy ingredients or equipment.

We're keeping it real, yeah? This recipe will make a great chicken salad for picnic and outdoor activity.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• 1 ½ cups (350g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It's already cooked, seasoned, and tastes amazing.

  Make sure is cool so is easier to handle and shred. If cooking your own, aim for an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .

• 1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved. Plump, juicy grapes are key here. Give them a good wash before halving. The grapes can be substituted in this chicken salad with fruit recipe .

• ½ cup (50g) celery, finely diced. Celery needs to be crunchy.

• ¼ cup (30g) red onion, finely diced. I prefer red onion for a bit of bite, but green onions work great too, for a more mellow flavour.

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise. Full fat or light, you do you! Quality mayonnaise makes a huge difference. Consider using half yogurt for a healthy chicken salad recipe .

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt. This adds a nice tang, so good!

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard. Don't skip this, the mustard gives it the je ne sais quoi.

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Freshly squeezed is best, seriously.

• ¼ teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust.

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always better, right?

  Optional: ¼ cup (30g) chopped toasted almonds. Toasting brings out the flavour, trust me. Toast the almonds at 350F for around 5 minutes so they are nicely toasted .

  Optional: 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped. Tarragon adds a sophisticated, herbal note.

Seasoning Notes: Jazzing Things Up

This recipe makes a creamy chicken salad recipe , which is easy to add different chicken salad variations . Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper are musts.

Don't be afraid to experiment! A little pinch of paprika? Go for it.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large Mixing Bowl: Obvious, but essential.
• Cutting Board: To chop all the veggies.
• Chef's Knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially when baking.
• Whisk: For the dressing.
• Optional: Small skillet for toasting nuts.

If you're making this grape chicken salad sandwich , you might want a bread knife too. See, nothing crazy needed. It's all about using what you have and having fun.

Grape Expectations: Cooking Method Made Easy

Honestly, chicken salad recipe with grapes doesn't need to be fussy. We are talking about a dish that’s totally achievable with minimal effort.

The key is in the organization and prep. Trust me, a little bit of mise en place goes a long way! Here's a foolproof guide.

Prep Steps: Operation Chicken Salad

First things first: Essential mise en place . Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This isn't just fancy chef talk.

It seriously saves time and keeps your sanity intact. Also, wash all your veggies. For example, dice your ½ cup (50g) celery and ¼ cup (30g) red onion into small pieces.

Then, cut 1 cup (150g) red grapes in half.

For time saving tips , if you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, get that done first! I often use rotisserie chicken.

That saves a good 25- 30 minutes . Always let the chicken cool completely before shredding. Safety is paramount! Avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for your chicken and fresh produce.

The Salad: step-by-step

This easy chicken salad recipe is a breeze.

1. Cook your chicken if you're not using pre-cooked. Internal temp should reach 165° F/ 74° C .
2. Halve the grapes, dice the celery, and the red onion.
3. Make the dressing: Whisk together ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30ml) Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon, 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
4. Combine shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and onion with the dressing.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes . This helps the flavors meld together.

Pro Tips: Elevating your Chicken Salad

Here are some insider tips for the best chicken salad for picnic .

Don't over mix! It makes it watery. Gently fold everything. Seriously. Over mixing results in poor texture.

Taste before chilling! Adjust the seasonings if needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavour, you know?

A common mistake is not chilling it long enough. Don't skip the chill time. Trust me. At least 30 minutes or longer to get the best flavors.

make-ahead chicken salad with grapes is perfect for meal prepping!. You can easily store healthy chicken salad recipe in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Salad Ever!

Alright, you've got the basics of this amazing chicken salad recipe with grapes . But, like with any good recipe, there are a few little things we can tweak to make it perfect for you .

Honestly, these are the things I've learned over time that have elevated my easy chicken salad recipe game. Let's dive in, shall we?

Plating Like a Pro (or Just Making it Look Nice!)

Okay, so presentation isn't everything, but it does make a difference. For a grape chicken salad sandwich , think about using a fancy croissant instead of plain bread.

You know? Adds a little something. Or, if you're feeling healthy, serve it in crisp lettuce cups. For sides, a simple green salad or some crunchy carrot sticks will do the trick.

And for a bevvy? A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio is delish.

Storage: Keepin' it Fresh

This creamy chicken salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Honestly, I've never had it last that long! Freezing isn't recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and get weird. When reheating, just give it a good stir to freshen it up.

Variations to Shake Things Up

Want to mix things up? Course you do. For a healthier twist, try swapping half the mayo for mashed avocado it's creamy and packed with good fats! Or, for a seasonal vibe, use cranberries instead of grapes in the winter.

A healthy chicken salad recipe is always a winner. If you want to adapt into a chicken salad with fruit recipe , try adding apples.

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Each serving of this Grape Expectations Chicken Salad comes in around 300 calories. We are talking about 25 grams of protein.

You also get about 20 grams of fat, and about 10 grams of carbohydrates. The protein comes from the chicken and yogurt.

The grapes provide antioxidants and the celery adds fiber. Talk about a win-win! Perfect for a best chicken salad for picnic .

So there you have it! You are now ready to make your Grape Expectations: Easy & Breezy Chicken Salad recipe.

With a few tweaks and tips, this rotisserie chicken salad with grapes can be your new go-to meal! You've got this!