This fresh and easy chicken salad recipe with grapes is one of our go-tos for quick lunches, meal prep, or sandwich nights.
The sweet grapes, crisp celery, and crunchy nuts add great texture while the creamy dressing ties everything together.
Our chicken salad with grapes and walnuts comes together quickly and chills well, making it perfect for busy days, potlucks, or picnics.
You can serve it on its own, scoop it into lettuce cups, or tuck it into buttery croissants to make the best chicken salad croissant sandwiches – your choice.
For meal prep, rotisserie chicken or crockpot-shredded chicken works perfectly if you’re making a large batch for the week. If you enjoy this, you should also try our Mexican chicken salad next.
The best part…
- It’s quick to prepare. Everything comes together in about 15 minutes.
- You get juicy grapes, tender chicken, crisp celery, and crunchy walnuts in every bite.
- It’s perfect for meal prep since it stays fresh for days and tastes even better after chilling.
- Chicken salad is versatile. It works for sandwiches, salads, wraps, lunchboxes, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken: Cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken both work well.
- Red seedless grapes: Halved for sweetness and color.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Red onion: Gives a sharp bite to balance the creaminess.
- Walnuts: Bring texture and a nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor.
- Fresh dill: Adds a pop of herb flavor.
- Salt & black pepper: To season the salad.
- Lettuce leaves or croissants (optional): For serving.
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
How to make chicken salad with grapes
Add the shredded chicken, celery , grapes, red onion, and walnuts to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until everything is coated.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Serve on lettuce, in croissants, or use as a sandwich filling.
Substitutions
- Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken saves time and works great here.
- Nut swaps: Pecans or sliced almonds fit well if you don’t have walnuts.
- Grapes: Red grapes add sweetness and color, but green seedless grapes also work.
- Make-ahead: Great for meal prep. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Lighter version: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter dressing.
Serve with
These reindeer pretzels with Rolos look great on Christmas dessert platters alongside sugar cookies, fudge, or holiday bark. They also pair well with hot cocoa or festive milkshakes for a cozy treat.
Storing and reheating leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze: The creamy dressing and grapes won’t hold up in the freezer.
- For best texture: Add the walnuts right before serving if you prefer them extra crunchy.
Helpful Tips
- Let the chicken cool fully before mixing to prevent the dressing from thinning.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning after chilling. Cold dishes can sometimes need a little extra salt.
- Chop everything evenly so each bite has a good mix of ingredients.
- Add a splash more lemon juice if you like a brighter flavor.
FAQs
You can, though fresh or rotisserie chicken will give a better texture.
Up to three days in advance. Store it chilled and add the walnuts right before serving.
Yes, leave them out or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
This chicken salad recipe with grapes is simple, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you serve it with greens or tucked into a warm croissant, it’s a reliable meal that works any day of the week.
The mix of juicy grapes, tender chicken, and crunchy walnuts makes this recipe an easy favorite.
Enjoy!
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Chicken Salad with Grapes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- 2 cups red seedless grapes (halved)
- 4 celery sticks (chopped)
- 1 Small red onion (chopped)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: lettuce leaves and croissants for sandwiches
Instructions
- Place the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and walnuts in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until everything is coated evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator until serving time. Enjoy it over lettuce or pile it into croissants, bagels, or your favorite sandwich bread.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. If using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool fully before mixing.
- Green grapes can be used if that’s what you have on hand—stick with seedless varieties for easy eating.
- Pecans or sliced almonds make great substitutes for the walnuts.
- The salad keeps well for up to three days in the fridge. Add the nuts right before serving if you want extra crunch.
- Spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter meal or pack it into croissants for a picnic-friendly option.
Nutrition
