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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup celery, finely chopped - ½ cup red grapes, halved - ½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted - ¼ cup red onion, finely diced - 1 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for creamier texture) - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley For this chicken salad, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. Cooked chicken breast gives the salad its main protein. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Celery adds a nice crunch. Red grapes bring a sweet burst that balances the dish. Walnuts add a delightful nuttiness and crunch. Red onion gives a sharp bite that enhances the flavor. The dressing is where the magic happens. Greek yogurt keeps it creamy but lighter than mayonnaise. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, while honey brings sweetness. Season with salt and pepper to make it just right. I love to finish with fresh parsley. It adds color and a hint of freshness. This chicken salad is not just yummy; it looks great too! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken and vegetables. Use your hands or a fork to break up the chicken. Make sure the celery, grapes, walnuts, and red onion mix well. This helps each bite have a nice crunch and sweetness. 2. In another bowl, mix the dressing ingredients. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything blends smoothly. This dressing adds creaminess and flavor to the salad. 1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to toss everything together gently. Make sure each piece is coated with the dressing. This step is key for great flavor in every bite. 2. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning. If it needs more salt or pepper, add a pinch. This small step can make a big difference in taste. 1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together. It makes the salad taste even better when you serve it. To make this chicken salad shine, adjust the dressing to match your taste. You can add more yogurt for a lighter feel or extra mustard for a zesty kick. Fresh ingredients boost flavor, so consider adding crisp apples or sweet peaches. These fruits add a nice crunch and taste. Preparing this salad in advance is easy. Mix all the salad ingredients and keep the dressing separate. When you are ready to serve, combine them. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. You can make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. Presentation makes a difference. Serve the salad in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. You can also serve it on a bed of greens or in lettuce cups. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a full meal. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Chill for Flavors: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Add a Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding some chopped apples or a handful of crispy bacon bits. {{image_2}} You can easily change the main ingredients in this chicken salad. If you want a different protein, use canned tuna or chickpeas. Both options work well in salads. For fruits, you can swap red grapes with apples or dried cranberries. They add a nice crunch and sweetness. If you prefer nuts, try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. Each swap creates a new taste. For those who follow a vegetarian diet, try using plant-based chicken or tofu. This keeps the salad filling without meat. If you need gluten-free options, ensure your mustard and yogurt are gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but always check the label. These adjustments keep the taste great for everyone. You can kick up the flavor in your chicken salad. If you like spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This gives your salad a nice kick. For a herby twist, mix in fresh dill or basil. These herbs brighten the dish and add fresh flavor. Each variant makes the salad fun and different every time! To keep your chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. A glass or plastic container works well. Make sure to seal it tightly. Also, place the salad in the back of the fridge where it is coldest. Avoid storing it in the door, as that area is warmer. Your chicken salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you see any change in color or smell, it’s best to toss it out. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you are unsure, it's better to be safe. You can freeze chicken salad, but it may change in texture. The yogurt might separate when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Use it within 2 to 3 months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving. Yes, you can use leftover chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just ensure the chicken is cold. This saves time and adds flavor. For best results, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. Chicken salad pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh green salad - Crunchy tortilla chips - Crispy pita bread - Sliced cucumbers with dip - A bowl of fruit These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Yes, this chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it in advance and store it in the fridge. It lasts up to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. You can enjoy it on sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers. This blog post shared an easy chicken salad recipe. We covered key ingredients like chicken, grapes, and walnuts, along with a tasty dressing. I detailed step-by-step instructions for preparing, combining, and chilling the salad. Tips for flavor, making ahead, and serving ideas were also included. I explored fun variations and proper storage methods. Overall, this chicken salad is simple, flexible, and great for meal prep. Enjoy making it your own!

Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Salad

A delicious and refreshing chicken salad perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup red grapes, halved
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, halved grapes, toasted walnuts, and diced red onion.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  • Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Keyword chicken salad, easy recipe, healthy