• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch and Swirl
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Chicken Salad with Grapes

    Published: Jul 30, 2019 · Modified: Apr 28, 2020 by Marissa Stevens · 29 Comments

    Gluten Free

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    chicken salad with grapes served on white salad plates

    When I think about my favorite picnic and potluck salads, this Chicken Salad with Grapes is one of the first that comes to mind. Tender chunks of chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, dried apricots, and toasted almonds are tossed in a creamy, yogurt based dressing with hints of apricot preserves and dijon mustard.

    chicken salad with grapes served in a white bowl

    My go-to Curry Chicken Salad inspired this recipe. I amped up the apricot flavor with bits of dried apricot and swapped in whole grain mustard for the curry powder and crunchy almonds for cashews. Every bite is a jumble of salty, savory, sweet, and creamy as a good chicken salad should be.

    You can use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken for this salad, but I recommend using this Shredded Chicken recipe to make your own. It's ridiculously easy and the chicken comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender. Just chop the chicken instead of shredding it and you'll have a bonus of concentrated chicken broth to use or freeze for something else.

    chicken salad with grapes photographed from above

    My choice for dried apricots is the unsulphered variety. I know they're not as pretty to look at, but they taste better and tend to have a better texture. Plus, no preservatives! And I've called for roasted and salted almonds because I love how that salty crunch pairs with sweet, chewy bits of apricot, but feel free to use unsalted almonds if you prefer.

    Share this Chicken Salad with Grapes with friends and family at your next get together, and I predict it will become one of your favorites too!

    How to Make Chicken Salad with Grapes

    Step 1: Whisk together yogurt, mustard and apricot preserves until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    whisking dressing ingredients

    Step 2: Combine chicken, grapes, almonds, dried apricots, and celery in a large salad bowl. Add dressing and gently toss to combine. Refrigerate 30 minutes or more before serving.

    adding dressing to salad
    tossing salad

    Recipe Video

    SUBSCRIBE TO VIDEOS

    Chicken Salad with Grapes served in a white bowl

    Chicken Salad with Grapes

    Marissa Stevens
    A creamy, tangy, salty, savory, crunchy chicken salad that is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or picnic!
    5 from 11 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 326 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Dressing

    • 1 cup plain, whole milk yogurt see recipe note #1
    • 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
    • 2 tablespoons apricot preserves see recipe note #2
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    For the Salad

    • 1 pound cooled chicken breast cooked, cut into 1" pieces, see recipe note #3
    • ½ pound red or green seedless grapes
    • 3 ounces roasted and salted almonds coarsely chopped
    • 10 dried apricots diced small, see recipe note #4
    • 4 ribs celery coarsely chopped
    • butter lettuce leaves or romaine leaves, for serving (optional)
    • minced chives for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • To make the dressing, whisk yogurt and mustard together in a small bowl. Add apricot preserves and whisk until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Add chicken, grapes, almonds, apricots, and celery to a large serving bowl. Spoon dressing over and gently stir to combine ingredients and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
    • Serve as is or scooped over leaves of butter or romaine lettuce and sprinkle with chives if desired. 

    Notes

    1. For a richer dressing, use half yogurt and half mayonnaise.
    2. Look for apricot preserves with "apricots" as the first ingredient, not sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
    3. I recommend making this easy Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken recipe and chopping instead of shredding the chicken. You'll need 2 bone in, skin on chicken breasts, each weighing about 1 ¼ pounds (2 ½ pounds total) to yield 1 pound of cooked chicken breast.
    4. I prefer unsulphured dried apricots for their texture and flavor. (Even if they're not as pretty to look at. 😉 ) 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 26gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 678mgFiber: 4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 710IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword 4th of July, game day, Memorial Day, picnic, summer
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.
    « Pickled Radishes
    Zucchini Banana Bread »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Easyfoodsmith says

      September 09, 2019 at 1:24 am

      Fell in love with this beautiful salad the moment I laid my eyes on it. I happen to visit your blog via Simpleglutenfreekitchen blog by Balvinder. I am so glad I did...you have a beautiful space and lovely recipes 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 10, 2019 at 8:01 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Mimi says

      August 08, 2019 at 6:18 am

      Wonderful! I’ve often included grapes, but I love that you added dried apricots, and also the bit of apricot jam in the dressing! Brilliant!

