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Easy Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans Recipe

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This creamy chicken salad with grapes and pecans is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes. Sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing make it a perfect lunch or potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans (optional but worth it). Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the chicken. If using a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 3 cups. If cooking your own chicken, poach 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in salted water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then let cool and shred.
  3. Halve the grapes. Rinse the grapes and pat them dry. Cut each grape in half lengthwise. If using large grapes, quarter them to match the size of the chicken pieces.
  4. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, halved grapes, cooled pecans, diced celery (if using), and sliced green onions. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Fold gently. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing the grapes.
  7. Chill (if you can wait). The chicken salad is delicious right away, but it truly shines after sitting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, make it the night before.
  8. Final taste and adjust. Before serving, give it a stir and taste again. Add more salt, lemon juice, or pepper if needed.

Notes

For best results, toast the pecans and let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. Start with three-quarters of the dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing. Pat grapes dry to prevent watering down the dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, grapes, pecans, creamy, easy, quick, lunch, potluck

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-creamy-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-recipe/