Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad

Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad is that creamy, crunchy chicken salad with grapes and walnuts that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and packed with texture. Made with tender shredded chicken, juicy grapes, and chopped walnuts all tossed in creamy mayo, this easy chicken salad recipe with grapes delivers delicious flavors in every bite. Whether you’re piling it on sourdough or scooping it into lettuce cups, this chicken salad with grapes and walnuts is quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

This creamy chicken salad is perfect for using up leftover chicken breasts, a supermarket rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Ideal for lunch, light dinners, or meal prep, this healthy chicken salad can easily be made ahead and kept in the fridge, ready to scoop when hunger hits.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Ready in 15 minutes: Everything gets mixed in one bowl, with no cooking required if you start with cooked chicken.
• Sweet, savory, and crunchy: Juicy red grapes, crisp celery, and toasted walnuts make every bite interesting.
• Great for leftovers: It’s the perfect way to use up rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a batch ahead and enjoy it for lunch all week.

Before You Get Started

Use this checklist to prep quickly and get the best results:

• Use cooked chicken breasts, canned chicken, or shred a whole rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
• If your chicken is freshly cooked, let it cool before mixing so the mayo stays creamy.
• Halve red seedless grapes and chop celery for that added crunch.
• Roughly chop walnuts and toast them lightly (optional).
• Measure mayonnaise (or substitute plain Greek yogurt or Miracle Whip for a lighter version).
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want a little tang.
• Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
• Grab whole grain mustard or dijon mustard; either works.
• Mix everything in a large mixing bowl using a wooden spatula.
• Prep your serving options: sourdough, croissants, rye bread, butter lettuce for lettuce wraps, or mason jars for meal prep.

This is a homemade chicken salad that comes together fast and can be customized in so many ways.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

All the ingredients for this savory chicken salad are easy to find at any grocery store, and you probably already have most of them at home. For exact measurements, check the complete recipe below.

• Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken; canned chicken works in a pinch.
• Red seedless grapes: Halved, for juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Celery: Chopped, for crunch.
• Walnuts: Chopped, and lightly toasted if you like.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base. Swap in plain Greek yogurt for part or all of it.
• Whole grain mustard: Adds tang; dijon mustard works too.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: To season.
• Optional add-ins: Diced red onion or green onions, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or Miracle Whip for a sweeter variation.

These basic ingredients combine to make a creamy chicken salad with a balance of savory, sweet, and nutty notes.

How to Make Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken (or rotisserie or canned chicken), chopped celery, halved grapes, and walnuts, plus red onion or green onions if using. Add the mayonnaise, mustard of your choice, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Mix

Mix everything gently but thoroughly using a wooden spatula until you get that signature creamy texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter feel, use half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt. Want to add more zip? Stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

Step 3: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Cover with plastic wrap and chill if you’re not serving immediately. This easy chicken salad recipe with grapes can be served on sourdough, inside a croissant, tucked into a butter lettuce wrap, or spooned into lettuce cups.

It’s a great recipe to snap and share on social media too, so bonus points for presentation!

What to Serve With Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Croissants, sourdough, or rye bread for classic sandwiches
• Butter lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb lunch
• A crisp side like this cucumber spring salad
• A cold glass of strawberry peach lemonade

Love a good chicken salad sandwich? Try these peperoncini chicken salad sandwiches next.

What People Ask About Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, supermarket rotisserie chicken is perfect for this. It saves time and still gives you savory chicken flavor and texture.

What’s the best bread to serve this salad on?

Sourdough, croissants, or rye bread all work beautifully. For a lighter option, serve it as a lettuce wrap with butter lettuce.

Can I make a lighter chicken salad with grapes and walnuts?

Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo or do a 50/50 mix. You can also try Miracle Whip for a tangier, sweeter twist.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap.

Can I make this without grapes or nuts?

Sure! You can skip either or both and add apple chunks, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds for a different kind of crunch.