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The Best Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans & Tarragon

5 from 1 vote
Looking for the best chicken salad recipe with grapes? This super easy recipe features tender shredded chicken, sweet red grapes, crunchy pecans, and herbaceous tarragon for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It makes a quick and easy lunch and is great for meal prep, too!
Calories 439
Protein 31
Carbohydrates 10
Fat 31
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Creamy chicken salad with grapes, pecans, and fresh herbs in a white bowl, ready to be served.

Are you craving the perfect chicken salad with grapes? This recipe combines sweet red grapes, crunchy pecans, and herby tarragon for a refreshing chicken salad that makes a great quick lunch or easy high-protein meal prep option.

I have to admit that I absolutely love chicken salad. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with protein.

From dill pickle chicken salad to classic variations and even curry chicken salad, I love them all, but hands down my favorite is this chicken salad with grapes.

And this is not your average chicken salad recipe either.

I’m not using “best” lightly here. This recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the sweet red grapes to the crunchy pecans and the fresh herbacious tarragon, all tied together in a creamy dressing that will leave you wanting more.

This delicious chicken salad makes a great quick and easy lunch, a high-protein meal prep option, or even a great recipe to bring to a picnic.

And if you love chicken salad as much as I do, then you’ll have to check out our collection of recipes:


the best chicken salad recipe with grapes, showing the creamy texture and vibrant ingredients.

What Makes This Chicken Salad with Grapes The Best?

The secret to making the best chicken salad is all about the blend of savory flavors from the chicken, fresh herbs, and crunchy pecans with the sweet pops of juicy grapes. The tarragon adds a super subtle and unique anise note, while the pecans provide a great crunch.

It’s the perfect recipe that balances the freshness of red seedless grapes with satisfying, healthy protein from the chicken. The sweetness of the grapes is the perfect counterbalance to the creamy mayo-based dressing.

Plus, if you’re making this chicken salad recipe with grapes for the first time, you’ll be amazed by just how quickly everything comes together.

Without a doubt, I can say that this is truly the best way to enjoy chicken salad!


Chicken salad ingredients in a white bowl, including shredded chicken, grapes, chopped pecans, celery, and lemon zest. This is a key step in making the best chicken salad recipe with grapes.

Key Ingredients

This recipe for chicken salad with grapes relies on a few heavy hitters in the ingredients department, but it’s also easily customizable to fit your tastes and nutritional requirements.

  • Finely Shredded Chicken: The base of this healthy chicken salad recipe is finely shredded chicken breast. You can use slow-cooker shredded chicken or my personal favorite, leftover rotisserie chicken.
  • Crispy Celery: Essential in almost every chicken salad recipe, celery adds great texture and flavor. I prefer mine super finely diced.
  • Fresh Herbs: Green onions add a subtle kick, while fresh tarragon brings an anise flavor that makes this recipe so unique. Can’t find tarragon? Substitute with basil or parsley.
  • Sweet Red Grapes: The star of the show, red seedless grapes, add sweetness and an incredible textural pop.
  • Crunchy Pecans: Toasted pecans bring a buttery and nutty note to the party, along with a satisfying crunch.
  • Mayo: Mayo is the base of the creamy dressing that brings everything together. Substitute for Greek yogurt for a healthy chicken salad.
  • Grainy Mustard: With a little bit of spice and a whole lot of flavor, a large spoonful of grainy mustard complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Adding a bit of much-needed acid, lemon brightens things up and balances out the creamy dressing.

How to Make This Chicken Salad with Grapes

Making this chicken salad with grapes recipe is simple and easy to do! It all comes together in just 15 minutes and only requires a bit of shredding, chopping, and mixing.

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crunchy celery, green onions, and fresh tarragon.
  • Add the creamy mayo, grainy mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt and mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Now add in the juicy grapes and roughly chopped pecans. Gently toss to combine.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
  • For best results, enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to eat.

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Variations and Customization

This easy chicken salad recipe is super versatile and can be adjusted to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a couple of our suggestions:

  • Gluten-Free: Simply ensure you’re using a gluten-free mayo to be on the safe side.
  • Dairy-Free: This chicken salad with grapes recipe is naturally dairy-free!
  • Lower Fat: If you want to reduce the fat content of this healthy recipe, simply swap the mayo for low-fat Greek yogurt. You’ll also be increasing the protein content!
  • Low-Carb: Chicken salad is a naturally low-carb option, but if you’re really trying to keep your carbs down, cut the amount of grapes in half and enjoy it on its own or in a lettuce wrap or lettuce cups.

Close-up of a chicken salad croissant sandwich with grapes, showcasing the creamy texture and sweet grapes.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many fun ways to eat this recipe, from a classic chicken salad sandwich to a lettuce wrap or scooped up with crackers.

While our favorite option is loading up this delicious chicken salad onto a croissant, you can also enjoy it paired with veggie crudité or on a bed of lettuce for a high-protein, low-carb option.


Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This chicken salad with grapes recipe makes a big batch of about 6 servings, so it’s perfect for leftovers or as meal prep for the week.

Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.


the best chicken salad recipe with grapes, showing the creamy texture and vibrant ingredients.

The Best Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans & Tarragon

5 from 1 vote
Looking for the best chicken salad recipe with grapes? This super easy recipe features tender shredded chicken, sweet red grapes, crunchy pecans, and herbaceous tarragon for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It makes a quick and easy lunch and is great for meal prep, too!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings : 6 servings

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups finely shredded chicken breast (poached or rotisserie), about 3 large chicken breasts worth
  • 1 large celery rib, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 3 tbsp grainy mustard
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 2/3 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
Start Cooking

Instructions
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of finely shredded chicken, 1 rib of finely diced celery, 2/3 cup green onions, and 2/3 cup tarragon.
  2. Add 2/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 3 tbsp grainy mustard, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix until well combined and even in texture.
  3. Add 1 cup of halved red grapes and 2/3 cup of roughly chopped pecans.
  4. Taste and add more salt to taste.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 31gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 696mgPotassium: 462mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 244IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 3mg

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have made this salad twice now and used it as a meal prep for lunches for the week. The flavours are fantastic as are the textures, a delicious combination of crunch , fresh flavours and very satisfying.

5 from 1 vote

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