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Creamy Classic Southern Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans

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A quick and easy southern-style chicken salad featuring juicy grapes, toasted pecans, and a creamy dressing with a hint of mustard and lemon juice. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (450g) cooked shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup (150g) seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (60g) pecans, lightly toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (60g) celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and stir frequently for about 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, poach or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop produce: Halve the grapes, finely chop the celery, and thinly slice the green onions.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine salad ingredients: Add shredded chicken, grapes, toasted pecans, celery, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
  6. Season and mix: Add salt and pepper to taste, plus optional fresh herbs if using. Gently fold everything together until well coated, avoiding over-mixing.
  7. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.

Notes

Toast pecans to enhance flavor and crunch. Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to deepen flavors. Gently fold ingredients to keep grapes and pecans intact. Can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or dairy-free options. Pecans can be swapped with walnuts or almonds. Grapes can be replaced with diced apples or pears for seasonal variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, southern chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, grapes, pecans, quick chicken salad, easy lunch, rotisserie chicken recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-classic-southern-chicken-salad-recipe-with-grapes-and-pecans-easy-and-delicious/