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Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

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This creamy chicken salad with grapes and pecans is a quick, 20-minute recipe using rotisserie chicken, juicy red grapes, and toasted pecans in a tangy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a simple lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (good quality, like Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped; pinch of celery salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, shaking frequently, for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prep the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups).
  3. Halve the grapes: Rinse and pat dry grapes. Cut each in half lengthwise (quarter if large).
  4. Dice celery and slice green onions: Finely dice celery ribs. Thinly slice green onions (white and green parts). Set aside.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, halved grapes, toasted pecans, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Pour dressing over top.
  7. Fold gently: Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together until evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid crushing grapes or over-mixing.
  8. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Final taste and adjust: Before serving, stir and adjust salt, lemon, or pepper as needed.

Notes

Toast pecans for best flavor; do not over-mix; salad improves after chilling; can be made dairy-free by using all mayonnaise or dairy-free yogurt; add pecans just before serving for extra crunch if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, grapes, pecans, easy lunch, meal prep, rotisserie chicken, 20-minute recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-easy-20-minute-recipe/