Imagine a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at the same time—sounds delicious, right? That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a light but filling dinner, or a meal prep-friendly recipe, this salad has you covered.

But what makes this recipe so special? It’s all about the balance of textures and flavors:

✅ Tender chicken provides protein and heartiness.
✅ Sweet grapes add a fresh, juicy burst.
✅ Crunchy walnuts offer a nutty depth.
✅ Crisp celery and onions enhance the texture.
✅ A creamy dressing brings it all together.

Plus, this salad is much healthier than many mayo-heavy dishes, making it an excellent alternative to heavier meals like chicken and mashed potatoes.

Let’s jump right into the recipe!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

A Beautifully Styled Chicken Salad With Grapes And

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe

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This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts is a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors, making it the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Tender shredded chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts are tossed in a light and tangy dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. Serve it in a sandwich, as a lettuce wrap, or simply enjoy it on its own!

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 cup red or green grapes, halved
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

Dried cranberries or raisins – for a hint of sweetness
Chopped apples – for extra crunch
Sliced almonds or pecans – a great alternative to walnuts
A drizzle of honey – if you love a little more sweetness

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Halve the grapes for a juicy burst of sweetness in every bite.
Finely chop the celery and red onion for extra crunch and mild sharpness.
Roughly chop the walnuts to keep their texture.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3 – Combine Everything

Add the chicken, grapes, walnuts, celery, and red onion into the bowl with the dressing.
Gently mix until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4 – Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve chilled as a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap, or on a bed of greens.

Notes

✅ For extra crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad.
✅ Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey or swap half the grapes for dried cranberries.
✅ Make it lighter – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, lower-fat alternative.
✅ Storage – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
✅ Serving ideas – Enjoy it in a croissant, pita, or whole wheat wrap, or pair it with crackers for a quick snack.

Author: Delishing recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
Category: Salad, Lunch, Dinner
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts, Healthy Chicken Salad, Creamy Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, Meal Prep Chicken Salad, Low Carb Chicken Salad

Main Ingredients

To make this delicious chicken salad, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (Rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup red or green grapes, halved
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins (Customize Your Salad!)

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Try these tasty additions:

Dried cranberries or raisins – Adds an extra pop of sweetness.
Chopped apples – Introduces a crisp, juicy texture.
Sliced almonds or pecans – A great alternative to walnuts.
A drizzle of honey – Perfect if you prefer a touch more sweetness.

Thinking about other healthy ingredient swaps? Check out Is Chicken and Couscous Healthy? for another nutritious dish idea!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cook and Prep the Chicken

If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

For fresh chicken, follow one of these methods:

Boil it – Place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool before shredding.
Bake it – Season chicken with salt and pepper, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then let it cool before cutting.
Grill it – Adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor!

If you love experimenting with different ways to cook chicken, check out Chicken Couscous Recipes Guide for more delicious ideas.

Step 2 – Chop the Ingredients

Cut grapes in half to release their juices and enhance their sweetness.
Finely dice the celery and red onion for a crisp, mild crunch.
Roughly chop the walnuts to maintain their texture.

Step 3 – Make the Dressing

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:

✅ Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
✅ Dijon mustard
✅ Lemon juice
✅ Salt and black pepper

This simple yet flavorful dressing binds everything together while keeping the salad light and fresh.

Love creamy salads? You might also enjoy Gordon Ramsay’s Caesar Salad!

Step 4 – Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, grapes, walnuts, celery, and red onion. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is well coated.

Step 5 – Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Classic Sandwich – Serve on toasted bread or a croissant for an indulgent meal.
Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb, keto-friendly option.
Over Greens – Spoon over a fresh salad for a light, nutritious meal.
Stuffed Avocados – Hollow out an avocado and fill it with this delicious salad.
Cracker Platter – Enjoy with crackers or pita chips for a snack.

Looking for other healthy one-pot meals? Check out these Healthy One-Pot Meal Ideas for more inspiration!

You’re welcome! Here’s a more detailed and informative version of the Storage Tips section, offering best practices, troubleshooting, and additional meal prep advice.

Storage Tips: Keep Your Chicken Salad Fresh and Flavorful

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness, texture, and taste of your Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts. Follow these simple yet effective storage tips to keep your salad delicious and safe to eat:

1. Refrigerate for Maximum Freshness

Store your chicken salad in an airtight container to lock in freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
Keep it at a consistent temperature of 35–40°F (1.5–4°C) in the coldest section of your fridge.
Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re making this salad in advance, store the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving to keep the ingredients from becoming soggy.

