Sweet & Tangy Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad Recipe

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that burst with unexpected chicken salad flavors.

This crisp chicken, apple & grape salad delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with sweet, juicy grapes and crisp apple chunks.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and fruity notes.

Crunchy nuts scattered throughout add a satisfying crunch to every forkful.

The light, zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together in a harmonious dance of flavor.

Serve this vibrant salad as a quick lunch or elegant starter that will surely impress your guests.

Step-By-Step Instructions

• Whip Up the Flavor Booster

Grab a small mixing bowl and blend mayonnaise with zesty Dijon mustard, a splash of bright lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This magical mixture will transform your ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Toss and Mingle

In a spacious bowl, welcome shredded chicken, crisp apple chunks, juicy grape halves, crunchy celery, and nutty bits. Pour your creamy dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until each morsel is beautifully coated with deliciousness.

• Chill and Thrill

Let your salad relax in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors dance and mingle. When you’re ready to serve, pile it into fresh lettuce cups, spread it between soft bread slices, or scoop it up with crispy crackers. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds do a happy dance!

Flavor Tips & Ingredient Ideas

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.
• Protein Swap Options: Easily substitute chicken with turkey, canned tuna, or tofu for a different protein profile that suits your dietary needs or preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance, keeping the dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Serve the salad in lettuce wraps or with gluten-free crackers to make it suitable for those avoiding wheat-based products.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Skip the bread or crackers and serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option that's packed with flavor and nutrition.

Serve Chicken Apple Grape Salad With Ease

• Leafy Green Bed: Serve the creamy chicken salad over a crisp bed of mixed greens like arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce for added nutrition and texture.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the salad on a beautiful platter surrounded by crunchy crackers, cucumber slices, and fresh herb sprigs for an elegant presentation that's perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Sandwich Sensation: Spread the chicken salad between toasted whole grain bread, add a slice of swiss cheese, and layer with fresh lettuce and tomato for a delightful lunch option that transforms the recipe into a hearty sandwich.
• Wrap It Up: Stuff the creamy chicken salad into soft tortillas or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, portable meal that's easy to pack for work or a quick lunch on the go.

Keep It Fresh For Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and flavors melding perfectly.
• Smart Separation Technique: Keep dressing separate from salad ingredients until serving to prevent soggy textures and maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Freshness Maximization Method: Chop apples and add just before serving to prevent browning and maintain vibrant, crisp fruit quality.
• Temperature Harmony Approach: Let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor depth and soften chilled ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Chicken Apple Grape Salad

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that binds ingredients with rich, smooth texture.
• Yogurt: Lighter alternative offering tangy flavor and protein boost.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds zesty kick and helps emulsify dressing with complex flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity and helps prevent fruit from browning.

• Chicken: Lean protein that gives substantial texture and filling nutrition.

• Apples: Sweet-tart crunch that adds crisp texture and natural sweetness.
• Grapes: Juicy bursts of flavor that provide unexpected fruity dimension.
• Celery: Adds refreshing crispness and subtle peppery undertone.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that cuts through creamy dressing and provides aromatic depth.

• Nuts: Provide earthy crunch and nutty richness to complement creamy ingredients.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweet and tangy elements.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.

Tools To Toss Chicken Apple Grape Salad

• Large Bowl: Spacious mixing vessel for combining all salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing smoothly and eliminating lumps.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping chicken, apples, and other salad components.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for dicing ingredients into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for portioning out salt, pepper, and other seasonings.

Crisp Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic chicken, apple & grape salad blends crisp fruit with tender chicken in a rich, tangy dressing. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a balanced meal perfect for lunch or light dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken, cooked and chopped or shredded
• 1 cup (237 ml) grapes, halved (red or green)
• ½ cup (118 ml) celery, thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) red onion, finely diced (optional)
• ½ cup (118 ml) mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (or mix of both)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (59 ml) pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Flavor Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a vibrant, creamy dressing that will elevate the entire dish.
2. Protein Preparation: Cut chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the salad.
3. Fruit and Vegetable Composition: Uniformly dice apples, grapes, celery, and red onion to create a harmonious texture and balanced flavor profile, while roughly chopping nuts to introduce a delightful crunch.
4. Ingredient Symphony: Merge all prepared components in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding to allow each element to interact and develop a complex taste experience.
5. Dressing Infusion: Pour the crafted dressing over the mixture, carefully tossing to ensure every ingredient is luxuriously coated and seasoned.
6. Flavor Maturation: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective flavor nuances.
7. Versatile Presentation: Serve the chilled salad nestled in crisp lettuce cups, sandwiched between soft bread, or accompanied by crackers, offering a dynamic and adaptable culinary experience.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Precision: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Fruit Freshness Hack: Choose crisp, firm apples and grapes to maintain crunch and prevent mushiness after mixing with dressing.
• Dressing Balance Technique: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated sauce that coats ingredients evenly without oversaturating.
• Chilling for Flavor Enhancement: Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let ingredients marinate and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg