Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Toasted Almonds

Looking for the perfect chicken salad recipe with grapes? My Waldorf version is easy, with toasted almonds and a light dressing! A total picnic winner. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancy a posh but easy lunch? this chicken salad recipe with grapes is about to become your new go-to.

It's got that sweet and savory thing going on that’s just chef's kiss .

Brief Overview

Chicken salad is a classic. i think of it as an american staple but it's so easy to adapt. this version, a riff on the waldorf, takes about an hour, including chilling, and comfortably feeds 4-6.

Main Benefits

One of the top benefits of this recipe is that it's actually a great source of lean protein. ideal for easy meal prep lunches ! what makes it special? the grapes, of course! they add a juicy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the mayo.

Ready to dive into the ingredients?

Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes Easy: Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, so first, you're going to need some good quality chicken breasts. aim for about 1.5 lbs (680g). the rest of the gang includes mayo, greek yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, celery, red grapes, toasted almonds, and parsley.

It's all pretty simple, honestly.

Time to Make Some Chicken Salad With Grapes!

Right, now that we've got all the ingredients, let's get this show on the road!

Right, let’s get down to brass tacks. this section is all about the bits and bobs you'll need for a smashing chicken salad recipe with grapes .

Trust me, it's easier than assembling ikea furniture. we are gonna make a chicken salad recipe grapes together.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Kit

So you want to make this easy chicken salad with grapes ? Brilliant! Let's get you sorted. Here's what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: No Fuss, Just Flavor

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for free-range if you can. The better the chicken, the better the salad. You want it to be nice and plump, not pale and sad-looking.
• Broth or Water: 4 cups (950ml) . Chicken broth adds depth. But water is perfectly fine.
• Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper. Seasoning is key, mate. Don't be shy.
• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) . Full-fat. Don't even think about the light stuff. Quality mayo makes a world of difference.
• Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons . Adds a tangy lift.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Freshly squeezed, of course.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon . Adds a little zing.
• Red Grapes: 1 cup (150g) . Halved or quartered if they’re massive.
• Celery: 1 cup (100g) . Finely diced for a bit of crunch.
• Toasted Almonds: ½ cup (60g) . Slivered. Toasting them brings out the flavour.
• Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) . Finely chopped. Adds a fresh, herby note.

Remember those times when i skimped on ingredients? honestly, it shows! with a simple chicken salad recipe with grapes , quality matters.

So treat yourself (and your salad) right! it can even become one of your favorite easy meal prep lunches .

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Zest

Alright, so you've got your ingredients. let's talk flavor. the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, and dijon mustard are the base.

They give you a creamy tang. salt and pepper are musts. but don't be afraid to experiment. a pinch of garlic powder? go for it!

Thinking of substitutes? If you're out of Dijon, try a bit of English mustard – though it's got a kick! Lemon juice is essential. But lime could work in a pinch.

For a twist on a chicken salad with grapes , you could even add a tiny bit of curry powder.

Just a thought. i can even picture this as a chicken salad recipe with grapes apples and pecans with a dash of cinnamon.

You know?

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Saucepan: To poach the chicken. Any old one will do.
• Cutting Board: To chop things.
• Sharp Knife: This is essential.
• Mixing Bowls: A couple of different sizes.
• Whisk: For the dressing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get your quantities right.

Don’t have a whisk? a fork will work just fine. no measuring spoons? eyeball it. cooking is about relaxing. you'll nail this chicken salad recipe easy , i promise.

Also, this grape recipes can also be used in many recipes.

Okay, let's get this Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes article rolling! This is going to be so much better than that gloopy stuff you get from the deli counter, I promise.

Prep Like a Pro for Amazing Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes

Essential mise en place , you know? honestly, it's just a fancy way of saying "get your act together before you start cooking.

" for this simple chicken salad recipe with grapes , that means chopping your celery, halving those grapes, and toasting your almonds.

Want a real time-saver? poach your chicken the day before. that way, it's chilled and ready to go when you want to whip up your chicken salad recipe grapes .

Plus, prepping your dressing ahead saves time.

A quick safety note: remember to always wash your hands before handling food! And be careful when chopping those almonds – those slivers are surprisingly sharp!

The Super Easy Step-by-Step Chicken Salad with Grapes

Alright, now for the good stuff! This easy chicken salad with grapes is so simple, even your other half can make it.

1. Poach your chicken until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . I normally poach for 15- 20 minutes . No one wants salmonella!
2. Cool the chicken slightly, then shred or dice it.
3. Whisk together your mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, and parsley in a big bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the chicken mix and gently toss everything together.
6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pro Tips for a Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes Apples and Pecans!

