The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans: Your New Favorite Lunch!

Prepare to fall in love with this exquisitely balanced chicken salad with grapes recipe. It transforms simple, protein-rich cooked chicken breast into a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine tender chicken mingling with the satisfying crunch of fresh celery and toasted pecans, the bursts of sweetness from juicy grapes, and a hint of zesty spice from finely diced red onion. All these delightful components are generously tossed in a luscious, creamy dressing crafted from mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, and a blend of savory spices and bright lemon. It’s a chicken salad experience that elevates a classic into something truly special.

Chicken grape and pecan salad in a white bowl with fresh red grapes, celery, and lettuce behind it

This gourmet yet easy-to-make chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it nestled in a fluffy bun for a classic sandwich experience, or keep it light and fresh over a crisp bed of lettuce. It’s the perfect lunch solution, whether you’re planning a sunny summer picnic in the park, hosting a casual luncheon, or simply need a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week. I personally love whipping up a big batch on Monday mornings. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, providing a delicious and effortless lunch option to enjoy for several days, making meal prep a breeze!

Overhead image of chicken salad with grapes, pecans, celery, onions, and parsley in a large white bowl with fresh red grapes in the background.

Much like its popular cousin, egg salad, chicken salad is a time-honored classic. However, this particular recipe takes your standard chicken salad to an entirely new level with the thoughtful addition of crunchy pecans and sweet, juicy grapes. The result is a truly extraordinary chicken salad – perfectly sweet, incredibly crunchy, and wonderfully creamy. For those who adore a tangy twist and a burst of savory flavor, don’t miss my Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, which is absolutely packed with zesty pickles and a delightfully creamy, herbaceous dressing that pickle enthusiasts will simply rave about!

Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Salad Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a culinary delight designed to please. Here’s why this particular recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: It boasts an incredible balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, with just the right amount of natural sweetness from the grapes to keep every bite exciting.
Irresistible Texture Variety: The combination of crisp celery and buttery pecans provides a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken and smooth, creamy dressing.
Bursting with Freshness: Made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, this salad tastes vibrant and wholesome, a true breath of fresh air for your palate.
Excellent for Meal Prep: It’s a fantastic make-ahead option! This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for prepping healthy and delicious lunches for the entire week.
Incredibly Versatile: From sandwiches to lettuce wraps, crackers to a simple bowl, this chicken salad adapts to your serving preference. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Universally Loved: You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy this particular chicken salad recipe. Its balanced flavors and appealing textures make it a hit with almost everyone!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Salad

This section provides detailed ingredient notes, including tips for selection and exciting substitution options. For precise measurements, the complete list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.

Bowl with the following: halves red grapes, chopped pecans, celery, red onions, and shredded chicken breasts

Chicken: The foundation of our salad! You’ll need cooked chicken breasts or thighs, either shredded or finely chopped. For convenience, I often boil chicken breasts or use my slow cooker to shred chicken, which results in wonderfully tender meat. A fantastic shortcut is to grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store – just make sure it’s unseasoned or lightly seasoned to best complement our dressing.
Celery: Essential for that satisfying crisp crunch and a subtle, refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the dressing. Don’t skip it!
Grapes: The star of the sweetness! I personally prefer using all red grapes for their vibrant color and slightly sweeter profile, but a delightful combination of both green and red grapes also works beautifully. Halving them prevents them from sinking and ensures a burst of sweetness in every bite.
Pecans: These provide a wonderful buttery flavor and a soft, earthy crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken salad. Lightly toasting them beforehand can enhance their nutty aroma even further.
Red Onion: Adds a delightful zing and a subtle spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess. Finely dicing it is key for even distribution. If red onion is too strong for your taste, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) offer a milder alternative.
Fresh Parsley: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the salad with an herbaceous, fresh flavor and a beautiful pop of green.

