Luscious Creamy Grape Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe for Picnics

Summer lunches get a delightful upgrade with this creamy grape pecan chicken salad that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with crisp grapes and crunchy pecans, creating a refreshing harmony of textures.

The homemade dressing adds a luxurious touch that makes this salad shine.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of richness and brightness that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh herbs lend an aromatic depth to the classic recipe.

Chilled and light, this chicken salad serves as an ideal meal for warm afternoons or quick gatherings.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next picnic or lunch gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Grape Pecan Chicken Salad

• Grapes: Crisp clusters bursting with natural sweetness, carefully cleaned to ensure maximum freshness and remove any surface residue.
• Celery: Provides a delightful crunch and subtle peppery note, adding textural contrast to the creamy salad.

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that serves as the hearty foundation of the salad, best used from freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for optimal flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Luxurious combination creating a silky smooth texture that beautifully coats each ingredient, adding richness and tangy depth.
• Pecans: Toasted nutty morsels that introduce a delightful crunch and earthy warmth, elevating the salad's complexity.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick and subtle sharpness, balancing the creamy elements with a bright flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and harmonize the overall taste, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.

Tools to Mix the Perfect Grape Pecan Chicken Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and creating a creamy, chunky texture.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing grapes and preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice grapes and chop ingredients with precision.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring baking soda when cleaning grapes.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for rinsing grapes after cleaning with baking soda.

Instructions for Making This Flavorful Chicken Salad

• Grape Preparation

Soak grapes in a baking soda solution to remove any potential pesticides or residue. This gentle cleansing process ensures your salad starts with fresh, clean ingredients.

• Mixing Magic

Blend together tender chicken pieces, crisp grapes, and crunchy pecans in a spacious bowl. Fold in a creamy dressing that binds all the flavors into a harmonious mixture.

• Flavor Harmony

Allow the salad to rest briefly, letting the ingredients mingle and develop a rich, cohesive taste. This short waiting period lets the dressing permeate each component.

• Serving Suggestion

Enjoy the salad chilled, either immediately after preparation or after a brief rest in the refrigerator. The cool temperature enhances the refreshing blend of textures and flavors.

Tips to Customize Your Chicken Salad Bowl

• Soak grapes in a baking soda water bath to remove pesticides and ensure crisp, clean fruit for your salad.
• Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled turkey, canned tuna, or plant-based alternatives like shredded jackfruit for a personalized protein experience.
• Experiment with different nut options like toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to add crunch and depth to the salad's texture.
• Prepare the chicken salad a day in advance and store in an airtight container to let flavors meld and develop a richer taste profile.

How to Serve Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans

• Savor on Crusty Bread: Pile this delightful chicken salad onto thick slices of toasted sourdough or whole wheat bread for a satisfying sandwich experience.
• Pack for Picnic Perfection: Transfer the salad into a sealed container and bring along crackers or fresh baguette slices for a portable and refreshing outdoor meal.
• Create Elegant Appetizer Bites: Scoop small portions onto endive leaves or crisp cucumber rounds for an impressive and light appetizer that will wow your guests at gatherings.
• Transform into Wrap Wonder: Wrap the creamy mixture inside large lettuce leaves or soft tortillas for a low-carb, protein-packed lunch option that's both tasty and nutritious.

How to Store Chicken Salad for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigerate Quickly: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Wisely: Enjoy the salad within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any signs of spoilage before eating.
• Keep Crisp: Store grapes and pecans separately from the creamy mixture to prevent sogginess, mixing them in just before serving for maximum crunch.
• Chill Thoroughly: Let the chicken salad cool completely before refrigerating to help maintain its creamy consistency and prevent condensation from making the salad watery.

Luxurious Grape Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful grape pecan chicken salad combines sweet and savory flavors in a refreshing dish. Crisp grapes, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken mingle with creamy dressing, creating a perfect summer meal for you.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken
• 1 cup sliced grapes
• 0.33 cup chopped red onion
• 3 stalks celery (about 0.5 cup diced)
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 0.33 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice
• 1–2 tsp (5–10 mL) fresh lemon zest
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Grape Preparation: Immerse grapes in a baking soda water solution for 5 minutes to eliminate surface contaminants, then rinse thoroughly under cool water and delicately pat dry with paper towels.
2. Grape Transformation: Slice grapes into precise halves or quarters, creating uniform bite-sized morsels that will distribute elegantly throughout the salad.
3. Ingredient Fusion: In a generous mixing vessel, amalgamate sliced grapes, shredded chicken, chopped pecans, and creamy dressing components, ensuring comprehensive integration of all elements.
4. Flavor Harmonization: Tenderly fold ingredients using a silicone spatula, meticulously coating each component while preserving the grape’s delicate structure, then season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Chilling and Melding: Refrigerate the completed salad for 30-60 minutes, allowing the ingredients to cool and flavors to intertwine, creating a cohesive and refreshing culinary experience.
6. Serving Suggestions: Present the chilled chicken salad as a standalone dish, nestled on crisp lettuce leaves, or nestled between artisan bread slices for a luxurious and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Grape Cleaning Strategy: Use baking soda water bath for 5 minutes to effectively remove surface pesticides and potential contaminants.
• Precise Grape Preparation: Cut grapes into consistent halves or quarters to ensure even distribution and ideal texture throughout the salad.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients carefully with a silicone spatula to prevent grape crushing and maintain ingredient integrity.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Refrigerate salad for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg