Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad

Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors all in one bowl. It features tender chunks of chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Whether you serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a wrap, this salad is perfect for lunch, light dinners, or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect mix of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. It’s incredibly easy to throw together and great for using up leftover chicken. You’ll love how versatile it is, whether you enjoy it on its own, stuffed into a croissant, or scooped onto crackers. It’s also make-ahead friendly, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
• Red or green apples (chopped)
• Red grapes (halved)
• Celery (chopped)
• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for lighter texture)
• Dijon mustard (optional, for added tang)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, apples, grapes, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve chilled, as a sandwich filling, in lettuce cups, or over mixed greens.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds.
• Herb Boost: Stir in fresh parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor.
• No Mayo Option: Use all Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
• Sweet Touch: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for more sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the fruits and dressing may become watery.
Serve chilled—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Cooked, chopped chicken breast or rotisserie chicken both work well for this recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors blend.

What kind of apples are best?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.

Can I use green grapes instead of red?

Absolutely—use whichever you prefer or a mix of both.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your mustard and any add-ins are certified GF if needed.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, though fresh or rotisserie chicken will offer better texture and flavor.

Can I leave out the celery?

Yes, but you may want to substitute another crunchy element like cucumber or bell pepper.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

Skip the Greek yogurt or sour cream and use only mayonnaise, or use a dairy-free alternative.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

It’s great on its own, in a sandwich, stuffed in pita, scooped onto crackers, or over a bed of greens.

Can I add pasta to this?

Yes, turn it into a chicken pasta salad by mixing in cooked pasta like rotini or penne.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad is a light yet satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a meal prep staple, a quick lunch, or a fresh take on classic chicken salad, this recipe delivers every time. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory—perfect for any occasion, any season.

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