Ingredients
-
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
-
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
-
½ cup celery, finely chopped
-
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
-
⅓ cup sliced almonds
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken: Cook chicken breasts in lightly salted water or broth until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow to cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
-
Prepare the vegetables and fruit: Wash and halve the grapes. Finely chop the celery and red onion.
-
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.
-
Combine ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and sliced almonds to the dressing.
-
Mix gently: Stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
-
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a few extra sliced almonds. Serve chilled on lettuce leaves, with crackers, in sandwiches, or inside wraps.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 28–32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–14 g |
| Fat | 21–26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3–5 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Sugar | 6–9 g |
| Sodium | 350–550 mg |
Nut & Allergen Information
-
Tree nuts: Contains almonds.
-
Peanuts: Not included in the basic recipe.
-
Dairy: No dairy ingredients are required.
-
Eggs: Regular mayonnaise usually contains eggs.
-
Mustard: Dijon mustard contains mustard.
-
Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified; bread and crackers may contain wheat.
Nut-free option: Omit the almonds and use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, provided they are safe for your dietary needs. For a completely nut-free version, check labels for cross-contact warnings.
Q/S – Questions & Suggestions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds extra flavor.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Q: Can I use green grapes?
Absolutely. Green grapes work just as well as red grapes.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Q: How long does chicken salad last?
Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below and enjoy within 3–4 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Serve with croissants, toasted bread, lettuce cups, crackers, or tortilla wraps.
Chef’s Tip: Add the sliced almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy, and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.