If you’re looking for a classic recipe with a delicious twist, chicken salad with grapes is the perfect choice. Tender chicken, juicy, sweet grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing come together to create a timeless favorite. The best part? This flavorful dish is ready in just 10 minutes.

Four triangular slices of wheat bread sandwiches filled with chicken salad, grapes, and green leafy vegetables on a white plate. The plate rests on a yellow and white striped cloth.
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Growing up, chicken salad was a staple in our house. But whenever we wanted to make it “fancy,” we’d toss in a handful of fresh grapes. As a kid, I thought this was the most fun addition—like little bursts of sweetness hiding in every bite. It made an ordinary dish feel special, and honestly, I still feel that way whenever I make it today.

Now, when I whip up this recipe, it’s more than just a quick fix for busy days (though it’s definitely a lifesaver there, too). It’s a little nod to those family memories and a reminder of how simple ingredients can transform a meal into something memorable.

You’ll love how easy this is to prepare: shred the chicken, slice the grapes, chop the celery, and stir it all together with creamy mayonnaise. In just 10 minutes, you’ve got a fresh, flavorful salad that works for just about any occasion.

The juicy sweetness of the grapes really sets this version apart from the traditional chicken salad. It’s that perfect balance of savory and sweet, and the grandkids love it too! (Trust me, those little pops of flavor might just win over even the pickiest eaters.) Whether you serve it with crackers, in sandwiches, or over fresh salad greens, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it’s always been in mine.

If you love to try more foolproof salad recipes, I recommend Fruit Salad Recipe With Honey Lemon Dressing, Maple Glazed Spinach Arugula Salad With Toasted Pecans, and 10-Minute Apple Slaw With Tangy Sweet Dressing. 

Ingredients You Will Need For Chicken Salad With Grapes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken salad with grapes—a simple mix of fresh, flavorful, and pantry-friendly ingredients!

Four bowls with labeled ingredients: grapes, diced celery, shredded chicken, and mayonnaise. Labels read: grapes, bacon, heavy cream, salt and pepper, though contents do not match all labels. Bowls are lined up against a white background.
  • Cooked chicken: Look for plain or lightly seasoned pre-cooked chicken from the deli. For the best flavor, choose rotisserie chicken. 
  • Mayonnaise: Use high-quality mayo made of wholesome ingredients like eggs, vinegar, or oil. It should have a rich, creamy texture to help bind the ingredients beautifully.
  • Grapes: Opt for red seedless grapes to add a lovely pop of color and a juicy burst of sweetness. Make sure they’re firm and fresh without any soft spots or wrinkles. 
  • Celery: For that perfect crunch, make sure that the stalks are crisp and bright green without any brown spots.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap chicken for shredded turkey (perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!) or canned tuna for a seafood twist.
  • Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make a lighter dressing. 
  • Drizzle some honey mustard or Dijon mustard to add a sweet-and-savory kick.
  • Make the salad more fruity with crisp apples, fresh pineapple tidbits, raisins, or dried cranberries. 
  • Add green grapes to offer a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the red grapes. 
  • If you love nuts, stir in some sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
  • Boost more nutrition with bell peppers, red onion, and cucumbers.
  • For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience and flavor, but you can also use, Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast or Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken for chicken salad with grapes?

It’s best not to use frozen chicken because of the excess moisture when thawed. This could make the chicken salad watery. If you must, thaw the cooked frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight then blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

How To Make Chicken Salad With Grapes

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps for making chicken salad with grapes—you won’t believe how easy it is!

First, let’s get the chicken ready! Shred your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to use two forks to pull it apart, but you can use a knife to slice it up. Once done, pop it into a medium-sized bowl.

Add mayonnaise to the chicken and stir it in until the chicken is all covered in that creamy goodness. 

Next, let’s get the grapes ready.  Slice them in half to make bite-sized pieces (these little bursts of sweetness are a surprise each time you bite!). Then dice your celery and toss it in with the rest.

A bowl containing chopped celery, shredded chicken, sliced red grapes, and a dollop of mayonnaise. The ingredients are arranged separately and ready to be mixed for a salad.

Grab a spoon and gently mix the ingredients to coat them thoroughly. I want you to do a folding technique, not stirring in tight circles because it might smash the grapes. To do this, simply scoop the ingredients at the bottom and gently lift them up and over. After mixing, season with salt and pepper. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, your work is done! You can enjoy the freshness of the salad right away or let the flavors intensify in the fridge for 30 minutes. 

Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a light, refreshing meal or onto sandwich bread, croissant, or tortilla. If you like to skip the bread, serve in crunchy lettuce wraps. You can also stuff them on large tomatoes or avocados to make a unique twist.

A bowl of chicken salad with grapes, celery, and a creamy dressing, mixed and ready to serve. A metal spoon is placed in the bowl for serving. The dish is set against a plain white background.

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success

  • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. 
  • Grapes are delicate, so use a folding technique to mix the ingredients gently.
  • Shred your chicken into even-sized pieces to help coat them more evenly. 
  • Use a sharp knife in slicing the grapes to get clean, even cuts and avoid getting squished.
A bowl of chicken salad with grapes, celery, and mayonnaise, accompanied by a wooden spoon. In the background, there are whole wheat sandwiches filled with the same chicken salad on a white plate with a yellow and white napkin.

Storage

After making your chicken salad with grapes, refrigerate it as soon as possible, especially if you’re making a large batch ahead. This is the best way to keep the ingredients fresh. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually near the back) for 4 days. 

Whenever you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir before serving.

⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A bowl of chicken salad with grapes, celery, and nuts on a wooden surface. In the background, two whole grain sandwiches filled with the same chicken salad are placed on a white plate with a striped napkin.
5 from 1 rating

Creamy Chicken Salad With Grapes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
This chicken salad with grapes is a perfect blend of sweet and savory! Tender chicken pairs with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a versatile recipe you can customize with mix-ins like nuts, dried cranberries, or fresh pineapple. Serve it with crackers, as a sandwich filling, or on its own for a dish everyone will love!

Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups chicken , cooked, shredded or diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup grapes, sliced in half
  • ¼ cup celery, diced into small pieces
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces. Place it into a medium-sized bowl.
    2 cups chicken
  • Add the mayonnaise. Stir to combine it with the chicken.
    ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Slice the grapes in half and put them into the bowl.
    ½ cup grapes
  • Dice the celery and place it into the bowl.
    ¼ cup celery
  • Gently mix everything thoroughly until evenly coated. Be careful not to squish the grapes. Taste and see if you need to add salt and pepper.
    salt, black pepper
  • For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. 
  • Grapes are delicate, so use a folding technique to mix the ingredients gently.
  • Shred your chicken into even-sized pieces to help coat them more evenly. 
  • Use a sharp knife in slicing the grapes to get clean, even cuts and avoid getting squished.
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 263kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 32mg, Sodium: 202mg, Potassium: 109mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 97IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Course: Salad
Author: Gina Dickson
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