If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s bursting with contrasting textures and vibrant flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of juicy, tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy, herby dressing that feels both refreshing and comforting. Perfectly balanced, effortless to whip up, and endlessly versatile, this dish has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family whenever I want to impress with something simple yet impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating layers of texture and flavor, making it more than just a chicken salad. Here’s what you’ll want on hand to make this classic crowd-pleaser.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds, cooked and diced or shredded): Use whichever cooking method you prefer for juicy, tender meat that’s the hearty base of this salad.
- Red onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds a subtle pungency without overpowering the other flavors.
- Celery (2 stalks, finely chopped): Provides crisp, refreshing crunch to contrast the creaminess.
- Grapes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, grapes bring a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- Walnuts (3/4 cup, chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty richness that rounds out the salad.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base that binds everything together with smooth richness.
- Plain yogurt (1/2 cup): Lightens the dressing and adds a subtle tang that balances the mayo.
- Thyme (3 sprigs, chopped): Fresh herbaceous note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a gentle, warming spice to round things off.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step to a great Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe starts with the chicken itself. You can choose to bake, air fry, sous vide, or simply use a rotisserie chicken from the store—whatever works best for your schedule. After cooking, chop the chicken into small, manageable pieces or shred it if you prefer a softer texture. This ensures every bite has the perfect amount of chicken for that hearty foundation.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your diced chicken, finely diced red onion, chopped celery, and halved grapes. The combination of the savory chicken with the crunch of celery and bursts of sweetness from grapes starts creating those irresistible contrasts this recipe is loved for. Give everything a gentle mix to start melding these ingredients together.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
For the dressing, add the mayonnaise and plain yogurt right into the same bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly. This blend creates a luxuriously creamy texture with just the right balance of richness and lightness. The yogurt keeps it refreshing while mayo adds that classic creaminess that feels like a big, warm hug for your taste buds.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Season
Now, the part that adds serious texture and flavor depth—fold in the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme. These ingredients give the salad its signature crunchy and aromatic qualities. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering you can adjust the amounts to suit your personal preference. Every forkful should be a thoughtful balance of savory, sweet, and herby notes.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe right away, serving it fresh and slightly warm, or pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill. Chilled, it’s an especially refreshing dish that’s great for warm weather gatherings or packed lunches.
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a few fresh thyme leaves on top right before serving to amp up the visual appeal and give an extra burst of flavor. Sometimes a few grape halves nestled on top also make the dish pop with color and sweetness, inviting your guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a bed of mixed greens, crusty artisan bread, or even a chilled cucumber soup. For a more substantial meal, it’s lovely alongside quinoa, wild rice, or roasted vegetables, which balance the salad’s cool, creamy vibe with their earthier tones.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe in a variety of fun ways: stuffed inside buttery croissants for an elevated sandwich, scooped onto fresh lettuce leaves as elegant wraps, or even shaped into mini salad cups using hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for a charming party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the grapes fresh and the walnuts crunchy. The flavors will continue to meld but keep in mind the salad may feel slightly softer as time passes.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because the grapes and mayonnaise-based dressing change texture once thawed. For best taste and texture, it’s recommended to prepare it fresh or enjoy refrigerated leftovers within a short period.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary and not advised. If you do prefer it a bit warmer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This keeps the fresh, creamy texture intact without the risk of drying out or separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds also bring a wonderful crunch and complement the flavor profile nicely. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size for consistent texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap out the mayonnaise for all plain yogurt or a combination of yogurt and a little olive oil to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it can last for 2 to 3 days. Keeping it airtight helps preserve freshness and prevents the grapes and walnuts from getting soggy.
Can I prepare the chicken salad in advance?
Yes! I recommend preparing the salad and refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors really come together, making it even more delicious.
What kind of grapes works best for this recipe?
Seedless red or green grapes work beautifully, depending on whether you want a sweeter or more tart bite. Be sure to halve them for easy eating and even flavor distribution.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way flavors and textures come together in this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or a refreshing dinner addition, it delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become a favorite you keep coming back to!
Print
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make chicken salad featuring tender chicken breast, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing, perfect for a light lunch or a picnic dish.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
- 3 sprigs thyme, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by prepping the cooked chicken breast. You can bake, air fry, sous vide, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, cut the chicken into small cubes or shred it according to your preference.
- 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 ensure the ingredients are well distributed.
- Make the Dressing: Add mayonnaise and plain yogurt to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Stir until all the chicken and other ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
- Add Crunch and Seasoning: Fold in the chopped walnuts and chopped thyme. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
- Serve or Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes if you prefer it chilled and flavors melded.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Serve on a bed of leafy greens or with crusty bread for a fuller meal.
