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This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, and fresh—making it more than just your average chicken salad.
It’s packed with high-quality protein from shredded chicken, heart-healthy fats from walnuts, and a boost of fiber and antioxidants from grapes and celery.
Whether you use mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, you have flexibility for a lighter or richer version depending on your dietary needs.
Low in carbs and naturally gluten-free, it’s an excellent meal-prep recipe that fits into keto, paleo, and low-carb lifestyles when served in lettuce wraps.
Its no-cook simplicity means you can whip it up in 15 minutes or less, making it ideal for busy weekdays, quick lunches, or nutritious meal-prep.
The combination of sweet grapes, savory chicken, crunchy walnuts, and herby notes from parsley keeps things exciting and satisfying with every bite.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
OXO Good Grips Salad Chopper and Bowl
This handy chopper makes quick work of shredding cooked chicken evenly without needing a knife and cutting board. It’s a time-saver for meal prep and great for chopping greens, herbs, or veggies as well.
Pyrex 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
Perfect for mixing your dressing (mayo, Greek yogurt, etc.) and combining the ingredients. The spout design makes pouring mess-free, and the glass is microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Chef’s Knife (8-Inch by Victorinox)
A razor-sharp chef’s knife helps you precisely dice onions, grapes, and celery for uniform texture in every bite. A high-quality chef’s knife is a daily essential in any kitchen.
Large Mixing Bowl (Stainless Steel or Glass)
A durable, roomy bowl is essential for evenly mixing all the ingredients without spillage. Look for a non-slip bottom or nesting set for added versatility.
Airtight Glass Storage Containers (Prep Naturals)
These BPA-free containers keep your chicken salad fresh for up to 3 days and are perfect for portioning into individual lunches. They double as meal-prep containers for other recipes too.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl – for combining all ingredients
- 1 Measuring Cup (2–4 cup) – for dressings and mix-ins
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife – for dicing vegetables and grapes
- 1 Cutting Board – for prepping produce and chicken
- 1 Airtight Container – for storage and meal prep
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie or any pre-cooked option works well)
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt (choose your preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ cup red grapes sliced in halves or quarters, depending on size
- ½ cup celery chopped into small pieces
- ¼ cup walnuts coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground (plus more if desired)
Instructions
- Create the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or your preferred creamy base), kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. This forms a flavorful, herb-infused dressing that ties the salad together.
- Add Fresh, Crunchy Components: To the bowl, add your chopped celery, diced red onion, and quartered grapes. These ingredients bring a nice balance of sweetness, sharpness, and crunch to the salad.
- Mix in Protein and Texture: Gently fold in the shredded chicken and chopped walnuts. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and well combined. Be sure not to overmix, which can break down the grapes and crush the walnuts.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If your chicken was heavily seasoned, you might want less salt. If it was plain (like poached chicken), a bit more salt or a squeeze of lemon can brighten it up.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately on sandwich bread, croissants, or tucked into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Alternatively, spoon it onto a bed of greens for a satisfying salad bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Customize the Creaminess: Feel free to swap mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can even combine them for a balanced flavor and texture.
- Nut Alternatives: Not a fan of walnuts? Pecans or slivered almonds make excellent substitutes. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch.
- Fruity Variations: While red grapes offer sweetness and juiciness, you can also try diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fun twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad stores well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Make it ahead for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Seasonal Tip: In warmer months, try serving it chilled in lettuce cups with cucumber slices. In cooler months, sandwich it between warm toasted bread or serve with a bowl of soup.
Chef’s Secrets for Balanced Flavor
The secret to a truly outstanding chicken salad lies in balancing textures and flavors.
Use cooked chicken that’s moist but firm—rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice, but poached chicken also works beautifully for a cleaner flavor.
The key is to shred or chop it into bite-sized, consistent pieces for the best texture.
When choosing grapes, go for red or black seedless varieties—they add a pleasant sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory components.
Freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and depth, so avoid dried herbs, which lack that fresh pop.
Toasting your walnuts before adding them enhances their nuttiness and makes them even crunchier—just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do.
Lastly, mix the dressing separately before folding everything together.
This simple technique helps coat all the ingredients evenly without mashing the grapes or bruising the herbs.
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to for everything from light lunches to party platters.
For a low-carb meal, serve it in crisp lettuce cups or halved avocados for a stylish presentation.
On busy weekdays, spoon it between slices of toasted whole-grain bread or croissants for a satisfying sandwich.
Hosting a brunch or picnic? Try serving it on mini slider buns or in phyllo cups for a crowd-pleasing finger food option.
You can also place a scoop on a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze or lemon juice for a protein-packed salad bowl.
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, roasted sweet potatoes, or a chilled gazpacho in warmer weather.
Smart Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken salad is ideal for meal prep and stays fresh when stored correctly.
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo, note that it may release a bit of liquid over time—just give it a gentle stir before serving.
To prevent sogginess, avoid placing the salad on bread until you’re ready to eat.
For added crunch, you can also stir in the walnuts right before serving instead of mixing them in with the rest of the salad.
If you plan to pack it for lunch, store it in individual containers or jars to make grab-and-go meals that are both convenient and nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and fluff it with a fork before mixing. Keep in mind that it may be slightly softer in texture than freshly cooked chicken.
2. What’s the best substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative that adds tang and reduces fat. You can also use sour cream or a combination of both. For a dairy-free version, try vegan mayo or mashed avocado.
3. Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise or vegan yogurt alternative. Be sure to check the ingredients if you’re using store-bought versions, as some may contain dairy derivatives.
4. How can I add more protein to this recipe?
Consider adding a chopped boiled egg, extra chicken, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for a protein boost. Using Greek yogurt as the base also naturally increases the protein content.
5. Is this chicken salad freezer-friendly?
Unfortunately, no. The creamy dressing and fresh produce don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate and
This recipe is inspired by bowlofdelicious and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
