Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds (Healthy & Easy)

Name: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast ((about 3 cups)); ½ cup sliced celery; ½ cup red grapes, (halved); 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, (toasted); 2 scallions, sliced; 3 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons plain 2% Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; ¾ teaspoon za’atar or other herbs/spices (optional) *see notes; Salt and pepper

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Get my recipe and chef's tips on how to make the best savory-sweet Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds. Whether you enjoy it between two slices of bread, atop a bed of crisp greens, or directly from the bowl, you can't go wrong with this tasty recipe. Made in just 15 minutes, it's a nutrient-packed dish that's perfect for meal prep!

Chicken salad with grapes and almonds on a slice of multigrain bread.

Sometimes, simple is best. That's certainly the case with this easy chicken salad with grapes and almonds that boasts simplicity at its finest.

It's the perfect dish if you're seeking a quick and satisfying light lunch or a fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love. The combination of tender, succulent chicken with the sweetness of juicy grapes and the nutty crunch of almonds and celery will keep everyone coming back for more.

This simple chicken salad is easy to make with minimal preparation and a handful of wholesome ingredients. And the best part is that you can make it in just 15 minutes! To save time, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

It's one of my go-to recipes for meal prep along with my high protein cottage cheese egg salad. It can be repurposed throughout the week into salads, sandwiches, and more.

Plus, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse and will allow you to stay on track with your healthy eating goals. Packed with lean, protein-rich chicken, it provides a satisfying and nourishing meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.

The natural sweetness of grapes adds a burst of flavor without the need for additional sugars. Sliced almonds contribute heart-healthy fats and a delightful crunch.

Whether enjoyed in a sandwich, over a bed of greens, or as a light and refreshing standalone dish, be prepared to fall in love with this easy and healthy chicken salad recipe!

This chicken salad recipe is featured in my collection of 30+ Healthy High Protein Lunch Ideas!

Jump to:

Chicken Salad- A Blank Canvas
Why You'll Love This Dish
Ingredients
Doctor's Tips
How To Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Step-By-Step
Chef's Tips
How To Serve Chicken Salad
Recipe FAQs
More Tasty Salad Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

Chicken Salad- A Blank Canvas

Chicken salad is like a blank canvas- you can customize it with different ingredients like herbs and spices to create your own favorite flavor combination.

Fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, parsley or thyme add a lot of flavor. You can stir some basil pesto into chicken salad for a pop of flavor. You can also add some dried spices for extra flavor. Try some curry powder for a delicious curry chicken salad.

My personal favorite spice to use in this recipe is za'atar. Za'atar is a versatile Middle Eastern spice blend that commonly contains sumac, sesame seeds and other spices like oregano and thyme.

I make this healthy chicken salad recipe with a creamy dressing made with nutrient-dense Greek yogurt and just enough mayonnaise for flavor. Then I add a mixture of savory and sweet ingredients to maximize the flavor.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Tasty- a refreshing, savory-sweet salad bursting with flavor and texture from tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds and celery
Quick and easy- make it in just 15 minutes- perfect for busy days
Nutritious- healthier than traditional chicken salad and packed with nutritious ingredients
Versatile- perfect for sandwiches, salads or as a standalone dish
Easily customizable- a blank slate that can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices
Perfect for meal prep- make a batch on the weekend and enjoy it in salads, sandwiches, and more throughout the week

Ingredients

Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.

Chicken- you can cook chicken breast for this recipe or use rotisserie chicken to save time
Fresh grapes- I like to use red grapes for the color contrast but you can use green grapes too
Almonds- I use sliced almonds; you can substitute pecans or other nuts
Celery- adds a nice crunch
Scallions (green onions)- you can substitute red onions or shallots
Mayonnaise- I like to use avocado oil mayonnaise because it provides heart-healthy fats
Greek Yogurt- plain Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein and probiotics; you can substitute sour cream
Lemon juice and dijon mustard- add brightness and a bit of acidity to cut through the rich dressing
Flavorings- you can add dried spices or fresh herbs for extra flavor; my secret ingredient is za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that commonly contains sumac, sesame seeds and other spices like oregano and thyme; you can use other herbs/spices like fresh dill, tarragon, parsley, curry powder or garlic powder.

Doctor's Tips

Swapping a portion of mayonnaise with Greek yogurt is a simple way to lighten up your recipes and boost their nutritional value. While mayonnaise adds creaminess to many recipes, it also contains a high amount of fat and calories.
By incorporating Greek yogurt as a replacement, you can enjoy the same velvety texture while reducing the fat content and adding a boost of nutrients.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. Its tangy flavor adds a delightful twist to dressings, sauces, and dips.

How To Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Step-By-Step

Steps for making chicken salad with grapes and almonds.

See recipe card below for full recipe details.

Step 1- Combine chicken, celery, sliced grapes, almonds, and scallions in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2- Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, and any other seasonings together in a separate bowl.

Steps 3 and 4 for making chicken salad with grapes and almonds.

Step 3- Add the dry ingredients to the dressing.
Step 4- Stir to combine. Season chicken salad with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Chef's Tips

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Toasting the almonds will give the chicken salad even more flavor.
Chicken salad is like a blank canvas- you can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to jazz it up a little. You can go with fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or parsley or stir in some basil pesto. You can add dried spices like thyme or curry powder for a delicious curry chicken salad. My personal favorite is za'atar. Za'atar is a versatile Middle Eastern spice blend that commonly contains sumac, sesame seeds and other spices like oregano and thyme.
You can add chopped hard-boiled egg for more protein and to make this salad even heartier.
This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Chicken salad with grapes and almonds on a slice of multigrain bread with a bowl of chicken salad in the background.

How To Serve Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving this chicken salad with grapes and almonds, the options are endless!

For a classic approach, serve this chicken salad between two slices of your favorite bread, transforming it into a delectable sandwich. You can also serve it open-faced on a slice of toasted whole grain bread with mixed greens.

If you're looking for a lighter option, scoop the chicken salad onto a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

You can also make this into an elegant appetizer by filling mini pastry shells or endive leaves with the chicken salad, creating bite-sized treats for gatherings or parties. You can also serve it on cucumber slices. It's perfect for occasions like wedding showers, baby showers or Mother's Day brunch.

Have you ever wondered how long chicken can sit out before you need to toss it? Read my post all about how to properly handle and store chicken to help ensure that it's always safe to eat!

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze chicken salad with grapes in it?

I would not recommend freezing this chicken salad with grapes and almonds as the flavor and texture will be affected when it thaws. The mayonnaise may separate and the fruits and vegetables may become watery and mushy.

What can I add to chicken salad to give it more flavor?

Chicken salad is a blank canvas! I like to add za'atar to give this chicken salad plenty of flavor. You can add other herbs and spices like tarragon, parsley, dill, thyme or curry powder.

How long will homemade chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

The USDA recommends that chicken salad should be kept only three to five days in the refrigerator (stored at 40 degrees or lower).