This easy chicken salad recipe is loaded with juicy grapes, crunchy cashews, and a creamy, lightly sweet dressing that feels special enough for showers but simple enough for everyday lunches. It comes together quickly, is perfect for meal prep, and tastes amazing piled into croissants, wrapped in lettuce cups, or scooped over a bed of greens.
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cashews
Chicken salad with grapes is a classic for a reason, and this version adds cashews, fresh dill, and green onions for extra flavor and texture. The dressing uses both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt so you still get that rich, traditional taste with a lighter, tangier finish and just a touch of brown sugar for balance.
This is the kind of recipe that works for everything—from weekday lunches to baby or bridal showers—because it feels a little fancy without any extra effort. Serve it stuffed into a soft croissant for a pretty centerpiece on your brunch table, then finish things off with some bright, tangy lemon bars for dessert.
What You’ll Need
Using a short list of simple ingredients, this chicken salad turns leftover or rotisserie chicken into something you actually look forward to eating.
Cooked chicken: Chopped or shredded cooked chicken works great, but rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves you time.
Mayonnaise & Greek yogurt: Mixing these two gives you creaminess with a lighter feel and a subtle tang.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the salad from tasting flat.
Brown sugar: Just a small spoonful softens the tang and pairs beautifully with the grapes.
Fresh dill: Adds fresh, herby flavor that keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
Green onions: Mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower everything else.
Celery: Classic crunch and freshness in every bite.
Red grapes: Firm, seedless grapes add juicy pops of sweetness and color.
Cashews: Buttery crunch—feel free to swap in slivered almonds or pecans if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Make It
A quick stir, mix, and chill is all this recipe needs, which makes it a great last-minute option when you already have cooked chicken ready to go.
Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the green onions, brown sugar, dill, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper so the flavors are evenly distributed.
Add the mix-ins: Fold in the chopped chicken and celery until they’re well coated, then gently stir in the grapes and cashews to avoid crushing them.
Chill for best flavor: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so the dressing can thicken slightly and the flavors can meld together.
Taste and adjust: Just before serving, give it a taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or dill if needed.
Tips and Variations
Small tweaks can help you customize this chicken salad to match your taste or the occasion while keeping things easy and family-friendly.
Choose grapes that are firm so they stay crisp after mixing and chilling.
Use a large bowl when tossing everything together to make sure the creamy dressing coats every bite.
Swap cashews for walnuts and add chopped apples to give it a Waldorf-style vibe that you can spoon into lettuce cups.
Stir in dried cranberries, extra fresh herbs, or a handful of slivered almonds for more color and texture.
For the best bite, serve the salad on the same day you mix in the fruit and nuts so everything stays crunchy and fresh.
Ways to Serve
One of the best parts of this recipe is how many different ways it can be served, which makes it easy to fit into meal prep or a party menu.
Pile it into a flaky croissant for showers, brunch, or holidays.
Spoon it between slices of homemade white bread or hearty whole-wheat bread for a classic sandwich.
Scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
Fold it into warm naan, tortillas, or pita bread for a portable wrap-style lunch.
Serve it with crackers or on top of mixed greens for a quick, no-cook meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Chicken salad is a great make-ahead option as long as it’s stored correctly so the texture stays fresh and safe to eat.
Store leftover chicken salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, and don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for long periods.
For the crunchiest texture, you can mix the dressing and chicken ahead of time, then stir in the grapes, celery, and nuts just before serving.
Pack it into individual containers with greens, crackers, or croissants on the side for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Light and Tasty Meal Ideas
If you enjoy light but satisfying meals, this chicken salad is easy to pair with other simple recipes for a full menu that feels complete without being overly complicated.
Serve chicken salad croissants on a platter with a big green salad for a luncheon or shower.
Add fresh fruit or veggie sticks on the side for a colorful, family-friendly plate.