2. Avoid Freezing – Here’s Why

While many foods can be frozen for later use, mayo-based salads do not freeze well. Freezing causes the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) to separate, resulting in a grainy, watery texture when thawed.

What Happens When You Freeze It?
🚫 The dressing will break down and become watery.
🚫 The grapes and celery will lose their crispness and become mushy.
🚫 The overall consistency will not be appealing.

❗ Best Alternative: If you want to prepare parts of this recipe in advance, freeze only the cooked chicken and add fresh ingredients later when assembling the salad.

3. How to Refresh Leftover Chicken Salad

If your salad looks a bit dry or the dressing has separated after refrigeration, here’s how to fix it:
✅ Give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing evenly.
✅ Add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to restore creaminess.
✅ Sprinkle in some extra walnuts for crunch if they’ve softened over time.

4. Meal Prep Tips for Busy Days

Want to save time during the week? Try these meal prep-friendly techniques:

Prep the chicken ahead – Cook and shred your chicken in bulk, then store it separately.
Keep the dressing separate – Mix the dressing fresh each time for a crisp, just-made texture.
Chop ingredients in advance – Store grapes, celery, and onions in airtight containers to assemble the salad quickly.

💡 Need more meal prep ideas? Check out One-Pot Meal Prep High-Protein for more ways to simplify your weeknight meals!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chicken salad tastes even better the next day because the ingredients have time to meld together, creating a richer and more balanced flavor.

How to Store It Properly:

Refrigeration: Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This prevents it from absorbing odors and keeps it fresh.
Separation Fix: If the salad looks watery after sitting in the fridge, just give it a good stir before serving. The dressing can sometimes separate slightly, but a quick mix restores the creamy texture.
Serving Tip: If you plan to serve it later, consider adding nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: Making a batch ahead of time is perfect for meal prep! Try One-Pot Meal Prep High-Protein for more easy meal prep ideas.

2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you want a healthier or dairy-free alternative, there are plenty of great substitutes that keep the salad creamy and delicious:

✅ Greek Yogurt – A high-protein option that still provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Perfect for a lighter, more nutritious version of this salad.
✅ Mashed Avocado – A dairy-free and heart-healthy alternative with a smooth, rich texture. It pairs especially well with the grapes and walnuts in this recipe.
✅ A Mix of Mayo & Yogurt – If you want to cut down on calories while keeping a bit of the classic taste, try a 50/50 blend of mayo and Greek yogurt.

Additional Substitutes:

Hummus – For a Mediterranean twist with added protein and fiber.
Sour Cream – Slightly tangier than mayo but still creamy.
Cottage Cheese (Blended) – If blended smooth, it makes a great high-protein alternative.

💡 Looking for more healthy swaps? Check out Is Couscous Healthier Than Rice? for more nutritious meal comparisons.

3. How can I make it lower in calories?

If you’re watching your calories but still want a delicious and satisfying chicken salad, here are some easy tweaks:

✅ Swap Mayonnaise for Greek Yogurt – As mentioned above, Greek yogurt is lower in calories and fat while adding protein and probiotics.
✅ Reduce the Nuts – Walnuts add a great crunch but are high in calories. Use fewer or substitute with sliced almonds, which are lower in fat.
✅ Skip the Honey or Dried Fruit – While honey and raisins add sweetness, they also add extra sugar and calories. Instead, rely on the natural sweetness of grapes.
✅ Use Leaner Chicken – If you’re cooking fresh chicken, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast instead of dark meat.

💡 Bonus Tip: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens or in lettuce wraps instead of bread or croissants to reduce carbs and calories!

This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weekday lunch, a light yet filling dinner, or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What makes this chicken salad truly special is its balance of textures and flavors—the tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts come together in a way that feels both comforting and refreshing. Plus, with the ability to customize it with different add-ins and substitutions, you can make it your own based on your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

How to Enjoy This Chicken Salad:

Classic Sandwich – Serve it on toasted sourdough, whole wheat bread, or buttery croissants for a hearty meal.
Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb and gluten-free option that keeps things light and fresh.
Over a Salad – Spoon it over mixed greens or baby spinach for an effortless, healthy lunch.
Stuffed Avocados – For a keto-friendly twist, scoop it into a ripe avocado half.
With Crackers or Pita Chips – Enjoy it as a snack or party appetizer!

Looking for more easy and flavorful recipes? Try Grilled Chicken Wraps for Lunch—another quick and delicious meal idea that pairs perfectly with this chicken salad!

Have you tried this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite add-ins, serving style, or any creative twists you tried. Sharing your experience helps other food lovers get inspired!

💜 Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite! 🥗🥪😊