If you are craving a salad that offers a delightful mix of creamy texture, refreshing sweetness, and a satisfying crunch, then the Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe perfectly balances tender shredded chicken with a luscious dressing, juicy grapes, and toasted almonds, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a picnic, or just need a quick and delicious meal, this chicken salad brings a burst of flavor with every bite, making it an absolute joy to prepare and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that defines the Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use tender, cooked chicken for a hearty and protein-packed base.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers tang and lightness, balancing the mayo’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a mild kick and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory note without overwhelming the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic with a gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens the texture.
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved: Provides juicy bursts of sweetness for contrast.
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped: Introduces a nutty crunch for an irresistible finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start with a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients form the creamy, flavorful foundation that makes every bite so satisfying. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated without mashing it up too much.
Step 2: Add Crunch and Sweetness
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped celery, halved red grapes, and toasted almonds. These delightful little additions bring life to the salad, with celery adding a crisp texture, grapes giving juicy sweetness, and almonds delivering a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma. Mix carefully so each bite gets a bit of everything.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Don’t rush this step—seasoning is key to making the flavors pop. Once seasoned, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a more cohesive and delicious taste.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
After chilling, take the salad out and give it a gentle stir. You can serve it chilled directly from the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few minutes if preferred. The salad’s creamy texture and balanced flavors will shine through regardless.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste experience, consider sprinkling a few extra toasted almonds on top just before serving. Freshly chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of paprika can also add a burst of color and a subtle fresh note that complements the salad’s richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe pairs brilliantly with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or buttery croissants. Serving it alongside a light vegetable soup or fresh fruit is a lovely way to round out a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the chicken salad stuffed inside a hollowed avocado, atop a bed of mixed greens, or as a filling for wraps or pita pockets. Each option offers a unique twist that’s both visually appealing and bursting with flavor—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delightful solo meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Due to the mayonnaise and yogurt base, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the salad, making it less appealing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This chicken salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before eating to take the chill off, but avoid heating it in the microwave, which can break down the creamy dressing and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds great flavor and saves prep time. Just shred the meat and you’re ready to go.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If Dijon mustard isn’t on hand, you can substitute with yellow mustard or a mild stone-ground mustard. Each will change the flavor slightly but still provide that tangy kick.
Are there alternatives to toasted almonds?
Yes! You can swap toasted almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different type of crunch and nutty taste.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. For vegan, replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use a plant-based yogurt. The rest stays the same for a delicious, plant-friendly salad.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour is ideal to let all the flavors blend together, but if you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with the Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe. It’s a comforting, surprisingly vibrant dish that feels like a little celebration with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a party, or a light dinner, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. I encourage you to try it, share it, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy in each mouthful.
Print
Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and aromatic spices. Enhanced with crunchy celery, sweet red grapes, and toasted almonds, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for quick lunches or light dinners, it’s easy to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended to form the creamy base.
- Add the mix-ins: Stir in the chopped celery, halved red grapes, and chopped toasted almonds to add crunch and sweetness, distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
- Season the salad: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, ensuring the seasoning enhances the overall flavor.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the ingredients to combine and the flavors to deepen.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the chicken salad cold or at room temperature, perfect on its own or with bread, crackers, or greens.
Notes
- For best texture, use cooked chicken that is shredded finely.
- You can substitute toasted almonds with walnuts or pecans for different nutty flavors.
- If preferred, adjust mayonnaise and Greek yogurt quantities for creaminess and tanginess to taste.
- To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all mustard and mayonnaise used are gluten-free certified.