      Reply
    3. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      August 01, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea to add the apricot preserves and mustard Marissa. I’m such a chicken salad fan and always up for a new recipe! Can’t wait to try your recipe!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 10:59 am

        I'm excited to hear what you think, Mary Ann. I love the play of savory and sweet in chicken salads!

        Reply
    4. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      August 01, 2019 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      Loving all the flavors and texture!! This salad is such a treat!! Can't wait to make it!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 10:59 am

        Love to hear that, Annie. Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking says

      August 01, 2019 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      It's currently lunch time and my stomach is growling. I would love to be eating this right now! Love the freshness from the grapes and crunch from the celery! A picnic must-have Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:00 am

        Thanks, Leanne! Wish you were here - glad to share! 😉

        Reply
    6. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      August 01, 2019 at 6:50 am

      5 stars
      You make the best creamy salads, Marissa!! This one looks just fantastic! I absolutely LOVE grapes in my chicken salad, so I can't wait to try this recipe! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:00 am

        Aww, thanks so much, Cheyanne!

        Reply
    7. Valentina says

      July 31, 2019 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      This is reminiscent of a salad my mom used to make and I love it. She did not add dried fruit though, and I think the addition of the apricots is brilliant. I'm in! Beautiful. ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:00 am

        Yay!! Thank you, Valentina.

        Reply
    8. sheenam @ thetwincookingproject says

      July 31, 2019 at 5:41 am

      I have never thought of pairing chicken with grapes. This looks really amazing!!!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:00 am

        They're so good together! Thanks for your sweet comment, Sheenam!

        Reply
    9. David @ Spiced says

      July 31, 2019 at 4:19 am

      5 stars
      I saw this picture on Instagram last night, and I immediately began craving chicken salad. This looks delicious, and I love the apricot twist here. What a unique and fun addition to chicken salad. Now I just need to find a picnic somewhere this weekend so I have an excuse to make a big batch of this one! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:01 am

        Thank you, David! You're right - perfect picnic fare!

        Reply
    10. Liz says

      July 30, 2019 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      My kind of chicken salad! All your additions sound marvelous---I love adding grapes, nuts, dried fruit, too!! Loaded is best 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:01 am

        Thanks, Liz and I agree - from salads to cookies, loaded is best! 😉

        Reply
    11. sherry says

      July 30, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      this sounds wonderful. i make a very similar version in summer. only 4 months to go! cheers sherry

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:02 am

        Thank you, Sherry!

        Reply
    12. Matt - Total Feasts says

      July 30, 2019 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love chicken salad, I could eat it all day. However I have to say I love the flavours you have going on. I’ve tried making chicken salad with grapes and nuts and loved it, but never with apricots. Think I’m going to have to experiment when I make my next batch!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:02 am

        Fantastic! Thank you, Matt!

        Reply
    13. Kevin says

      July 30, 2019 at 12:10 pm

      5 stars
      This looks wonderful and such a light yet satisfying salad for summer, or anytime of the year! Lots of textures going on here that make this dish fun to eat!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:02 am

        Thank you, Kevin!

        Reply
    14. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      July 30, 2019 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      This salad reminds me of one my mother in law makes, only hers is without chicken. I really love the added chicken in there for extra oomph and paired with those sweet, juicy grapes, it really must be one delicious bite. Sweet and savoury combos are my fave and this looks like one must try salad this summer 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:03 am

        Thank you, Dawn! I'm with you on the sweet and savory combos...

        Reply
    15. Kelly | Foodtasia says

      July 30, 2019 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      Marissa, this chicken salad looks wonderful! I love the salty, tangy, sweet combo. So much flavor and texture!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 06, 2019 at 11:03 am

        Thanks so much, Kelly!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks. Learn more →

    12 Recipes to Know by Heart Book Cover
    Subscribe for Free E-Cookbook

    Reader Favorites

    • Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
    • Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    • Homemade Ramen Noodles
    • Homemade Tonic Water
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Gyro Meat Recipe
    • Pork Belly Ramen
    • Grilled Lamb Chops

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Meet Marissa
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 PinchandSwirl

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email