This is my go‑to creamy, sweet, crunchy chicken salad that brings together tender chicken, crisp apples and celery, juicy grapes, and nuts—all tossed in a bright, zesty dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how it’s easy yet impressive: just a few fresh ingredients create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It can be made ahead, which makes it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or even lettuce cups. And the combination of apples, grapes, pecans, and creamy dressing gives it that delightful sweet crunch that always delights guests.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper (or to taste)

Chicken Salad

4 cups cooked, diced chicken
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved or quartered
1 cup red apple, chopped
1 cup celery ribs, chopped (about 2 stalks)
1 cup pecans (or walnuts/almonds), chopped or sliced

For Serving

Bread, croissants, lettuce cups, pita or crackers

directions

In a medium bowl I whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In another bowl I toss the diced chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
I cover the bowl and chill it for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
I serve it on bread, croissants, wraps, puff in lettuce cups—or just scoop it with crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings with an approximate total time of:

Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Total: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo for a tangier twist.
If grapes aren’t available, I swap them with raisins or craisins.
Celery seeds work as a substitute when I’m out of fresh celery.
I vary the apple type—Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp—depending on what’s in season.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually enjoy it cold; if I want it slightly warmer, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. I don’t reheat it in the microwave since that softens the fruit and changes the texture.

FAQs

How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in a sealed container.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it the night before to let flavors develop overnight—makes serving the next day effortless.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The fruits and celery become mushy once thawed, affecting overall texture.

What can I use instead of grapes?

Raisins or craisins are great substitutes that still add sweetness and chewiness.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! I often use unseasoned rotisserie chicken—it’s convenient and gives me perfect chicken flavor without extra fuss.

Conclusion

I’ve made this chicken salad countless times for quick lunches, tea sandwiches, and easy entertaining. It’s always a hit because it’s creamy yet fresh, sweet yet tangy, and delightfully crunchy. I can’t wait for you to try it—I know you'll love how versatile and delicious it is!