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Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

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This classic chicken salad with grapes and pecans is a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes. Sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy tangy dressing make it a crowd-pleaser perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a simple lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 pound)
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place the chopped pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, poach in simmering salted water for 12-15 minutes until cooked through, then cool and dice.
  3. Chop the vegetables and grapes: Finely dice the celery and slice the green onions. Halve the grapes lengthwise (quarter if very large).
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, grapes, celery, green onions, and cooled pecans. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Give the salad a final stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve on croissants, toasted bread, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

Notes

For best texture, ensure chicken is cooled completely before mixing. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, grapes, pecans, easy chicken salad, classic chicken salad, rotisserie chicken, lunch recipe, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/classic-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-best-easy-recipe/