Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
Craving a fresh, wholesome lunch that’s packed with flavor? My Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes is the perfect choice! Creamy, slightly sweet, and crunchy with a hint of tang, this salad is a light yet satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on its own with a bed of greens. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a nutritious lunch, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients List
Chicken Salad Ingredients
2 ½ cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (I like using canned chicken breast for convenience, but cooked rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup red seedless grapes, halved or quartered depending on size
1/4 cup sliced almonds (or chopped pecans as an alternative)
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp dried minced/chopped onion
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp celery salt (or regular salt if needed)
1 tsp honey
Required Kitchen Tools
Making this chicken salad is simple, but having the right tools makes prep even easier. Here’s what I use:
Mixing Bowl – A large bowl is perfect to combine all the ingredients without spilling.
Sharp Knife – For dicing celery and slicing grapes precisely.
Cutting Board – Keeps your workspace clean and safe.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures your dressing is balanced perfectly.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula – To gently fold the ingredients without crushing the grapes.
With these tools, making my chicken salad is quick and effortless.
Preparing the Chicken Salad
Mixing the Ingredients
I start by placing the chopped or shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Then, I add the diced celery, halved grapes, and sliced almonds. In a separate small bowl, I whisk together the light mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, dried minced onion, and celery salt until smooth.
Next, I pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together, making sure each bite is coated without mashing the grapes.
Taste and Adjust
After mixing, I always taste my chicken salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a touch more honey balances the flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
How I Love to Serve It
There are so many ways to enjoy this healthy chicken salad:
On Whole Grain Bread – For a classic sandwich.
In a Wrap – Great for a portable lunch.
Over Greens – Turns it into a refreshing salad bowl.
With Crackers – Perfect for a light snack or appetizer.
I love keeping it versatile so I can enjoy it any way I like throughout the week.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
Use cold chicken – It keeps the texture firm and fresh.
Don’t overmix – Folding gently preserves the grapes’ shape and prevents crushing.
Customize your crunch – Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds.
Meal prep friendly – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage Instructions
Keeping It Fresh
I store my chicken salad in a covered container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, which makes it perfect for quick lunches during the week.
Freezing Tip
I don’t usually freeze chicken salad with grapes because the grapes can become mushy when thawed. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the chicken separately and adding the grapes and dressing when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Making Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes is one of my favorite quick and nutritious recipes. It’s creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and tangy—all in one bite! By using simple ingredients and a light dressing, this salad is perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or enjoying on a warm sunny day. With its balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from grapes, it’s a wholesome choice for anyone who loves a delicious, easy-to-make chicken salad. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
