If you have been searching for a fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious salad that feels like a warm California breeze in every bite, look no further. The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes perfectly balances juicy chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a tangy, creamy dressing to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. This salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings together colors and ingredients that make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re packing lunch, entertaining friends, or simply craving something wholesome, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite go-to.

The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes shine—adding layers of taste, crunch, and freshness that come together beautifully. Let’s look closer at the essentials.

Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of the salad, providing hearty protein and a tender base.
Celery stalks: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
Red seedless grapes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast the savory elements.
Green onions: Bring a mild sharpness and vibrant green color.
Olive oil: Used to toast the pecans, enhancing their nuttiness without overpowering.
Pecans: Chopped for crunch and a buttery richness that elevates the texture.
Greek yogurt (full fat): Keeps the dressing creamy and adds tang.
Avocado oil mayonnaise: Combines with yogurt to create a luscious, smooth dressing.
Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle zing and depth to the dressing.
Honey: Provides a natural sweetness to bring all the flavors together.
White balsamic vinegar: Introduces mild acidity to balance the sweetness.
Poppy seeds: Adds a delicate nuttiness and visual interest in the dressing.
Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
Garlic powder: A gentle savory note without overpowering.
Coarse ground pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

How to Make The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the chopped pecans with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir them gently for about three minutes, making sure not to burn them. Toasting releases their rich oils and intensifies their flavor, creating a warm, nutty foundation for the salad’s crunchy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, add about four cups of cooked shredded chicken. If your chicken was cooked in broth or water, make sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures the salad won’t get watery and keeps every bite perfectly moist yet firm.

Step 3: Chop the Fresh Produce

Wash and trim two celery stalks, cutting them lengthwise before dicing into bite-sized pieces—this method maximizes the crunch without overwhelming the salad. Next, wash one cup of red seedless grapes, slice them in half for that juicy pop in your mouth. Thinly slice your green onions, using only the green portions for a mild flavor and lovely color.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the celery, halved grapes, green onions, and toasted pecans into the bowl with the shredded chicken. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients so that every forkful promises a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, avocado oil mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, white balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, sea salt, garlic powder, and coarse ground pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The dressing is the magic ingredient, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory notes into a harmonious blend that defines The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the chicken and produce mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient. Properly coating the salad ensures each bite bursts with balanced flavor. You can enjoy it right away or refrigerate it in an airtight container for three to four days to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates the presentation and the taste experience. A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds a satisfying crunch while a few fresh grape halves and green onion rings make the salad pop with inviting color and fresh bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides. Try serving it alongside a crusty baguette, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or thinly sliced avocado for extra creaminess. It also complements summer grilled veggies perfectly, making any meal feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes in hollowed-out avocado halves or atop crisp lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb option. Alternatively, layer it in a mason jar with fresh greens for an easy and beautiful picnic or lunchbox treat that’s as delightful to unbox as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers an absolute joy to eat. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this salad. The grapes and celery lose their crispness, and the creamy dressing may separate after freezing and thawing, affecting the overall texture and flavor balance.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. Avoid reheating to preserve the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors intrinsic to The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes. If you prefer a warm dish, try heating just the chicken before mixing it with the fresh ingredients and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and tender texture, making your prep even faster without sacrificing taste.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have allergies?

Walnuts or sliced almonds make excellent alternatives, providing similar crunch and nuttiness. If you want to avoid nuts altogether, toasted sunflower seeds still add a nice texture.

Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use a vegan mayonnaise to keep the dressing creamy without any dairy.

How can I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Drain the chicken thoroughly and pat dry, and toss the salad with dressing just before serving. Storing the dressing separately and adding it when ready also helps maintain that fresh crunch.

Can this salad be made vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein, and use vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives. The grapes, celery, and pecans will still make it deliciously fresh.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes a try the next time you want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels both simple and special, perfect for any occasion from busy weekdays to leisurely weekend lunches. Once you taste the refreshing grape bursts combined with creamy dressing, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken, this salad will quickly find a cozy spot in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy making it your own and sharing it with those you love!

The Best California Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and flavorful California Chicken Salad featuring tender shredded chicken, sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, avocado oil mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and white balsamic vinegar. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or picnic and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for later.

Instructions

Toast Pecans: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add pecans, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir constantly for about 3 minutes until lightly toasted but not burnt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Place 4 rounded cups of shredded cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. If the chicken has been stored in broth or water, drain it well and pat dry with paper towels to avoid watery salad.
Prepare Vegetables and Grapes: Wash celery stalks, trim the ends, cut each lengthwise, then dice into small pieces. Wash grapes and halve them. Thinly slice the green parts of the green onions, discarding the white parts.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add diced celery, halved grapes, sliced green onions, and toasted pecans into the mixing bowl with shredded chicken. Gently toss together to combine.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, avocado oil mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, white balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, sea salt, garlic powder, and coarse ground pepper until smooth and creamy.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve or Store: Enjoy the salad immediately for best freshness or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a lower sugar option, reduce honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener.
Grapes add natural sweetness and moisture; be sure to pat dry if washed in advance.
To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook with toasted nuts
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: California chicken salad, chicken salad with grapes, healthy chicken salad, fruit and nut chicken salad, easy lunch salad, creamy chicken salad recipe