Looking for a salad that’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory, and full of texture? Enter the Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad—a delightful blend of juicy chicken, crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy nuts, and a lusciously creamy dressing. It’s a well-balanced dish that checks every box for flavor, texture, and nutrition.
This vibrant salad is ideal for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. Inspired by the classic Waldorf Salad, it elevates traditional chicken salad with a fruity, refreshing flair while remaining protein-rich and satisfying. Serve it on a croissant, in a lettuce wrap, or over a bed of greens—it’s endlessly versatile and always delicious.
What Is Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad?
Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad is a chilled, no-cook (if using rotisserie or leftover chicken) dish made by combining cooked chicken breast with fresh fruit, nuts, and a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect combination of:
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Savory protein – tender, shredded or cubed chicken
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Tart & crisp fruit – green or red apples
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Juicy sweetness – halved seedless grapes
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Crunchy texture – walnuts or pecans
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Creamy tang – a blend of mayo, Greek yogurt, and seasonings
Every bite offers a burst of contrast and harmony—soft and crisp, sweet and savory, creamy and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes or less
✅ Great Use of Leftovers – Ideal for using rotisserie or grilled chicken
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for days
✅ Nutritious & Wholesome – High in protein and full of fresh produce
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Light lunch, picnic favorite, or fancy tea sandwich filling
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh and creamy salad:
Salad Ingredients:
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2–3 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
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1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
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1 cup red or green seedless grapes, halved
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1/3 cup celery, finely diced (optional, for extra crunch)
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
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1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional for freshness)
Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten and prevent apple browning)
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Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
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Optional: 1/2 tsp honey for subtle sweetness
How to Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the apple (leave the skin on for color and texture), halve the grapes, and chop the nuts. If using celery and onion, dice them finely. Shred or cube your chicken if not already prepped.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the chicken, apple, grapes, celery, onion, and nuts.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until everything is coated evenly. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to slightly thicken.
Serve chilled, and garnish with chopped parsley or extra nuts if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad can be served in several delicious ways:
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On a buttery croissant for an elegant sandwich
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Scooped into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
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Between slices of toasted sourdough or whole grain bread
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Over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a hearty salad
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In a picnic bowl with crackers, pita chips, or cucumber slices
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
This salad tastes even better the next day! You can prep it the night before an event or busy workday.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing.
Freezing not recommended due to the fresh produce and creamy dressing texture.
Customization Ideas
This salad is endlessly customizable! Here are a few variations:
Herbaceous Twist
Add fresh tarragon, basil, or chives for a flavor boost.
Cheese Addition
Mix in crumbled blue cheese, feta, or shredded sharp cheddar.
Rotisserie Hack
Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half.
️ Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Fruity Touch
Add dried cranberries or mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per 1 cup serving)
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Calories: ~310
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 8g
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Rich in protein, vitamin C, and healthy fats from nuts and Greek yogurt
For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo or try a low-fat dressing alternative.
Why This Salad is Perfect Year-Round
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Fall: Celebrate apple season with crisp fruit and roasted chicken
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❄️ Winter: Light yet satisfying for post-holiday reset
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Spring: A refreshing break from heavy meals
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☀️ Summer: Cool, no-cook, and picnic-ready
It’s comforting enough for cozy days, yet light and bright for warmer months—truly a year-round staple.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a blend of textures, flavors, and memories in every bite. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, prepping for a brunch, or hosting a gathering, this salad will quickly become your go-to favorite.
It’s wholesome, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this vibrant dish has been a staple in kitchens for generations—with modern twists that make it even better.
