Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes, Cranberries & Pecans
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grapes, cranberries, pecans, celery, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 of 6):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Nut Information
This recipe contains tree nuts (pecans).
To make it nut-free:
- Omit the pecans.
- Replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or simply leave them out.
Recipe Tips
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and flavorful.
- Toast the pecans for 3–5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Chill before serving for the best taste.
- Add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.
Q: How long will it keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate after thawing.
Q: What can I serve it with?
- Croissants
- Sandwich bread
- Lettuce wraps
- Crackers
- Pita pockets
- Mixed green salad
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well before mixing, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture.
Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts, sliced almonds, or chopped cashews all work well if there are no nut allergies.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
- Freezer: Not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
This creamy chicken salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, lunches, or an easy light dinner. The combination of tender chicken, juicy grapes, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing makes it a refreshing
