Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe
|

Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe

ByLily Carter
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I have to tell you, this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that always surprises me with how fresh and satisfying it feels. It’s got that perfect balance of savory and sweet, thanks to the juicy grapes and crunchy almonds, and the creamy Greek yogurt dressing ties it all together without weighing you down. I love making it when I want something nutritious but still crave a little indulgence.

Whether you’re prepping lunch for a busy week or packing a picnic for a sunny afternoon, this salad shines as a versatile option. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but is actually good for you, giving you plenty of protein and a nice crunch from the celery and almonds. Trust me, once you try this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these ingredients combine beautifully to create a dish that’s fresh, crunchy, and creamy all at once. When shopping, try to pick ripe grapes and fresh parsley for the best flavor punch.

  • Cooked chicken: I like using leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s tender and already seasoned a bit, but boiled or grilled chicken works great too.
  • Celery: Adds that classic crispness—make sure it’s firm, not wilted, for the best crunch.
  • Red grapes: I prefer halved seedless grapes; they bring sweetness and a juicy pop with every bite.
  • Thinly sliced almonds: Toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Green onions: Add a mild oniony zing; slice them thin so they blend well.
  • Parsley: Fresh and finely chopped, it brightens the whole salad.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: This is the secret to a creamy yet healthy dressing, swapping mayo for a tangy twist.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Essential for balance, a little acidity to lift all the flavors.
  • Celery seed: Brings back that classic chicken salad taste—don’t skip it!
  • Salt and cracked black pepper: To taste, always good to season well.

Variations

I love tweaking this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own and add your favorite accents.

  • Add avocado: For a creamy texture boost—I add it right before serving so it stays fresh.
  • Use walnuts instead of almonds: I tried this when I was out of almonds and really liked the earthier crunch.
  • Spicy twist: A pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño can bring a fun kick if you like heat.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for mayo: If you want it richer, just use half mayo and half yogurt.
  • Include dried cranberries or raisins: I sometimes toss these in for extra sweetness and chewiness, especially around the holidays.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Start with about 3 cups of cooked chicken, chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces. I find that shredding chicken with my fingers works best to keep texture interesting. Then dice two stalks of fresh celery and halve a cup of red grapes. Slice three green onions thinly, and finely chop about 2 tablespoons of parsley. Getting all your ingredients prepped before mixing really helps the process go smoothly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Taste as you go—sometimes I add a bit more lemon juice if I want it zestier. The dressing should be creamy but with a bright tang.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

In a large bowl, gently combine the chicken, celery, grapes, almonds, green onions, and parsley. Pour your dressing over and toss everything carefully to coat evenly. Be gentle so you don’t mash the grapes or shred the chicken too much. Once combined, give it a taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with small pieces of light pink chicken mixed with white creamy sauce and green herbs. Around the bowl, there are six smaller white bowls and items placed on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, a white bowl contains a thick, white sauce with a smooth texture. Next to it is a bunch of green grapes and some bright green celery stalks. On the right side, a whole yellow lemon is placed close to a white bowl of mixed green, white, and black pepper grains. Below, some sliced green onions are scattered on the marble surface. At the bottom center, a small white bowl is filled with whole brown almonds, some broken. To the left of the bowl of almonds, there is a cluster of shiny, dark red grapes. At the bottom left corner is a white bowl with a yellow liquid, likely olive oil. Near the top left of this bowl, a sprig of dark green parsley lies on the marble. All items are neatly arranged and bright in natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra toasted almond slices on top for a nice final crunch, plus a few whole grapes for visual appeal. Sometimes a little extra chopped parsley fresh from the garden gives it that pop of green. It makes it look inviting when I’m serving it to guests.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy whole-grain crackers, sliced cucumbers, or a bed of fresh leafy greens. Whenever I’m packing lunch for work, I like pairing it with some crisp apple slices on the side—the sweetness is a lovely complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve it inside hollowed-out avocados or on toasted baguette rounds as mini open-faced sandwiches at your next brunch or gathering. I’ve also used butter lettuce leaves as wraps when I want a light, low-carb option. Presentation really makes this salad feel special, and people always ask for the recipe afterward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps nicely for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing can settle a bit. Also, the almonds stay surprisingly crunchy if you only add extra almonds when serving the leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t my go-to since the grapes and yogurt dressing don’t freeze well—the texture changes and becomes watery. Usually, I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a few days, but if you really want to freeze cooked chicken separately, that works fine for meal prep.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t usually reheat it. If you want warm chicken, simply reheat the chicken alone before mixing with the other ingredients. That way, you keep the fresh flavors and textures intact.

FAQs

  1. Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe?

    Absolutely! Some people prefer mayonnaise for a richer texture. You can even mix half mayo and half Greek yogurt to get the best of both worlds. Just keep in mind the nutritional profile changes slightly.

  2. How long does this chicken salad keep in the fridge?

    Stored in an airtight container, this Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe should keep fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving again.

  3. Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

    You can swap cooked chicken for chickpeas or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep it vegan. The grapes and almonds still add great texture and flavor!

  4. Is it necessary to toast the almonds?

    Toasting almonds isn’t required, but it really boosts their flavor and crunch, making your salad extra delicious. I recommend a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.

  5. Can I add other fruits besides grapes to the chicken salad?

    Definitely! Pears, apples, or even dried cranberries can add a lovely sweetness and texture. Just adjust quantities so the fruit doesn’t overpower the savory elements.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe is truly a keeper in my kitchen rotation. It’s easy to whip up, packed with flavor and nutrients, and works so well whether you’re eating it on its own or as part of a bigger meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a fresh, satisfying touch to your lunch or dinner table. Give it a try—you might find it just as addictive as I do!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe

Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds is a light and refreshing dish combining tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, it balances creamy textures with fresh flavors for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 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

  • 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

  1. Prepare the chicken: Begin by ensuring your chicken is fully cooked, either by roasting, boiling, or using leftover cooked chicken. Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Dice the vegetables: Wash and dice the celery stalks, halve the red grapes, slice the green onions thinly, and finely chop the parsley to add fresh herbaceous notes to the salad.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, sliced almonds, green onions, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Add the dressing: Pour the prepared yogurt dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the dressing.
  6. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a healthy main dish or side.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
  • For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • For a lower sodium version, reduce or omit the added salt.
Avatar photo

Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

Similar Posts