Name: Chicken Salad with Grapes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
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

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.

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