Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds and Herbs

Why This CHICKEN SALAD Recipe is a Keeper!

Chicken salad is a big deal in the South. Every cook has their own spin, and it’s a staple at everything from baby and bridal showers to church picnics and potlucks. This version, with fresh herbs, almonds, grapes, and a creamy dressing was a favorite among my personal chef clients.

This chicken salad recipe is:

• Easy! I always roast my own chicken breasts for this chicken salad recipe, but you can use a simply-seasoned rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken or other precooked chicken.
• A cut above! Instead of the typical mayonnaise dressing, depth is added with tangy sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, a splash of cider vinegar and fresh herbs.
• Well-balanced. Crunchy almonds, juicy red grapes, and fresh herbs add layers of texture and flavor that make every bite interesting and satisfying.

How to Make chicken salad with grapes:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chicken salad with grapes recipe. The exact quantities are on the recipe card below.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Chicken: The most important ingredient! I always use natural, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken. Organic is even better, but it costs more. I roast it as shown in my Chicken Asparagus Divan recipe, with just salt and black pepper. You’ll need four boneless skinless chicken breasts or the equivalent (two pounds or four to five cups when cut into half-inch pieces).
• Red Grapes: I prefer seedless red grapes over green in this chicken salad recipe for the pop of color and sweetness. Be sure to select grapes that are super fresh. They should be firm, brightly colored for their variety and hold tightly onto their stems. A white coating (bloom) is normal.
• Almonds: I used sliced almonds, but slivered will also work. Lightly toast them in a dry heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat if desired. Stir, shake or flip the pan frequently to toast them evenly and keep them from burning.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. We like Duke’s or Hellmann’s.
• Sour Cream: Use a quality sour cream such as Daisy for a thick, creamy dressing. Greek yogurt can also be used and likewise, use a quality Greek yogurt such as Fage.
• Dijon Mustard: I’ve tried numerous brands, but you can’t go wrong with widely available Grey Poupon.
• Tarragon: Fresh tarragon is ideal, but it can be difficult to find. Use it if you can find it, but I often use dried in this chicken salad recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Gather and prep all the ingredients.

1. Combine the chicken, celery, red onion and halved grapes together in a large mixing bowl.

2. Gently toss everything together.

3. Combine the mayonnaise and next seven ingredients (mayonnaise through tarragon) together in another bowl. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the chicken combination and stir to combine.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional sliced almonds and chopped fresh chives.

Chef Tip:

• When using dried herbs as with the tarragon in this chicken salad recipe, rub them between your hands to wake up the flavor. The warmth from your hands and the friction will release their natural oils.

Serve with:

• Green Olive Tapenade
• Quinoa Parmesan Crisps
• Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Bisque
• Spinach Bisque

More great Chicken Salad recipes you’ll love!

• Chicken Couscous Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad with Chicken
• Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken
• Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad

Get all my dinner salad recipes at Main Course Salad Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen.