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ThisHealthy Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipeperfect for meal prep, a potluck, or simply serve it for lunch on a sunny afternoon.Loaded with juicy chicken, tart slices of granny smith apples, sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, and creamy mayo and Greek yogurt to hold it all together, this healthier version of the classic chicken salad is delicious and packed with lean protein.
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Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
I have been making this chicken salad with grapes for years – ever since my 20s when my roommate made it for me; her dad owned a deli and this apparently was one of his signature salads. She whipped it up in the little kitchen in our apartment one day for lunch and I was hooked after one bite and I am pretty sure I packed it for my work lunch on the reg for many days after.
Loaded with juicy chicken, tart slices of granny smith apples, sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, and just a touch of mayo and greek dressing to hold it all together, this Chicken Salad is delish any way – over lettuce, on a cracker, with some bread, spooned directly into my mouth. Any way I can eat it, I am there.
It’s also amazing for meal prep – especially during the warm weather months!
Looking for a dairy free chicken salad? I love myAvocado Chicken Salad!
Why I Love this Recipe
- High Protein: there’s almost 30 grams of protein per serving for this recipe, making it the perfect healthy lunch option for meal prep
- Versatile: this greek yogurt chicken salad is delicious in a sandwich, with crackers, over greens, in lettuce wraps. You name it, this chicken salad works.
- Flavor and Texture: this chicken salad is creamy, sweet, savory, and full of crunch.
- Healthier Waldorf CopyCat: I am a big fan of waldorf chicken salad and this healthier version tastes just like it, but uses less mayo for less saturated fat.
- Great way to Use Leftover Chicken: whether it’s my Spice Rubbed Whole Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, or Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken, this recipe makes perfect use of your leftovers.
Ingredients for this Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
This easy chicken salad recipe is light and flavorful. Plus there’s a great crunch to it thanks to all the yummy mix-ins! Here’s whatcha need:
- boneless chicken breast– You can substitute tenderloins or chicken thighs if you have those on hand. You’ll need about a pound either way.
- chicken broth– Low sodium is key, but you could also sub water.
- apple– One medium apple will do! Peel and cut into small cubes. My favorites are granny smith, pink lady, or honey crisp.
- red grapes– Make sure you grab the seedless fresh grapes and cut them in half.
- celery– I love the crunch the chopped celery adds to the chicken salad.
- mayo– You’ll notice this recipe only uses a small amount of mayonnaise as our base. Because mayo is high in fat, I like to keep the amount down while still keeping the classic flavor and creaminess.
- plain Greek yogurt– By using Greek yogurt as well as the mayo, you’re able to combine everything together with the same sort of base “dressing” without the high calories of only using mayo!
- salt and pepper– To taste.
- pecans– This is optional but it does add a nice taste and texture. Walnuts are another great addition (or substitution)!
- salad greens– optional, but I love serving this chicken salad over a bed of lettuce.
Substitutions and Additions
- Short on time? You can use leftover chicken or use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep! This is a great use of meal prep shredded chicken.
- For a little more flavor and bite, add in some dijon mustard or diced red onion. You could also add a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Add in extra celery or crunchy bell peppers for more veggie power.
- Toss in some garden herbs like fresh parsley or fresh dill.
- If you don’t like grapes, substitute with another fresh fruit or add in raisins, or dried cranberries.
- Swap nuts for seeds or diced avocado.
- For a dairy free version, you could swap in mashed avocado, dairy free yogurt or dairy free sour cream. You could also use more mayo in place of the greek yogurt.
- Instead of chicken, make this with tuna or chickpeas!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
Homemade Chicken Salad is a breeze with just a few simple steps! Be sure to check out the recipe carb below for full recipe anddirections.
- First up, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken (whether breasts or tenders) in broth or water in your Instant Pot on Manual for 15 minutes, plus a full, natural release. You can also bake in the oven, poach on the stovetop, or cook on low for 4-6 hours in your crock pot if you don’t have an Instant Pot.
2. Drain the chicken well, then dice or shred. Allow chicken to chill before mixing with the other ingredients.
3. Once your chicken has cooled, toss it with the grapes, apples, and celery.
4. Mix together Greek yogurt and mayo, then gently add it to the chicken mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper and top with nuts, if desired.
6. Serve over mixed greens, on bread or on a multigrain roll, or with crackers and enjoy!
How to Serve
- As a salad: My favorite way to enjoy this Chicken Salad is over greens with some extra sliced apples, grapes, and nuts. No need even for a dressing!
- In a sandwich: I love this salad with toasted Canyon Gluten Free Bread. It’s delicious in a wrap or lettuce wraps, too.
- With crackers or chips: I love a scoop-able salad and this chicken salad is delicious with your favorite whole grain cracker.
Storage
Store leftover chicken salad in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container. This recipe tastes even better on day two, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe FAQs
Is Chicken Salad healthy?
It depends on your definition of healthy, but store-bought chicken salad often contains unnecessary ingredients that add calories and saturated fat. My version contains fresh veggies and fruit, lean chicken, and is made with a combination of mayo and Greek yogurt instead of all mayo.
For a more thorough answer, check out this article from Healthline.
How long does Chicken Salad stay fresh?
Chicken salad will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container, making it a perfect meal prep recipe.
More Chicken Salad Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad
Chicken Quinoa Mediterranean Bowl
Curry Chicken Salad | Pinch of Yum
Cranberry Chicken Salad | The Endless Meal
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Author: Nancylynn
ThisHealthy Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipeperfect for meal prep, a potluck, or simply serve it for lunch on a sunny afternoon.Loaded with juicy chicken, tart slices of granny smith apples, sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, and creamy mayo and greek yogurt to hold it all together, this healthier version of the classic chicken salad is delicious and packed with lean protein.
4.91 from 20 votes
Servings : 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or tenderloins
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium apple diced into small cubes (I used Granny Smith)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes cut in half
- 1/2 cup celery chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons pecans or walnuts
- For serving: mixed greens, gluten-free or multigrain bread, crackers, a spoon
Instructions
If your chicken is raw, prep this first. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In yourInstant Pot– add 1 cup of broth or water and your raw chicken breast. Cook for 15 minutes and do a full natural release. Drain well and shred.
In your oven- cook chicken breast on 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool and dice.
On your stovetop – cover chicken with broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and cover for 20 minutes before dicing or shedding and drain well.
For the Chicken Salad:
Drain chicken well, then dice or shred. Allow chicken to cool if it's still warm.
Place chicken in a large bowl or container. Toss chicken, grapes, apples, and celery together.
Mix greek yogurt and mayo, then gently add it to the chicken mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and top with nuts, if desired. Allow chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator and flavors to meld for up to 2 hours if you have the time. Totally worth the wait!
Video
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1/2 PURPLE, 1 ORANGE, ¼ BLUE (if you use the nuts), and trace GREEN (I sometimes add extra celery and some red onion to make it ¼ or ½ green) per serving
WW:4 points (per serving) [Calculated using low fat Greek yogurt]
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 708mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
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