A delightful mix of tender chicken and sweet, juicy grapes makes this Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad a perfect dish for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a satisfying crunch that you’ll love in each bite. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens or as a filling for wraps, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (uses pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 340
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 360 mg
Why Make This Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗
This Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad stands out because it blends rich flavors and crunchy textures with minimal effort. The shredded chicken serves as a hearty base, while the sweet red grapes introduce a refreshing pop of sweetness that brightens each bite. The crunch of celery and pecans (if you opt for them) complements the creaminess of the dressing, which features tangy Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a picnic dish, or a wholesome dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
How to Make Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine your pre-cooked shredded chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, optional pecans, fresh dill, and green onions. This colorful combination will not only taste great but also look beautiful on your plate.
Step 2: Mixing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing combines rich flavors and adds a zesty kick, elevating your salad to the next level.
Step 3: Combining
Gently pour the delicious dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything well until all the ingredients are beautifully coated. This ensures that every bite is as tasty as the next!
Step 4: Finishing
Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed to match your preference. Enjoy right away for immediate freshness, or pop it in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to let the flavors deepen and mingle perfectly!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds tender shredded cooked chicken
- 1 1/2 cups sweet red grapes (halved)
- 1/2 cup crisp diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions
- 1 cup creamy mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (add more if you like it tangier!)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to your preference)
How to Serve Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗
Serve this Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant presentation. Alternatively, you can scoop it into whole-grain wraps or sandwich bread for a satisfying hearty meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips or as a scrumptious appetizer on crostini.
How to Store Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This chicken salad will keep well for about 3 days. If you can, allow the salad to sit for an hour after making it before serving as this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken; it’s already cooked and adds extra flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Give your salad a spicy twist by adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing.
- For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding chopped apples or cranberries to the mix.
- Avoid soggy salads by mixing the dressing in just before serving if you plan to save leftovers.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha for those who enjoy some heat.
- Herbed Delight: Incorporate a variety of herbs such as parsley or basil along with dill for an aromatic lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I prepare this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh. -
Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise. -
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad as the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients may change in texture when thawed. -
What can I serve with this chicken salad?
It pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or fruit for a balanced meal. -
How do I make it dairy-free?
Substitute mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or homemade avocado dressing to keep it creamy without dairy.
Conclusion
This Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad 🥗 is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or as a meal prep solution. Bursting with flavor, it’s simple to make and adaptable to suit your tastes. Don’t hesitate to try it out over the next lunch or dinner; your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful dish!
Print
Easy Wholesome Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful mix of tender chicken and sweet, juicy grapes, this salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tender shredded cooked chicken
- 1 1/2 cups sweet red grapes (halved)
- 1/2 cup crisp diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions
- 1 cup creamy mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine your pre-cooked shredded chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, optional pecans, fresh dill, and green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Gently pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir well until all ingredients are coated.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Notes
To save time, use rotisserie chicken. For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
