Imagine a chicken salad that's not just another boring lunch option, but a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. This isn't your grandmother's traditional chicken salad - this is a gourmet experience that will transform the way you think about lunch forever! With a delightful mix of tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup almonds, slivered
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 diced apple, 1 cup of halved grapes, 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken. Ensure the chicken is evenly shredded for a consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Next, add the diced apple to the bowl. You can choose any variety of apple, but a crisp apple like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works particularly well for added crunch and sweetness.
- Then, add the halved grapes. If you prefer, you can use different types of grapes, such as red or green, depending on your taste preference.
- Incorporate the slivered almonds into the bowl. These will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and chopped fresh dill. Mix well until the dill is evenly distributed throughout the mayonnaise.
- Pour the mayonnaise and dill mixture over the chicken and fruit mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste the salad and adjust any seasonings or additional mayonnaise if needed.
- Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap, garnished with additional slivered almonds or dill if desired.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for maximum flavor depth
- Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding for an enhanced nutty flavor
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
- Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving
- For extra freshness, add the dill just before serving to maintain its bright flavor
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
