Print

Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans: Perfect Easy Recipe

classic chicken salad with grapes and pecans - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic chicken salad with grapes and pecans is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory—perfect for lunch, potlucks, or meal prep. It comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved (150g)
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped (60g)
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 3 stalks green onion, sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120g)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (60g)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until they smell nutty and look slightly darker. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the chicken (if not using rotisserie): Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot. Cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice.
  3. Prep your add-ins: Halve the grapes, dice the celery, and slice the green onions.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, halved grapes, diced celery, sliced green onions, and cooled pecans. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently until evenly coated.
  6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is better) to let the flavors meld.
  7. Final taste and serve: Stir before serving, adjust salt or lemon if needed. Serve on croissants, bread, lettuce cups, or with crackers.

Notes

For best texture, use chicken that’s been cooked but not overdone. Toast pecans for extra flavor and crunch. Let chicken cool completely before mixing to prevent dressing from thinning. Add pecans right before serving if making ahead to keep them crunchy. The salad tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, grapes, pecans, classic chicken salad, easy chicken salad, meal prep, potluck, lunch

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/classic-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-perfect-easy-recipe/