Making Delicious Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken salad is a classic lunch or light dinner recipe that is easy to make and endlessly customizable. While traditional chicken salad often contains just chicken, mayonnaise and seasonings adding fruits like grapes creates a sweet-tart flavor and crunchy texture contrast. Grapes are a perfect addition to chicken salad, complementing the savory chicken and creamy mayonnaise. Read on to learn how to make tasty chicken salad with grapes.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Grapes

The base of chicken salad includes

• Chicken – cooked, shredded or chopped chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own bone-in chicken breasts or tenders.

• Mayonnaise – binds the ingredients and adds creaminess. Regular, low-fat or non-fat varieties work.

• Grapes – halved grapes add sweetness, moisture and texture. Red, green or black grapes work well.

• Celery – chopped celery provides crunch. This is optional but recommended.

• Onion – minced red or white onion gives flavor. You can omit this if you don’t like raw onions.

• Dried cranberries – sweet-tart contrast to grapes. Dried cherries also work.

• Nuts – chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds add crunch.

• Apple – grated apple gives moisture and flavor.

• Lemon juice – brightens the flavors.

• Salt and pepper – season to taste.

• Herbs like dill, tarragon, parsley – fresh herbs brighten the flavor.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes

Follow these simple steps for homemade chicken salad with grapes:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

• For basic chicken salad, use 2-3 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken.

• Bake, grill, saute or poach bone-in chicken breasts, tenders or thighs until cooked through (160°F internal temperature). Let cool.

• Or use 2-3 cups chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins

• Rinse, dry and halve red and/or green grapes.

• Finely chop celery and any herbs.

• Peel and mince or grate onion if using.

• Chop any nuts or dried fruit.

• Grate apple if using.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• Mix 3/4 to 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl.

• Season with salt, pepper and any herbs.

• For lower-calorie chicken salad, use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of some mayo.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• In a large bowl, mix the chicken, grapes, mayonnaise dressing and any other ingredients until evenly combined.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serving and Storing Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken salad with grapes keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days. Here are some serving ideas:

• Scoop onto bread, toast, English muffins or bagels for chicken salad sandwiches.

• Stuff into pita breads, wraps or lettuce cups.

• Serve on top of salad greens for an easy chicken salad.

• Scoop into tomatoes or avocado halves for a twist on stuffed avocado.

• Serve on crackers or cucumber slices as an appetizer.

• Use as a filling for stuffed potatoes or hollowed out tomatoes.

• Top croissants or pastries for an elegant chicken salad sandwich.

Variations for Chicken Salad with Grapes

Tailor your chicken salad to your taste by mixing in any of these ingredients:

• Diced apple or mango

• Chopped toasted walnuts, pecans or sliced almonds

• Dried cherries, cranberries, raisins or currants

• Minced red onion or shallots

• Chopped dill pickle or pickle relish

• Crumbled bacon or sliced grapes

• Shredded cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack or blue cheese

• Chopped fresh herbs like dill, basil, cilantro, mint

• Citrus zest and juice

• Ground ginger, curry powder or chili powder

• Toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds

• Olive oil or avocado for added richness

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad with Grapes

Follow these tips for fresher, tastier homemade chicken salad with grapes:

• Use freshly-cooked chicken, not pre-cooked or canned chicken which has less flavor.

• Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld.

• If not using immediately, toss cut grapes in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

• Adjust mayonnaise to reach desired consistency – start with 1/2 cup per 2-3 cups chicken.

• Use chicken broth or yogurt to thin salad instead of more mayo.

• Toast nuts before chopping to boost their flavor.

• Use both red and green grapes for color and flavor contrast.

• Stir in mayo just before serving or the salad may get watery.

• Use citrus juice and zest to brighten the flavors.

• Play around with different herbs, spices, cheeses and mix-ins to customize your salad.

• Substitute Greek yogurt for up to half the mayonnaise to lighten it up.

Why Add Grapes to Chicken Salad?

There are several good reasons to add grapes to chicken salad:

• Sweetness – Grapes balance the savory flavor of chicken.

• Juiciness – Grapes add natural moisture so the salad isn’t dry or pasty.

• Nutrition – Grapes add fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

• Texture – Grapes provide a satisfying crisp, juicy pop.

• Color – Red and green grapes make the salad more visually appealing.

• Flavor – Grapes have a refreshing flavor that complements chicken.

• Convenience – Grapes need no prep other than halving or quartering.

• Versatility – Grapes work in any style of chicken salad from classic to curried.

• Kid-friendliness – Grapes make chicken salad more appealing to picky eaters.

Chicken Salad with Grapes is a Flexible, Flavorful Recipe

Chicken salad with grapes is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and very versatile. It makes great sandwiches, salads, snacks and more. The sweet grapes balance the savory chicken salad while adding juiciness, nutrition and kid-appeal. Improvise with different mix-ins and flavors to create your own signature chicken salad masterpiece. Whip up a batch of this easy, tasty crowd-pleaser today.