Chicken salad with grapes is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether served as a sandwich, a wrap, or simply with crackers, this chicken salad offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients Overview

To create this delectable chicken salad, you’ll need a mix of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The foundation is 5-6 cups of shredded cooked chicken, ideally from a large rotisserie chicken for convenience and taste. Finely chopped celery ribs add a crisp texture, while halved red seedless grapes provide a juicy sweetness. Finely chopped pecans contribute a nutty crunch. Fresh dill, finely diced and loosely packed, imparts a herby fragrance. For the creamy dressing, you’ll need an equal mix of sour cream and mayonnaise, each contributing to a rich and smooth texture. Finally, a teaspoon each of table salt and pepper ensures the seasoning is just right.

When selecting your ingredients, quality matters. Opt for a good rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time, or prepare your own at home for an extra personal touch. Fresh celery should be firm and vibrant, and the grapes should be sweet and seedless. Using fresh dill instead of dried makes a significant difference in flavor, adding a bright and aromatic note to the salad.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Start by combining the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped pecans in a large mixing bowl. This mixture forms the hearty base of your salad, with each ingredient adding its own texture and flavor.

Next, prepare the creamy dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step is crucial, as a well-mixed dressing ensures that every bite of salad is consistently flavorful. Pour this dressing over the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The goal is to achieve a harmonious blend where each element complements the others.

Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish. When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent the salad from becoming watery:
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the grapes and celery after washing. Excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
Suggestions for alternative ingredients and variations:
- Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor. You can also add other fruits like diced apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Adjusting the seasoning to personal taste:
- Feel free to add more or less salt and pepper according to your preference. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors if desired.
Advice on making the salad ahead of time for better flavor development:
- This salad tastes even better the next day. Prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best results.

Common questions about ingredient substitutions:
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will add a bit of tanginess to the dressing.
Tips for storing leftovers and maintaining freshness:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad should stay fresh for up to three days. Stir before serving to mix the dressing back in.
Troubleshooting common issues with the recipe:
- How to fix if the salad is too dry or too wet: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk. If it’s too wet, drain off excess liquid and add more chicken or celery.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a light and balanced meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a hearty soup like tomato bisque. Beverage pairings could include a chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea. For serving, you can spread the chicken salad on fresh bread for sandwiches, roll it into tortillas for wraps, or enjoy it with pretzel crackers for a delightful crunch.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to presentation, there are plenty of creative ways to serve this chicken salad. For an elegant look, serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves, garnished with sprigs of fresh dill and a few whole grapes. For casual gatherings, scoop the salad into a hollowed-out bread bowl or serve it in individual cups for easy portioning. This dish is versatile enough to be dressed up for a formal event or kept simple for a casual family meal.

This Chicken Salad with Grapes is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit at any meal. The combination of savory chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dill-infused dressing creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones, experimenting with different variations to make it your own. Whether you serve it as a sandwich, a wrap, or with crackers, this chicken salad is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

5-6 cups cooked chicken, shredded (large rotisserie chicken from Sam’s)
2-3 ribs of celery, chopped fine
4 cups halved red seedless grapes
1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans
1 cup finely diced fresh dill (loosely packed)
1 cup sour cream* (see note below)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

Combine the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped pecans in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until well blended. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. This delicious chicken salad can be served in a variety of ways, including on bread, in a salad, wrapped in a tortilla, or with pretzel crackers for a satisfying crunch.