Indulge in the delightful combination of tender chicken and juicy grapes in this chicken salad with grapes recipe. This dish is not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes. The crunchy vegetables and sweet grapes provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken, making it an ideal meal for warm days or a light lunch. Serve it chilled for the best experience!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
– 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
– Lettuce leaves for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with no cooking required.
Nutritional Value
One serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken and halved grapes.
2. Add the chopped celery and red onion to the bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
7. If using, stir in the chopped walnuts for added crunch.
8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
9. Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves for presentation.
10. Enjoy your refreshing chicken salad with grapes!
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a creamier texture. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely if there’s a nut allergy.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with whole grain bread or crackers. It can also be served alongside a light soup or as part of a picnic spread.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best served cold and should not be reheated. It is not recommended to freeze the salad, as the texture of the grapes may change.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be moist.
– Avoid using overly ripe grapes, as they can be mushy.
– Ensure the dressing is well-balanced; taste and adjust as needed.
– When chopping vegetables, keep pieces uniform for even mixing.
– Don’t skip chilling the salad; it enhances the flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
– Experiment with different grape varieties for varied sweetness.
– Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
– Keep ingredients prepped ahead of time for quick assembly.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used, but fresh cooked chicken will yield a better texture and flavor.
How long will the chicken salad last in the fridge?
The chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of grapes work best?
Seedless grapes, whether red or green, work best for this salad. Choose the ripest for optimal sweetness.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, feel free to add diced apples or mandarin oranges for a fruity twist!
Conclusion
This chicken salad with grapes is a delightful dish that balances sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the freshness and taste of this vibrant salad!
Chicken Salad With Grapes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced
- 1 cup seedless grapes halved
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped (optional)
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken and halved grapes.
- Add the chopped celery and red onion to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- If using, stir in the chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves for presentation.
- Enjoy your refreshing chicken salad with grapes!
Nutrition