For the Irresistible Creamy Dressing:

Mayonnaise: Forms the rich and creamy base of our dressing. Use your favorite brand for the best results.
Plain Yogurt: Whether you opt for regular plain yogurt or the thicker, tangier Greek yogurt, ensure it is unflavored. This adds a lovely tang and helps lighten the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon adds a sophisticated, zesty “kick” that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dressing.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial here! It provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the mayo and yogurt, lifting all the other flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste. These fundamental seasonings are vital for bringing all the flavors together and ensuring the salad is perfectly seasoned.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Additions

One of the best things about chicken salad is how easily it can be customized. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it your own!

Vinegar for Zest: If you don’t have fresh lemon juice on hand, apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute for adding that essential tangy brightness to the dressing.
Extra Rich Dressing: For an even thicker and richer dressing, simply skip the plain yogurt and use sour cream instead. This will result in a decadently creamy texture.
Tropical Sweetness: For an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of tropical flair, stir in a bit of well-drained shredded pineapple. It pairs wonderfully with chicken and grapes.
Savory Bacon Boost: Have some leftover crispy bacon? Crumble it into your salad for an irresistible smoky, savory dimension. You truly can never go wrong with bacon!
Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your preference or you have a different nut on hand, walnuts or even sliced almonds can offer a similar crunch and flavor profile.
Dried Fruit Twist: For a different kind of sweetness and chewiness, consider adding dried cranberries, cherries, or even finely diced dried apricots.

How to Make the Best Chicken Salad with Grapes

Making this chicken salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the busiest of days. Just a few simple steps stand between you and a truly delicious meal.

Preparation Steps:

Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to make it perfect!
Add Remaining Ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add your shredded or chopped cooked chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and finely diced red onion. If using, toss in the fresh chopped parsley.
Gently Toss to Combine: Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the grapes.
Chill for Flavor Integration: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more harmonious and delicious salad. Chilled chicken salad is always the best chicken salad!

chicken grape pecan salad on bed of lettuce with halved pecans and fresh grapes for garnish

Delightful Ways to Serve Your Chicken Salad

This versatile chicken salad can be enjoyed in a multitude of delicious ways, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. Get creative with your serving style!

Classic Sandwich: Go the traditional route by serving your chicken salad generously piled on a soft bakery bun, a flaky croissant, or between slices of toasted bread. For an extra touch, add a fresh lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato.
Light and Fresh: For a gluten-free or low-carb option, serve it in crisp lettuce cups (such as butter lettuce or romaine hearts) or over a vibrant bed of mixed greens. This is a wonderfully refreshing way to enjoy the salad.
Savory Crackers: Elevate your snacking by enjoying it spooned onto your favorite crackers. If you haven’t tried topping a buttery Ritz cracker with a dollop of this chicken salad, you are truly missing out on a simple, yet incredibly satisfying treat – trust me!
Stuffed Avocados: For a healthy and elegant presentation, halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill the hollow with a generous scoop of chicken salad.
Pita Pockets or Wraps: Fill warm pita pockets or a large tortilla wrap with chicken salad, adding extra greens if desired, for a portable and satisfying meal.
On Cucumber Slices: For a light appetizer, serve small dollops of chicken salad on crisp cucumber slices.

Storage Solutions for Freshness

Proper storage is key to enjoying your chicken salad throughout the week. Store this delectable chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for Monday meal prep to enjoy through Wednesday or Thursday.

If you notice that the salad becomes a bit drier after the first day (which can happen as ingredients absorb moisture), simply stir in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice before serving. This will instantly refresh it and make it taste just as creamy and fresh as it did on day one. I would not recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh grapes can separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture and overall quality.

