Feeling peckish and in need of something that’s both refreshing and satisfying? This chicken salad with nuts and grapes is your ticket to flavor town, offering a perfect blend of textures and tastes that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of crunchy nuts and juicy grapes adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a sandwich filler, on a bed of greens, or straight out of the bowl.
- With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
- The creamy dressing ties all the flavors together without overpowering them.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, reducing food waste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy base will coat every ingredient beautifully, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the chicken into the dressing until it’s evenly coated. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the creamy goodness, making it the star of the salad.
Step 3: Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts
Now, toss in the halved grapes, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and sliced green onions. The grapes add a burst of sweetness, the walnuts bring a crunchy texture, and the celery and green onions offer a fresh, crisp contrast. Mix everything gently to avoid crushing the grapes.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Tip: For the best flavor, let it chill for up to 2 hours.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir, then serve it on a bed of lettuce, between slices of your favorite bread, or as is. It’s now ready to delight your palate with every crunchy, juicy bite.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds another layer of texture. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds make great substitutes. To make the salad ahead of time, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge, then combine them an hour before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. For a more colorful presentation, use a mix of red and green grapes. And if you’re serving this at a party, consider offering small lettuce cups for guests to scoop the salad into, making for a fun and interactive serving option.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the grapes for diced apples or pears for a different kind of sweetness and crunch.
- Use grilled chicken instead of boiled or roasted for a smokier flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the dressing for an exotic twist.
- Include dried cranberries or cherries instead of grapes for a chewier texture and tart flavor.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise if you’re looking for a healthier option. It provides a similar creamy texture but with less fat and more protein. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly tangier, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How long can I store this chicken salad?
This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the nuts may start to lose their crunch over time, so if you’re planning to make it ahead, consider adding them just before serving.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this chicken salad, as the mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, and the grapes and celery will lose their texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Summary
This chicken salad with nuts and grapes is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, easy to make, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe won’t disappoint.
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