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Creamy Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

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A quick and easy summer lunch recipe combining tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Perfect for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 10.5 oz / 300g)
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved (about 5.3 oz / 150g)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (about 2.1 oz / 60g), lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (4 fl oz / 120ml)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (2 fl oz / 60g)
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced (about 2.1 oz / 60g)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (0.5 fl oz / 15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (0.17 fl oz / 5ml)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach two medium chicken breasts in simmering water for about 15 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  3. Halve the grapes, dice the celery finely, and thinly slice the green onions. Keep everything ready before mixing.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Gently fold the chicken, grapes, celery, green onions, and toasted pecans into the dressing. Be careful not to mash the grapes to preserve their juicy texture.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut by shredding and skipping the poaching step. Toasting pecans enhances flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep grapes intact. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. For dairy-free version, replace Greek yogurt with extra mayo or plant-based alternative. Store pecans separately to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, summer lunch, grapes, pecans, easy recipe, healthy salad, quick chicken salad

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-classic-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-pecans-easy-recipe-for-summer-lunch/