Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans Recipe
Description:
This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, offering the perfect balance of tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans all brought together with a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, picnic item, or sandwich filling.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (if cooking chicken): 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 cup red or green grapes, halved
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (optional)
Lettuce leaves or croissants (optional, for serving)
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (can substitute half with Greek yogurt)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken (if not using pre-cooked):
Poach or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Let it cool, then shred or cube into bite-sized pieces.
Toast the Pecans:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecans for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and honey.
Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Ingredients:
Add chicken, grapes, celery, red onion (if using), and pecans into the bowl with the dressing.
Mix gently until everything is coated evenly.
Chill (Optional but Recommended):
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve:
Spoon over lettuce, stuff into croissants or wraps, or enjoy as-is!
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
Based on recipe with mayo only — using Greek yogurt will reduce calories/fat slightly.
Nutrient Amount (approx.)
Calories 380 kcal
Protein 26 g
Carbohydrates 11 g
Sugars 8 g
Fat 26 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 400 mg
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just remove skin and shred the meat.
Q: Are there good substitutions for mayo?
A: Yes. You can use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a lighter version.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Definitely. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Best eaten within 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: It’s not recommended. The mayo-based dressing tends to separate and the grapes may get mushy.
Q: Can I add other ingredients?
A: Sure! Try adding:
Diced apples
Dried cranberries
Chopped parsley or dill
A pinch of curry powder for a twist
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Use Greek yogurt, skip or reduce the pecans, and serve in lettuce cups instead of bread.