This chicken salad with grapes and almonds is creamy, crunchy, and a little bit fancy — perfect for a ladies’ luncheon or easy lunches all week long!
A few weeks ago, I had some dear friends over, and they just happened to be coming by around lunchtime. I thought it would be fun to put together something that felt like an old fashioned “ladies luncheon”.
As I brainstormed what would be fun to serve, I landed on the idea of a chicken salad with fresh sourdough bread + a fun charcuterie board with fresh veggies, fruit, dip, and crackers + cheese. It was so much fun!
This chicken salad recipe is special enough for a luncheon with friends, but easy enough that you’ll want to make a batch to keep in the fridge for quick lunches all week long. Either way, it’s a win!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe
- Sweet grapes and crunchy toasted almonds make every bite interesting.
- A tangy dill dressing that’s lighter than your typical chicken salad.
- Fancy enough for a ladies’ luncheon, easy enough for weekday lunches.
- Makes ahead beautifully — even better the next day!
Ingredients for Yummy Chicken Salad
For exact measurements and instructions, check out the full printable recipe card below. Here’s the grocery list you’ll need for this recipe:
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Seedless red grapes, halved
- Celery, diced
- Red onion, finely diced
- Slivered almonds, toasted
- Mayo or Miracle Whip
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Dill pickle juice
- Sugar (optional, to taste)
Step by step instructions for making chicken salad – with pictures
1. Place all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. 
2.In a seperate bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients. 
3. Add dressing to salad ingredients and stir together well.
Helpful Tips When Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip toasting the almonds — it makes such a difference in flavor!
- Taste your dressing before deciding on the sugar. Dressing is such a personal thing!
- This salad makes ahead beautifully. Store covered in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving. If it seems a little dry, just stir in a bit more mayo or Miracle Whip.
Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips
I served this chicken salad alongside a charcuterie board with fresh veggies and dip, fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, and my honey oat sourdough bread. Guests could build their own sandwiches or pile it onto crackers — and a chilled bottle of fancy sparkling Perrier made the whole spread feel just a little special! Nanaimo bars were the dessert. So yummy!
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Chicken Salad Recipe
Juicy grapes, toasted almonds and a bright dill dressing make this chicken salad hard to resist. It’s ideal for hosting or for prepping meals ahead.
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring now and then, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion and toasted almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper and pickle juice. Taste it, then add sugar if you like.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill, or serve right away. If made ahead, stir before serving and add a little more mayo or salad dressing if it needs freshening.
Notes
Pile it onto your favorite bread, buns or croissants, or serve it over greens as a salad. However you choose, it’s delicious!
Enjoy it on sandwich bread, rolls or flaky croissants, or spoon it over a bowl of mixed greens. Any way you serve it is a good way.
