If you are searching for a refreshing and delightful dish that combines the creamy richness of chicken with sweet and crunchy bursts, look no further than this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of tender chicken, juicy grapes, crisp celery, and crunchy walnuts, all tied together with a luscious dressing that has just the right balance of tang and creaminess. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or something special for a gathering, this salad feels like a warm hug on your plate and will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe plays an essential role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory ensures every bite is exciting and satisfying.
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast: The hearty, lean protein base that keeps the salad filling and nutritious.
- 1 small red onion, finely diced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite to contrast the creaminess.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Brings refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 cup grapes, halved: Provides juicy sweetness that brightens every forkful.
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped: Offers a satisfying crunch and a rich nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the dressing, giving the salad body.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt: Adds tanginess and a lighter creaminess, balancing the mayo.
- 3 sprigs thyme, chopped: Infuses a fresh, herbaceous note without overpowering the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavors, making everything pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cooking your chicken breast until tender. Whether you bake, air fry, or use a quick sous vide, the key is to have it fully cooked and juicy. You can also save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken from the store, perfect for busy days. Once cooked, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to create the perfect texture for the salad.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add the diced chicken, finely diced red onion, chopped celery, and halved grapes. Mixing these fresh ingredients first allows you to evenly distribute the flavors and ensures that each bite contains a delightful variety of textures and tastes.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In the same bowl, add the mayonnaise and plain yogurt. These two creamy ingredients blend together to form a luscious dressing that coats the chicken and produce perfectly. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, even mixture that glistens invitingly.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Seasoning
It’s time to fold in the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme. The walnuts add that much-needed crunch and a rich nuttiness, while the thyme provides a subtle herbaceous lift. Season the salad with salt and pepper, mixing well and tasting to adjust the seasoning until it suits your palate perfectly.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe right away for a fresh, room-temperature dish or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Either way, it’s an absolute treat on the taste buds!
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches can elevate this dish from everyday to extraordinary. Consider garnishing with a sprig of fresh thyme, a few grated lemon zest curls, or some extra halved grapes and walnuts on top. These small details make the salad look beautiful and add an inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread, buttery croissants, or crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option. For a complete meal, serving the salad alongside a light vegetable soup or a bright citrusy quinoa salad can make your lunch or dinner well-rounded and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get creative by serving the chicken salad in hollowed-out avocado halves, atop toasted baguette slices as open-faced sandwiches, or wrapped in a spinach or flour tortilla for a quick and portable lunch option. Its adaptable nature means it works perfectly as a snack, starter, or light meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious lunch or snack throughout the week without any fuss.
Freezing
Because mayonnaise and yogurt do not freeze well, it’s not recommended to freeze this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe. Freezing could negatively affect the texture and flavor of the salad.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. Simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios will add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the right texture balance.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version and use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt in place of plain yogurt. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.
What kind of grapes work best in this recipe?
Seedless red or green grapes are ideal because they add sweetness and a firm texture without unexpected seeds. You can mix both for a colorful presentation.
Can I prepare the chicken salad completely ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad the night before to let the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make it a heartier meal, add diced avocado, cooked quinoa, or even some cooked bacon bits. These additions bring extra texture, flavor, and protein.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that feel both classic and fresh at the same time. It’s quick to throw together, packed with contrasting textures and flavors, and endlessly versatile. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Give it a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Chicken Salad with Grapes combines tender chicken breast with juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing, flavored with fresh thyme and a touch of seasoning. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, this salad is quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite chicken cooking method.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cooked and diced or shredded
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 sprigs thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breast using your preferred method—such as baking, air frying, sous vide, or using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, finely diced red onion, chopped celery, and halved grapes. Mix them together thoroughly to combine all the fresh components evenly.
- Make the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise and plain yogurt to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Stir well until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Crunch and Seasoning: Fold in the chopped walnuts and chopped fresh thyme. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve or Chill: Transfer the completed chicken salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for a fresh experience, or cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes if you prefer a chilled salad.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor further.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after resting overnight in the fridge.
- Serve on a bed of greens or with whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
