If there’s one dish that never fails to impress at picnics, potlucks, or lunch-on-the-go, it’s Chicken Salad with Grapes. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once—it’s that feel-good, “I actually look forward to eating this for lunch” kind of meal. And let’s be honest—when your fridge holds a bowl of this goodness, suddenly, adulting feels a whole lot easier.
Whether you’re juggling kids, Zoom meetings, or both (hello, multitasking queens), this chicken salad is your shortcut to something delicious without the stress. Plus, the real star of the show? That dressing. More on that magic in a moment.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad with Grapes
Let me count the ways! First, it’s a flavor bomb. You’ve got sweet grapes, herby parsley, crunchy walnuts, and juicy chicken, all tossed in a dreamy dressing that walks the line between tangy and sweet like it’s wearing heels on a tightrope.
But most importantly? It’s practical. You can make it ahead of time (hello, meal prep!), it uses everyday ingredients, and it’s endlessly customizable—great for picky eaters, gluten-free folks, or when you just want to clean out the fridge.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base for our dressing. Use your favorite brand!
- Rice Vinegar – Or apple cider vinegar, for that bright zing.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a sophisticated kick, but you can sub in any mustard if needed.
- Maple Syrup – A touch of sweetness to balance the tang. Honey or brown sugar works too.
- Salt & Pepper – Always.
- Chicken – I used shredded rotisserie chicken because, well, it was right there and already cooked.
- Grapes – Seedless and quartered. Red or green—go with what you love.
- Celery – For crunch. Chop those ribs into bite-sized bits.
- Walnuts – Toasted and chopped. Pecans or pine nuts also work beautifully.
- Parsley – Fresh and chopped, for brightness.
- Green Onion – A few sprigs, chopped, for a mild oniony flavor.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes
This one’s as easy as “toss and chill.” Here’s the step-by-step:
- Whip up the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and slightly tangy-sweet. You might even want to double it—it’s that good on sandwiches and grilled veggies too! - Add the good stuff
To the bowl, toss in your shredded chicken, grapes, celery, walnuts, parsley, and green onion. - Stir to coat
Gently fold everything together until every bite is evenly coated in that dreamy dressing. No dry chicken bits here! - Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This little nap in the fridge lets all those flavors hang out and get cozy. - Serve it up
Sprinkle on a bit more parsley or green onion if you’re feeling fancy. Serve on toast, in a lettuce wrap, stuffed in a croissant, or with crackers for a quick snack.
Quick Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad Every Time
- Toast your nuts – It takes just a few minutes, but makes the flavor deeper and more nutty. Totally worth it.
- Let it chill – Yes, technically you could eat it right away, but that 20–30 minute chill makes it next level.
- No rotisserie? No problem – Boil, bake, or even air-fry some chicken breasts ahead of time.
- Too thick? – If your salad feels a bit dense, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk or extra vinegar to loosen it up.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Chicken Salad with Grapes first became a staple in my house during a hectic back-to-school season. I needed something quick, comforting, and kid-approved. Turns out, my youngest thought the grapes were “dessert hiding in lunch”—and just like that, it became our weekly go-to. Now, it’s not just a recipe; it’s a little taste of calm on busy days.
FAQs About Chicken Salad with Grapes
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds—or skip them entirely if you have nut allergies. It’s still delicious.
How long does this chicken salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Though honestly? It rarely makes it past day two.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Great for meal prepping or party planning.
Is this gluten-free?
Yep! Just make sure your mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free if that’s a concern
Make-Ahead Magic: Why Chicken Salad with Grapes Belongs in Your Weekly Lineup
Whether you’re planning a brunch, packing school lunches, or just trying to get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat, Chicken Salad with Grapes is your new best friend. It’s that rare combo of quick, pretty, and totally crave-worthy—like the little black dress of meal prep: effortless, flattering, and always appropriate.
What makes it even better? This salad actually gets better with a bit of time in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weekdays or stress-free entertaining. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and fancy enough to feel a little elevated (grapes and toasted walnuts, anyone?).
So go ahead—grab that rotisserie chicken and whip this up. Your fridge (and future you) will thank you. Because let’s be honest, finding a recipe that checks all the boxes—delicious, easy, wholesome, and versatile—is no small feat. But this one? It’s got lunch hero written all over it.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Favorites
If you loved the simplicity and flavor-packed goodness of Chicken Salad with Grapes, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re building out a weekly meal plan or just want to explore more crave-worthy chicken recipes, here are a few delicious dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes that pair beautifully with your newfound favorite:
- For another lunch-ready option bursting with flavor, try our refreshing Honey Mustard Chicken Salad—it’s the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
- Want a twist on your classic Caesar fix? These Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos are crunchy, juicy, and great for casual dinners or entertaining friends.
- Need more salad inspiration? Our Chipotle Chicken Chopped Salad brings the smoky heat with a creamy finish—great for meal prep!
- And if you’re looking for a cozy, make-ahead companion dish, the Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese delivers on weeknight comfort without the fuss.
There’s a whole world of chicken magic waiting for you. Explore, taste, and enjoy the journey—one delicious bite at a time!
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Chicken Salad with Grapes
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes is the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo, loaded with juicy grapes, tender shredded chicken, and a luscious tangy dressing. It’s easy, fresh, and perfect for meal prep, lunches, brunches, or any light bite that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey or brown sugar)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
1 cup seedless grapes, quartered
2 celery ribs, chopped
½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted (or pecans)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, toasted walnuts, parsley, and green onion to the bowl.
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley or green onion. Enjoy in a sandwich, croissant, lettuce wrap, or with crackers!
Notes
Make Ahead: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!
Nuts: You can swap walnuts for pecans, pine nuts, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Protein Tip: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but any cooked, shredded chicken works great.
Customize It: Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for an extra fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad , Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg