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Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken Salad with Grapes

Make the best chicken salad with grapes — creamy, crunchy, and sweet-savory. Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Great for sandwiches and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes halved
  • 1 cup green seedless grapes halved
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 3 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion finely minced
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lettuce leaves or croissants for serving

Instructions
 

  • Fill a medium saucepan with enough cold water to submerge the chicken breasts. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it reach a rolling boil.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the simmering water. Cook uncovered for 15–18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look completely white with no pink inside.
  • Checkpoint: You are ready to move on when a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F and the juices run clear.
  • Remove the chicken from the water and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest and cool for 20–25 minutes at room temperature until it is cool enough to handle comfortably.
  • While the chicken cools, place a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans or walnuts and toast them for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully — they burn quickly. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder until completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooled, use two forks or your hands to shred it into bite-sized pieces, or chop it into roughly 1/2-inch cubes depending on your preference.
  • Add the shredded or chopped chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Add the halved red grapes, halved green grapes, diced celery, minced red onion, toasted nuts, chopped tarragon, and chopped parsley to the bowl.
  • Fold everything together gently using a large spoon or spatula. Do not stir aggressively — you want the grapes to stay intact.
  • Checkpoint: You are ready to move on when every ingredient is evenly coated with dressing and no dry pockets remain.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning — add more salt, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a tiny drizzle of honey if you want a little more sweetness.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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