Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

This classic chicken salad is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors. It’s easy to prepare and great for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Enjoy it on bread, croissants, or fresh lettuce cups for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper (or to taste)
• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half or quartered
• 1 cup red apple, chopped
• 1 cup celery ribs, chopped (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped or sliced (walnuts or almonds can be substituted)
• Bread, croissants, lettuce cups, pita bread, or crackers for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken salad on bread, croissants, pita bread, or as lettuce cups.

Tips & Variations

• Add a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing for extra tang.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
• For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and color.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir well and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is a great time saver for this recipe.

How long should I chill the salad before serving?

Chilling for at least one hour helps the flavors blend, but you can refrigerate for longer if needed, up to 3 days.

Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A classic, creamy chicken salad combining tender cooked chicken with fresh fruit, crunchy celery, and nuts, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and lemon dressing. Perfect as a sandwich filling, served in lettuce cups, or alongside crackers for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, or to taste

Salad

• 4 cups cooked and diced chicken
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 cup red apple, chopped
• 1 cup celery ribs, chopped (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup pecans (or walnuts or almonds), chopped or sliced
• Bread, croissants, lettuce cups, pita bread, or crackers, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy to form the dressing.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked, diced chicken with the halved or quartered grapes, chopped red apple, chopped celery, and chopped or sliced pecans (or your chosen nuts). Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to ensure the dressing coats all the components evenly.
4. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture.
5. Serve: Once chilled, serve the chicken salad as a filling in sandwiches made with bread or croissants, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter option. It can also be enjoyed with pita bread or crackers as a snack or light meal.
6. Store Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume within up to 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.

Notes

• For a healthier twist, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo.
• Add herbs like dill or tarragon for extra flavor variation.
• Toast the pecans or nuts lightly to enhance their crunch and flavor.
• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• The apple can be substituted with pears or other crisp fruits according to preference.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing to maintain crispness of other ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad, Creamy Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Summer Salad, Light Meal