This chicken salad recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The grapes and scallions add beautiful colors, flavors, and textures. The creamy mayonnaise adds a wonderful richness that completes the salad beautifully.
Ingredient Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken: I like to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make things easy and quick. See other chicken alternatives below!
- Mayo: Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip. It makes a big difference.
- Red Grapes: I prefer to use sliced red grapes for a pop of color but green is also a great option.
- Pecans: Pecans offer an added crunch and more protein. Add the pecans right before serving to avoid getting soggy.
- Green Onions: If you want, feel free to use red or yellow onion instead. Green onions are milder than the others.
Substitutions
- Fruits: Consider swapping the grapes for other fruit to enhance the flavor of the chicken salad. Apples are a good option for adding sweetness and a crisp texture. Dried cranberries and cherries can also be added for tartness. Pineapple chunks can be added for a tropical taste, as can mandarin oranges for a burst of citrus. The possibilities are endless.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, chives or parsley level up the flavor and add beautiful color. Add just before serving to maintain their freshness.
What Kind Of Chicken To Use
The easiest and most flavorful choice is a plain rotisserie chicken. Check your local grocery store, most offer them near the deli.
Other cuts of chicken could be chicken breasts that are cooked then shredded. You can simmer them in a pot or in a crock pot until cooked through. Cooked chicken thighs are also a great option.
Becky's Tips
- Use quality chicken: A rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and flavor. You can also poach your chicken for a fresh taste. Add stock for a more flavorful chicken.
- Balance textures: Including a mix of crunchy ingredients like celery or pecans makes the salad more interesting and satisfying.
- Dress it lightly: You can use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing that's light and tangy. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for some brightness.
- Let it chill: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge and the flavors to marry for about 30 minutes before serving.
How To Store Chicken Salad
- Transfer the salad to a clean, airtight container to keep the salad fresh.
- Store in the fridge within two hours of preparation to prevent the risk of bacterial growth.
- For optimal freshness, consume the chicken salad within 3 to 4 days.
More Recipes To Try:
Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
This chicken salad recipe is a versatile dish typically using cooked, diced, chicken, celery, onion, grapes, dried fruits, mustard, mayo, and seasonings. You may also add delicious fruits such as apples or grapes for added texture. Chicken salad is a perfect and quick meal for easy lunches and picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs rotisserie chicken cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped *see note below
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- ½ cup grapes, halved
Instructions
- Combine the onion, celery, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, grapes, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Add in the chicken and mix to combine.You may also add dried fruit or grapes.
Notes
This chicken salad recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Enjoy this chicken salad on a bagel, soft sandwich bread, croissant, as a lettuce wrap, or inside a tortilla.
Some delicious ideas to serve you chicken salad:
- Croissant
- Plain or everything bagel
- Pita Bread
- Serve on a bed of lettuce
- Tortilla wrap
