There is nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad to lift your spirits, and this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe does exactly that. Packed with tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds, all brought together by a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, this dish is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic treat, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious without any complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe shine. Each component plays an important role, bringing its own color, crunch, or creaminess to the mix to create a harmony of taste and texture.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Choose tender, chopped or shredded chicken to provide a hearty protein base.
- 2 stalks celery: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the softer ingredients.
- 1 cup red grapes: Sweet and juicy, these halved grapes brighten the salad and add bursts of natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced almonds: For that irresistible crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- 3 green onions: Sliced thinly for a mild, zesty onion kick.
- 2 Tbsp parsley: Finely chopped to introduce a fresh herbal note.
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy, tangy dressing base that keeps this recipe lighter than traditional mayo versions.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dressing.
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity to balance the flavors wonderfully.
- 1/2 tsp celery seed: Enhances the celery flavor throughout the salad with a savory touch.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential to bring out all the vibrant flavors.
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper: For a final layer of gentle spice.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together the chopped or shredded chicken, diced celery, halved red grapes, sliced almonds, green onions, and freshly chopped parsley. This step ensures every crunch, sweet pop, and herbaceous hit is evenly distributed, creating a vibrant mixture you’ll love.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together the creamy Greek yogurt, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and cracked black pepper in a separate bowl. This smooth, flavorful dressing is the heart of the salad, tying all the ingredients with a deliciously light and zesty touch.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The goal here is to maintain the salad’s texture — you want each bite to have that perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
Step 4: Chill and Meld Flavors
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe even more delicious and refreshing.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sliced almonds or a few fresh parsley leaves add an eye-catching touch and wonderful texture just before serving. You can also add a few halved grapes on top for that tempting burst of color and sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers, toasted whole-grain bread, or wrapped inside a soft tortilla for a satisfying meal. For a light accompaniment, serve alongside crisp garden greens or a simple cucumber salad to echo the fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in hollowed-out ripe avocados or on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant presentation. For a party or gathering, it’s equally delightful served in little lettuce cups or atop mini toast rounds for crowd-pleasing finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Freezing
Because of the fresh grapes and yogurt-based dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as it may affect the texture and taste, especially after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short term.
Reheating
This salad is uniquely delicious served cold or at room temperature. It’s best not to reheat, as the fresh ingredients are designed to be enjoyed chilled for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make excellent alternatives, each adding their own distinct flavor and crunch that complements the chicken and grapes beautifully.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise if you prefer, but Greek yogurt keeps the salad light and adds a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness of the grapes.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a picnic?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish for picnics! Just store it in a cooler until ready to serve to keep everything fresh and appetizing.
What type of chicken is best for this salad?
Poached or roasted chicken breast works best for a tender, mild flavor. Using freshly cooked chicken ensures the salad tastes fresh and homemade.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe yields about 6 to 6.5 servings, making it perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe is a true keeper in my recipe collection — fresh, flavorful, and simple to make any day of the week. Whether you’re packing lunches or whipping up a quick dinner, it delivers on taste and nutrition every single time. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds is a nutritious and flavorful blend of tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with a touch of Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing snack, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for serving chilled with crackers, in wraps, or over leafy greens.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced almonds
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped or shredded chicken, diced celery, halved red grapes, sliced almonds, green onions, and finely chopped parsley until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and cracked black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Mix dressing with salad: Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently mix until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and combined to create a creamy and flavorful salad.
- Refrigerate and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, on slices of bread or in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce as a refreshing salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the ingredients to meld.
- Use skinless, boneless chicken breast or rotisserie chicken as a convenient cooked chicken option.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan or lactose-free option.
- Add more celery seed or pepper to adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toast almonds lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
