The BEST Chicken Salad recipe ever! This creamy chicken salad is loaded with red grapes, dried cranberries, green onions, celery, and chopped pecans for a deliciously savory-sweet combo that’s sure to become your new go-to!
When it comes to chicken salad, we all know the flavor possibilities are endless. They can be savory or sweet, creamy or not… but when you run across a keeper, you always know it.
I’ve tried a LOT of chicken salads in my day, but I have to say: there’s something about this Chicken Salad with Grapes that’s my all time favorite! It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, crunchy, creamy, and completely delicious. Some might even say addictive… and I would definitely be one of them.
It makes the best sandwiches (obviously) but it’s also SO good with crackers, on salads, or all on its own. And when you make it with rotisserie chicken, it’s super quick and easy! It’s perfect for parties or picnics, and one of those things everyone seems to love.
Whether you’re a long time chicken salad connoisseur or just getting into it for the first time, this Chicken Salad with Grapes is a must try. And I have the feeling it may just become your new favorite, too!
Ingredients
Chicken – My favorite type of chicken to use for chicken salad is rotisserie. Not only is it easy and convenient, but it’s also incredibly moist and delicious. You can feel free to substitute any type of chopped or shredded cooked chicken.
Mayo – I used classic Hellman’s Mayo for the creamy base. You can use any type of mayo OR substitute Miracle Whip or Greek yogurt.
Grapes – Grapes are one of the key ingredients in this recipe. I chose red grapes to balance out the colors of the chicken salad, and because they’re typically sweeter than green grapes. You can substitute any color or use a combination.
Dried cranberries – Dried cranberries, also known as Craisins, can be found near the other dried fruits at the grocery store. They’re sometimes available with fun flavor twists, like blueberry or cherry. I used Original Craisins, but you could also substitute a flavored variety, raisins, or dried cherries.
Onions – Onions help to balance out the sweetness of this recipe. I used green onions, which tend to be mild and good for salads. You could also use red onions.
Celery – Chopped celery also helps balance out the sweetness of this recipe. You can use either celery hearts or regular stalks.
Pecans – Chopped pecans add a nice crunch to the chicken salad. Walnuts or sliced almonds would also work, or in the case of a nut allergy, feel free to omit the nuts altogether.
Salt & pepper
How to make Chicken Salad with Grapes
Chop the chicken – The first step is to shred or chop the chicken to desired size. There’s no clear rule of thumb, but I like to make sure it’s in bite size pieces.
Cut the grapes – Next, wash, dry, and cut the grapes in half.
Slice the celery & onions – Chop the celery and onions into small pieces. After all, no one wants a mouthful of either!
Assemble the chicken salad – Finally, in a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Chicken Salad can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later.
Recipe variations
- Substitute raisins for the dried cranberries
- Use any type of nuts or omit them altogether
- Add sunflower seeds for extra crunch
- Add diced apples for a more fruity flavor
- Substitute green grapes for red
- Substitute red onion for sliced green onion
- Use Miracle Whip in place of Mayo according to your preferences
Storage tips
Leftover Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I would not recommend freezing.
More Chicken Salad recipes
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Curry Chicken Salad
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad
- BLT Chicken Salad
- Pesto Chicken Salad
- Lemon Piccata Chicken Salad
- Harvest Chicken Salad
Chicken Salad with Grapes
The BEST Chicken Salad recipe ever! This creamy chicken salad is loaded with red grapes, dried cranberries, green onions, celery, and chopped pecans for a deliciously savory-sweet combo that's sure to become your new go-to!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken (1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Shred or chop chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Cut grapes in half.
- Chop celery and onions.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Serve immediately on bread or with crackers OR store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allyson Zea says
I love chicken salad, and this looks delicious with all of the additions!
Krystle says
This stuff is delicious. I’ve made it everyday for lunch this week.
Claire says
Interesting! I would love to try this!
Beth says
Yummy! My hubby and I enjoyed this recipe today for lunch and we absolutely loved it! We love adding grapes and pecans to our chicken salads, so tasty and adds more crunch to it! Can’t wait to make this again!
Cindy says
I,m trying the chicken salad tomorrow
Amanda Livesay says
This is the best chicken salad recipe! My 9 year old asks for it all the time.
Catalina says
Love all these delicious ingredients in one salad! Yum!
Sandra says
I really love that you added grapes! It is so flavorful!
Denise says
This is so good. I added a little more celery and green onion and nuts as we love the crunch. I will definitely make again and again. 🙂
Stephanie Wetzel says
Which brand of mayonnaise did you use?
Cathy Trochelman says
I used Hellman’s.
Ellen says
It ALL LOOKS SO GOOD.❤️🙏