Creamy Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

This chicken salad with grapes and almonds is creamy, crunchy, and a little bit elegant — perfect for a ladies’ luncheon, bridal shower, or simply as an easy, make-ahead lunch for the week. Tender diced chicken combines with sweet halved grapes and toasted slivered almonds, all tossed in a tangy dill dressing that’s lighter than many traditional chicken salads.

A few weeks ago I hosted friends for a midday get-together and wanted a menu that felt classic and inviting. I served this chicken salad with slices of fresh sourdough, a simple charcuterie board of vegetables and cheeses, and some fresh fruit. Guests loved being able to build sandwiches or serve the salad on crackers, and it made the gathering feel special without much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad

• Sweet grapes and crunchy toasted almonds give a delightful contrast of texture and flavor.
• A bright, tangy dill dressing keeps the salad light and refreshing.
• Simple enough for weekday meal prep, yet elegant for entertaining.
• Improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it ideal for make-ahead planning.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

Below is the ingredient list with measurements for an easy printable reference. This makes about 8 servings and is easy to scale up or down.

• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1½ cups seedless red grapes, halved
• ¾ cup celery, diced (about 2 stalks)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¾ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dill pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)

Chicken Salad Recipe

Yield: 8 servings   |   Prep Time: 10 minutes   |   Total Time: 10 minutes

Sweet grapes, toasted almonds, and a tangy dill dressing make this chicken salad a refreshing twist on a classic. It’s ideal for entertaining, sandwiches, salads, or easy grab-and-go lunches.

Instructions

1. Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, diced celery, finely diced red onion, and the toasted almonds.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip), plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, pepper, and dill pickle juice. Taste the dressing and add sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter balance.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately. The flavors meld and improve after sitting for a few hours; give the salad a quick stir before serving. If it seems a little dry when chilled, stir in a bit more mayo or Miracle Whip to refresh the consistency.

Notes

This chicken salad is delicious served on your favorite bread, a croissant, or sandwich rolls. It also works well spooned over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal. For a party, arrange the salad on a platter with sliced sourdough, crackers, and a selection of cheeses and fresh vegetables for guests to assemble their own bites.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Yield: 8   |   Serving size: 1 portion

• Calories: 182
• Total Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Unsaturated Fat: 7g)
• Cholesterol: 49mg
• Sodium: 123mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 16g

Step-by-step photos

Helpful Tips

• Always toast the almonds — it enhances their flavor and adds a warm, nutty crunch.
• Adjust the sugar in the dressing to taste. Some grapes are sweeter than others, so taste the dressing before adding sugar.
• Make it a day ahead for even better flavor. Store covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving. Add a splash more mayo or yogurt if the salad tightens up while chilled.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Serve this salad on slices of hearty sourdough, in croissant sandwiches, or atop crisp lettuce for a lighter option. For extra color and texture, stir in halved cherry tomatoes, chopped apples, or dried cranberries. To keep it dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with an additional amount of mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Enjoy this versatile chicken salad warm from the first toss or chilled after resting in the refrigerator — it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that works for casual lunches or a special gathering.