Okay, a few insider secrets for you! toast your almonds ! seriously, don’t skip this step – it makes all the difference.

I like to toss them in a dry pan over medium heat until they’re golden brown.

Another tip? don’t drown the salad in dressing! add it gradually until everything is nicely coated. trust me, a gloopy salad is not a happy salad.

We are aiming for a good easy meal prep lunches situation.

Want to make this ahead? Absolutely! The flavors actually get better after a day or two in the fridge.

Now, who's ready for an amazing chicken salad recipe with grapes easy ? i know i am. this chicken salad with grapes is seriously the best way to use up that leftover chicken.

And those grapes? they just add the perfect touch of sweetness. enjoy your grape recipes with this new recipe!

Alright, let's chat about recipe notes for this killer chicken salad recipe with grapes . think of this section as your "secret weapon.

" it's where you drop all those extra bits of wisdom.

Recipe Notes That Rock

Plating Perfection: Make It Pretty!

Honestly, presentation matters. you eat with your eyes first, you know? i reckon a chicken salad recipe grapes deserves a bit of flair.

Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce. maybe in a croissant? oh, my gosh, fancy! a few extra grapes on top? why not.

A sprinkle of those toasted almonds? absolutely! for sides, some simple crackers and a green salad keep things light. fancy a drink? a chilled glass of pinot grigio is divine.

Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh!

Right, so you've made a big batch of this easy chicken salad with grapes . good on ya! now, how to keep it tip-top? pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will be perfectly fine for up to 3 days. freezing? i wouldn't, to be honest. mayo gets a bit weird.

Reheating? don't. this is a cold dish. enjoy it as is.

Variations: Shake It Up!

Feel like being a bit adventurous? you know i'm all about a simple chicken salad recipe with grapes that bends to your needs.

Want it dairy-free? use a vegan mayo substitute for the mayonnaise. boom! dietary adaptation sorted. summer bbq coming up? swap the almonds for pecans and add diced apple! it is basically a chicken salad recipe with grapes apples and pecans .

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty: Good for You, Too!

I'm no nutritionist, but this chicken salad with grapes is pretty decent. chicken is protein-packed. grapes offer vitamins and antioxidants.

Celery adds some crunch. yes, there's mayo, but you can use a light version. and let's be real; it's all about balance, innit? this could be one of your best easy meal prep lunches ideas.

So there you have it! all my little tips and tricks for the perfect chicken salad recipe easy . have a bash, and don't be afraid to experiment.

Let me know what you think! i want to see you have the best chicken salad with grapes ever! if you end up making these amazing grape recipes , share them with me!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken salad recipe with grapes ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this chicken salad is even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. It'll be ready for your "Great British Baking Show" viewing party!

How long does chicken salad with grapes last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your chicken salad with grapes should last for 3-4 days. Keep in mind it’s always best to use your senses – if it smells or looks off, it’s best to toss it. Better safe than sorry, eh? It's not like that dodgy prawn cocktail Del Boy was trying to sell!

What are some good variations on this chicken salad recipe with grapes?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts instead of almonds for a richer flavor. Diced apple adds a lovely crispness and sweetness, complementing the grapes beautifully. For a spicier kick, a teaspoon or two of curry powder can turn it into a curried chicken salad that's a real "Full Monty" of flavor! You can also substitute sour cream for greek yogurt and avocado for mayonnaise.

Can I freeze this Chicken Salad with Grapes?

Freezing chicken salad isn't generally recommended, as the mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when thawed, impacting the texture. However, if you really want to try, consider omitting the mayonnaise entirely and adding it fresh after thawing. The grapes and celery might also become a bit softer after freezing, so keep that in mind. It's a bit of a gamble, like betting on a dodgy greyhound!

Is there anything I can substitute for the mayonnaise to make this chicken salad recipe with grapes healthier?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for some or all of the mayonnaise. It adds a lovely tang and reduces the fat content. You can also use a light mayonnaise. Or, get a good quality avocado and mash it in for a healthy option.

I don't have grapes; what can I use instead in this chicken salad recipe?

No grapes, no worries! Chopped cranberries or dried cherries make a delicious and colorful substitute, adding a similar sweetness and texture. You could also try chopped apple or even segments of mandarin orange for a burst of citrusy flavor. The most important thing is to find a sweet counterpoint to the savory chicken and creamy dressing - think of it like balancing a fine cup of tea!

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