If you’re looking for a refreshing, flavorful, and ultimately comforting dish, then this Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes is just the recipe to keep close by. It combines the tender, savory chicken with crunchy celery and sweet, juicy grapes for a perfect balance that makes every bite a little celebration. With creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing flavored by fresh dill and honey, this salad is a quick yet impressive dish that’s great for lunches, picnics, or even light dinners. Let me show you how simple it is to whip up a batch of this delightful chicken salad that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad calls for straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays an essential role—whether it’s lending crunch, sweetness, tang, or that creamy texture that holds everything together beautifully.

Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that freshens each bite.
Carrot: Provides subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
Red onion: Offers a mild sharpness to balance the creaminess of the dressing.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or shredded rotisserie chicken): The protein-packed base, tender and flavorful for effortless shredding.
Red grapes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with savory elements.
Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and richness to the dressing.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess while keeping the salad light and healthy.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the grapes and balance flavors.
Fresh dill (or dried dill): Infuses a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.
Dijon mustard: Provides subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle kick of savory flavor without overpowering.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

How to Make Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables and Chicken

Start by finely chopping the celery, carrot, and red onion. These add texture and crunch, so you want them in bite-sized pieces that complement rather than overpower the tender chicken. Next, shred your cooked chicken breasts or pull apart rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Halve the Grapes

Slice your red grapes in half to unlock their juicy sweetness. The grapes are the surprise star of this salad, adding a burst of freshness that plays beautifully against the savory chicken and creamy dressing.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, dill, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a luscious dressing that’s both creamy and slightly tangy with just the right touch of sweetness and herbal fragrance.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Gently fold the shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and halved grapes into the dressing until everything is well coated. Be careful not to mash the grapes—keeping their shape maintains the salad’s delightful texture contrasts.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For best flavor, give your salad some time to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld wonderfully. Once chilled, give it a final stir before serving and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley on top can add a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, herbal aroma that elevates the presentation and taste. You might even add some toasted slivered almonds for an extra crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs beautifully with simple green salads, crusty bread, or your favorite crackers. It’s also wonderful spooned into pita pockets or stacked on toasted whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just enjoy a fun twist, serve your Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes. You can also build a colorful charcuterie board featuring this salad as the creamy center that ties everything together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad’s freshness will be best if consumed within this window, as the grapes can lose their crispness over time.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor may suffer when thawed, leaving you with a watery or less appealing dish.

Reheating

This chicken salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm meal, consider serving the salad chilled alongside a warm side rather than reheating the salad itself, which can alter its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with turkey?

Absolutely! Turkey works just as well in this salad and will provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you want a lighter version, you can swap mayonnaise entirely for Greek yogurt or use half of each as in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, try plain avocado or a vegan mayo.

Are there alternatives to grapes?

Green apples or dried cranberries can be excellent alternatives, giving a similar sweet and tart contrast. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your taste and the salad’s overall balance.

Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds add wonderful crunch and richness. Just toast them lightly to bring out their oils and deeper flavor.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

For the best taste and texture, enjoy within 3 days when refrigerated properly. Beyond that, the grapes and veggies might become soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes is one of those magical recipes that feels special without the fuss. The harmony between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it an all-time favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. I genuinely hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making it as you do in eating it!

Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

This Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes is a creamy and refreshing dish combining tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and a flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh dill. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, this healthy and satisfying salad is quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Author: Matteo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

2 stalks of celery, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Protein

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or about 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts by boiling, baking, or poaching, then allow to cool and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Chop the produce: Dice the celery stalks, peel and dice the carrot, finely chop the red onion, and halve the red grapes to prepare all the fresh ingredients.
Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Combine ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, carrot, red onion, halved grapes, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold all ingredients together until well coated.
Chill and serve: Cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Fresh dill adds a bright flavor, but dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch if desired.
For a lighter version, substitute all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.