Large white bowl of chicken salad with grapes, pecans, and celery.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

Follow these simple tips to ensure your chicken salad turns out perfectly creamy, crunchy, and flavorful every single time:

Always Chill Your Chicken: Before you even think about mixing your chicken salad, make sure your cooked chicken is completely cool, or ideally, chilled to refrigerator temperature. Starting with warm chicken can negatively impact the texture and temperature of the salad and affect how well the dressing binds.
Allow Flavors to Mingle: While you can eat this chicken salad immediately, I highly recommend allowing it to chill for at least 1 hour (or even longer, up to 4 hours) before serving. This allows all the individual flavors from the chicken, grapes, pecans, and dressing to fully meld and incorporate, resulting in a much more cohesive and delicious taste experience.
Dice Uniformly: For the best texture and flavor distribution, try to dice your celery, red onion, and chicken into roughly similar-sized pieces. Halving the grapes also ensures they are well distributed and don’t clump together.
Toast Your Pecans (Optional but Recommended): Lightly toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad can significantly enhance their nutty flavor and aroma. Just be careful not to burn them!
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chicken salad before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Preferences vary, and a little extra seasoning can make a big difference.

Recipe FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Plain, cooked, and shredded or finely chopped chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for making this chicken salad. The key is that the chicken should be unseasoned or very lightly seasoned so its flavor doesn’t compete with the dressing. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy days – just remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat. Leftover cooked chicken from dinner also works wonderfully, as long as it doesn’t have strong sauces or seasonings that would clash with the salad’s profile.

How can I make this recipe low carb?

This chicken salad with grapes and pecans is already quite low in carbohydrates. To further reduce the carb count, you can simply use fewer grapes or omit them entirely if you prefer. The primary source of carbs in this dish comes from the grapes. Then, instead of serving it on a bun or bread, enjoy the salad over a crisp bed of fresh lettuce, in a sturdy lettuce wrap (like butter lettuce or romaine), or with low-carb crackers. This makes for a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal option.

If I have a nut allergy, can I leave out the pecans?

Absolutely! The pecans primarily contribute a lovely crunch and a rich, nutty flavor, but they are not essential to the overall structure or deliciousness of the salad. You’ll still get plenty of satisfying crunch from the crisp celery. If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t prefer pecans, feel free to leave them out without any other substitutions. The salad will still be incredibly flavorful and enjoyable.

Can I use different types of grapes?

Yes, you can! While red grapes offer a beautiful color and a slightly sweeter profile, green grapes (which tend to be tarter) or even a mix of both work wonderfully. Choose the type of grape that best suits your preference for sweetness and tang. Just ensure they are firm, seedless, and halved before adding to the salad.

How far in advance can I make this chicken salad?

This chicken salad is an excellent make-ahead option! You can prepare it up to 1-2 days in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to truly develop and meld, often making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it seems a little dry the next day, a quick stir with an extra tablespoon of mayo will bring it back to perfect consistency.

Other Easy Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Old Fashioned Potato Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Chicken Cranberry Salad with Pecans
Ham and Pea Salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Greek Pasta Salad

This creamy chicken salad with grapes and pecans is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile, flavor-packed meal solution that’s perfect for any occasion. Its delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes it a truly satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a quick weekday lunch, or a light dinner, this easy recipe promises delicious results. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken salad!

Recipe

4.65 from 31 votes

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:

15 minutes

Total:

15 minutes

Chicken salad with grapes, celery, and pecans, tossed in a creamy dressing. Serve it up on a bun or lettuce wrap as a cool and tasty lunch.

Servings:

6
servings

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Ingredients

▢

3 ½
cups
cooked chicken
shredded
▢

2
stalks celery
chopped
▢

⅔
cups
red grapes
halved
▢

½
cup
chopped pecans
▢

½
medium red onion
diced
▢

⅔
cup
mayonnaise
▢

2
Tablespoons
plain Greek yogurt
or sour cream
▢

2
Tablespoons
chopped parsley
optional
▢

1
teaspoon
dijon mustard
▢

½
teaspoon
lemon juice
▢

salt and pepper
to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine.
Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve on a bun, bed of lettuce, or crackers.

Notes

Although not required, I recommend refrigerating for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to incorporate.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir in a bit of extra mayo before serving if the salad dries out.

Nutrition

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