Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad

Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad is that creamy, crunchy dish 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 delivers delicious flavors in every bite. Whether you’re piling it on rye bread or scooping it into lettuce cups, it’s a great recipe that’s 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.

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 chicken from the grocery store
• Let your chicken come to room temperature for easier mixing
• Halve red seedless grapes and chop celery for that added crunch
• Roughly chop walnuts and toast them lightly (optional)
• Dice red onion or green onions for extra flavor and color
• Measure mayonnaise (or substitute with plain Greek yogurt or Miracle Whip for a lighter side)
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want a little tang
• Season with kosher salt and black pepper
• Grab dijon mustard or whole grain mustard—either works
• Mix everything in a large mixing bowl using a wooden spatula
• Prep your serving options: rye bread, croissants, butter lettuce for lettuce wraps, or mason jars for meal prep
• Store extra salad under plastic wrap or in an airtight container

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

What You Need To Make Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad

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 breasts (shredded) or rotisserie chicken
• Red seedless grapes
• Celery (chopped)
• Walnuts (chopped)
• Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• Whole grain mustard or dijon mustard
• Red onion or green onions
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: apple cider vinegar for added tang
• Optional: 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 breasts (or rotisserie/canned chicken), chopped celery, halved grapes, walnuts, red onion or green onions. Add the mayonnaise, mustard of your choice, and seasoning.

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 can be served on rye bread, 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—bonus points for presentation!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

Rye bread, sourdough, croissants, or even as a lettuce wrap with butter lettuce all work beautifully.

Can I make this a lighter version?

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

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap, it’ll keep for up to 3 days.

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.