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This creamy chicken, apple, and grape salad brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a protein punch. I discovered this recipe while looking for lunch options that wouldn't leave me hungry an hour later, and it's become my go-to for meal prep throughout spring and summer months.
I first made this for a garden picnic with friends, and now it's requested at every outdoor gathering. The combination of creamy dressing with crunchy fruits and nuts creates a texture paradise that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: provides protein and tanginess while keeping the dressing lighter than traditional mayo based versions
- Sour cream: adds richness and body to the dressing making it cling perfectly to all ingredients
- Mayonnaise: brings that classic creamy flavor while we use just enough to enhance without overwhelming
- Honey: balances the tang with natural sweetness opt for local honey if available for subtle flavor nuances
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens everything and prevents the apples from browning choose a juicy lemon and roll it before squeezing
- Chicken breast: creates the protein foundation look for organic or free range for best flavor
- Red grapes: offer juicy pops of sweetness select seedless varieties that are firm and plump
- Crisp apple: brings refreshing crunch Honeycrisp or Pink Lady varieties work exceptionally well
- Celery: provides essential texture and slight peppery notes choose bright green stalks with tight structures
- Green onions: add mild onion flavor without overpowering use both white and green parts for color contrast
- Slivered almonds: contribute necessary crunch and nutty depth toast them for enhanced flavor
- Dried cranberries: bring chewy texture and tart sweetness look for varieties without added sugar if possible
- Fresh parsley: finishes with bright herbaceous notes flat leaf Italian parsley has more pronounced flavor than curly
How To Make Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad
- Prepare the dressing:
- Combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl until completely smooth. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper, starting conservatively and adjusting to taste. The dressing should have a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.
- Toast the almonds:
- Spread almonds evenly on a baking sheet and place in a preheated 400°F oven. Watch carefully as they toast for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown with intensified nutty aroma. Let cool completely before adding to salad.
- Combine salad ingredients:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the diced chicken, sliced grapes, diced apple, celery, green onions, cooled toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient should be evenly distributed throughout.
- Dress the salad:
- Pour about three quarters of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, folding gently with a spatula to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the more delicate components. Add remaining dressing if needed for desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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The slivered almonds are my secret weapon in this recipe. Not only do they provide necessary crunch, but when toasted they develop a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. My family noticed immediately when I skipped this step once, and I haven't forgotten it since.
Best Serving Options
This versatile salad shines in multiple presentations. Serve it scooped onto a bed of butter lettuce for a light lunch, or stuff it into pita pockets for a portable meal. My personal favorite is to hollow out tomatoes and fill them with this salad for an impressive appetizer that always generates compliments. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a light soup like roasted tomato or cucumber gazpacho.
Ingredient Substitutions
While the recipe is perfect as written, you can adapt based on what you have available. Swap the chicken for leftover turkey or even canned tuna in a pinch. Pears work beautifully in place of apples, offering a softer texture with similar sweetness. For those avoiding nuts, sunflower seeds provide comparable crunch without the allergy concerns. The dressing can be lightened further by using all Greek yogurt and skipping the mayonnaise completely.
Seasonal Adaptations
This salad transforms beautifully with the seasons. In fall, incorporate diced roasted butternut squash and substitute rosemary for parsley. Summer versions benefit from fresh blueberries alongside the grapes, while winter variations can include segmented citrus for brightness. Consider adjusting the herbs seasonally too, with basil in summer, sage in fall, and dill in spring.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight as they meld together. If making ahead for meal prep, consider keeping a small portion of the dressing separate to refresh the salad before eating. The apples may slightly discolor over time but remain perfectly delicious thanks to the lemon juice in the dressing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Ensure the protein is cooked and diced for easy mixing.
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Crisp and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great. They provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the grapes and dressing.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the Greek yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut yogurt or vegan mayo.
- → What other nuts can I use besides almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios can be used as alternatives. Toasting them enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- → Is this dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all packaged ingredients, like mayonnaise or dried cranberries, are labeled gluten-free.