If you are on the lookout for a salad that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a touch of sweet surprise, then Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together perfectly. Every bite delivers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and sweet notes, making it an exceptional choice for lunch, picnic gatherings, or even a light dinner. Once you discover this recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. With fresh produce, wholesome chicken, and a luscious homemade dressing, every element brings flavor, crunch, or creaminess to every forkful.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded: This is the hearty base that provides wonderful protein and a tender texture.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved: Sweet and juicy grapes add a burst of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the savory chicken.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers a crisp crunch that brightens each bite.
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced: A mild kick and subtle sharpness enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the salad.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the dressing for a fresher taste.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A hint of sharpness and complexity to the creamy dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the entire salad with a zesty lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle warmth and depth of flavor without raw garlic’s sharpness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complements the chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For toasty crunch and nutty notes that elevate the texture and taste.
How to Make Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped or shredded chicken breast, halved grapes, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, and, if you choose, the chopped nuts into a large mixing bowl. This combination provides a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, setting the stage for the deliciously creamy dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings the salad to life, balancing tanginess and creaminess with a subtle hint of spice.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until every morsel is evenly coated. The goal here is to envelop the ingredients without mashing the grapes or breaking down the celery, so aim for a light, thorough toss.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the salad to firm up slightly, making it even more enjoyable.
How to Serve Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes elevates your presentation and flavor experience. Consider a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts for crunch, a few whole grapes popped on top for color and sweetness, or a handful of fresh parsley or dill to add a herbaceous touch that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crisp greens, crusty artisan bread, or crunchy crackers. For a more complete lunch or picnic spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit slices, a bowl of soups like chilled gazpacho, or some light vegetable crudités to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or switch things up, serve Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe inside hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for an elegant touch. You can also pile it high in flaky puff pastry shells or stuff it into pita pockets for portable, tasty sandwiches. The versatility of this salad makes it perfect for a variety of settings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad tastes best when enjoyed fresh, but keeping it chilled preserves its creamy texture and freshness. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing due to the mayonnaise and yogurt base, which can separate upon thawing. For best results, prepare only what you plan to eat within a few days to keep it delicious.
Reheating
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen grapes for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh grapes for this salad because frozen ones release extra moisture as they thaw, which can dilute the flavors and make the salad watery.
What else can I add to Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe for extra flavor?
Try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like tarragon or chives, or add a dash of curry powder for a unique twist that enriches the profile without overpowering it.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo to keep the salad creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prep since it stores well in the refrigerator and offers balanced nutrition with protein and fresh produce, making it a healthy, grab-and-go option.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a convenient shortcut, providing great flavor and saving time without compromising the dish’s integrity.
Final Thoughts
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s easy to prepare but feels special every time. The harmonious blend of sweet grapes, savory chicken, and crunchy nuts enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing is something you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite salad to brighten up any meal or get-together!
Print
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes is a delicious, easy-to-make American salad that combines tender cooked chicken, sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, and nuts, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, this nutritious salad can be served on lettuce, sandwiches, or with crackers.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken, halved red grapes, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, and chopped nuts if using. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
- Mix Dressing into Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled on a bed of fresh lettuce, in sandwiches, or alongside crackers as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if you prefer a different tanginess.
- Toast the nuts before adding for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- For a lighter version, replace all the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
