Chicken salad is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. But this version takes the concept to new heights, blending the savory goodness of tender chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, packing a lunch, or simply craving a delicious and nutritious meal, this chicken salad recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, crunchy pecans, and juicy grapes creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a lot to love about this chicken salad recipe. For starters, the texture contrast between the tender chicken, the sweet and juicy grapes, the crunch of the pecans, and the chewy-tart dried cranberries is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main dish, a sandwich filling, or even as a dip with crackers or sliced vegetables.
Another reason to love this recipe is its accessibility. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead option for meal prepping or entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries ❓
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this creamy chicken salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries creates the perfect flavor profile that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Step 3: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and fruit mixture, and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken salad recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this creamy chicken salad with grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 407mg
These creamy chicken salad sandwiches provide approximately 38% of your daily protein requirements and 8% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the grapes and dried cranberries with a mix of diced celery, chopped cucumber, and sliced radishes to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative, such as a plant-based yogurt or a creamy cashew-based dressing.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped green onions to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the creamy chicken salad with grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Scoop the salad into croissants, rolls, or lettuce wraps for a handheld meal on the go.
• Pair the chicken salad with a side of fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of creamy soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
• For a picnic or party, arrange the chicken salad on a platter surrounded by crackers, sliced vegetables, and fresh herbs for a visually appealing and easy-to-serve presentation.
• Top the chicken salad with sliced avocado, toasted slivered almonds, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Letting it sit too long: While the chicken salad benefits from a brief chilling period to allow the flavors to meld, leaving it in the fridge for too long can cause the grapes to become watery and the pecans to lose their crunch.
• Skimping on the dressing: Make sure to use enough mayonnaise to coat the chicken and fruit evenly, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy, cohesive texture.
• Forgetting to season: Don’t forget the salt and pepper – they help to balance the sweetness of the grapes and cranberries and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Using overcooked or dry chicken: Start with juicy, tender chicken for the best texture and flavor in the final salad.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These creamy chicken salad sandwiches retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken salad as directed, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Freezing baked: Allow the chicken salad to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir gently before serving.
• Reheating: If the chicken salad has been refrigerated or frozen, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore the creamy texture before serving.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make this chicken salad?
The chicken salad can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld together, and the texture will remain fresh and creamy. You can also prepare the chicken salad and freeze it for up to 2-3 months, either before or after baking.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pecans with an equal amount of chopped walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. The different nuts will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but the overall balance of the chicken salad will remain delicious.
Is this chicken salad recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, this chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, simply replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based, dairy-free alternative, such as a cashew-based spread or a vegan yogurt-based dressing. These substitutions will keep the recipe both gluten-free and dairy-free without compromising the creamy texture or flavor.
Why is my chicken salad watery?
If your chicken salad has become watery, it’s likely due to the grapes releasing their juices or the chicken being overcooked and dry. To prevent this, be sure to use juicy, tender chicken and handle the grapes gently when mixing. You can also try draining any excess liquid from the salad before serving.
Can I add any other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional ingredients. Try mixing in diced celery, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or even a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor boost. Just be mindful of not overpowering the delicate balance of the grapes, pecans, and cranberries.
Conclusion
These creamy chicken salad sandwiches represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and refreshing lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this chicken salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the mixing and chilling process. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a perfectly balanced, flavor-packed chicken salad that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Print
Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
• Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Step 3: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and fruit mixture, and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
