Print

Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans (Best Easy Recipe)

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

This creamy chicken salad with grapes and pecans is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch, with a perfect balance of sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken in a creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and pull meat off bones. Shred with fingers or two forks, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  3. Halve the grapes: Wash and dry grapes, then cut each in half lengthwise. Quarter if grapes are very large.
  4. Dice the celery and slice the green onions: Dice celery into small, uniform pieces. Thinly slice green onions, using both white and green parts.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  6. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, halved grapes, toasted pecans, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Drizzle dressing over the top.
  7. Mix gently: Fold everything together with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking up chicken or smashing grapes.
  8. Season and adjust: Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in fresh herbs if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Chill before serving: Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, toast the pecans to enhance flavor and crunch. If meal prepping, add pecans just before serving to maintain crunch. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze. For a lighter version, replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, grapes, pecans, creamy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, rotisserie chicken, meal prep, potluck

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/creamy-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-best-easy-recipe/