This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for lunches, picnics, and light dinners. The combination of sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and savory chicken creates a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed on bread or lettuce wraps. It’s an easy recipe that suits various occasions, from casual family meals to elegant gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This chicken salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on toasted bread for a sandwich or as a refreshing salad in lettuce wraps.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of grapes, walnuts, and fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and crunch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy delicious sandwiches throughout the week.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this salad fits well into various diets, including paleo.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when chopping vegetables like celery and onion.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your chicken salad.
Ingredients
This simple, awesome chicken salad with grapes and walnuts is the perfect meal prep recipe for delicious sandwiches all week. Serve on bread or lettuce wraps for a low carb, paleo option.
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded such as rotisserie)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup red grapes (quartered or halved)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less depending on saltiness of chicken)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (plus more if needed)
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (2/3 cup), salt (1/2 teaspoon), black pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and fresh chopped parsley (2 tablespoons). Stir until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken (2 cups), halved or quartered grapes (1/2 cup), diced celery (1/2 cup), chopped walnuts (1/4 cup), and diced red onion (1/4 cup) to the dressing. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Serve Your Salad
Serve your delicious chicken salad on toasted bread for sandwiches, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or on top of a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
This chicken salad with grapes and walnuts is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, these serving suggestions cater to all preferences.
On Bread
- Use toasted bread for a crunchy texture. This classic option makes delicious sandwiches that are perfect for lunch.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Opt for lettuce wraps for a low-carb, paleo-friendly choice. Crisp lettuce adds freshness while keeping the meal light.
On Top of Mixed Greens
- Serve the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens for a nutritious and vibrant salad. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for added flavor.
With Crackers
- Pair the salad with whole-grain or gluten-free crackers. This makes for an easy appetizer or snack perfect for gatherings.
Stuffed Avocado
- Hollow out an avocado and fill it with the chicken salad. This adds healthy fats and creates an elegant presentation.
How to Perfect Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
To elevate your chicken salad with grapes and walnuts, consider these helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, crisp celery, and ripe grapes make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Adjust the creaminess: Experiment with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to find your preferred level of creaminess.
- Add spices: Incorporate other spices like garlic powder or dill to give the salad an extra kick.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together.
- Customize your nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer different nut flavors.
- Consider add-ins: For more texture, try adding dried cranberries or apples for sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
Pairing side dishes with your chicken salad can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this dish well.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the savory flavors of the chicken salad.
- Vegetable Chips: Crunchy veggie chips provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well without overpowering the main dish.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the grapes in your chicken salad.
- Potato Salad: A classic side that complements sandwiches beautifully; choose a lighter version to keep it refreshing.
- Pickles: Tangy pickles add an acidic bite that cuts through the richness of the chicken salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness contrasts nicely, creating a balanced plate that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein while adding more grains to your meal without feeling heavy.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers crunch and hydration alongside your flavorful chicken salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious chicken salad with grapes and walnuts can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using dry chicken: Always use moist chicken, like rotisserie, to keep your salad flavorful. If you use leftover chicken, consider adding extra mayo or dressing.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley, grapes, and onions add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much mayonnaise can overwhelm the flavors. Start with less and adjust according to taste.
- Neglecting seasoning: A little salt and pepper go a long way. Taste your salad before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Storing improperly: Use airtight containers for storage to maintain freshness. Avoid leaving it uncovered in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
Freezing Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about chicken salad with grapes and walnuts that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.
Can I use leftover chicken for my Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts?
Yes! Leftover or rotisserie chicken works well. Just ensure it’s moist to enhance flavor.
What variations can I try with Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts?
You can customize this recipe by adding diced apples, cranberries, or swapping walnuts for pecans.
How long does Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts last?
Properly stored, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Is this Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep; just store it in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This chicken salad with grapes and walnuts is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Whether served on bread, lettuce wraps, or as part of a green salad, it offers delicious flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it further based on your preferences!
PrintChicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
Indulge in this Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts, a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This delightful dish is ideal for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, featuring juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and savory chicken. Whether served on toasted bread for a satisfying sandwich or nestled in fresh lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, this easy recipe is a versatile favorite for any occasion—be it a casual family meal or an elegant gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup red grapes (quartered)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and walnuts to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately on toasted bread for sandwiches or in lettuce wraps for a refreshing salad option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
