Chicken, Red Grape And Apple Salad
A refreshing chicken salad combining sweet grapes, crisp apples, and crunchy celery, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cubed, cooked chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. seedless red grapes
- 1 c. cubed, unpeeled red Delicious apple ⓘ
- 2/3 c. diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins
- 2 Tbsp. diced purple onion ⓘ
- 1/3 c. plain nonfat yogurt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. reduced calorie mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh celery leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chicken, grapes, apple, celery, raisins, and onion in a bowl; toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery leaves, and salt.
- Add the dressing to the chicken mixture; toss gently to coat.
- Cover and chill the salad.
- Serve on individual lettuce-lined plates.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken breast. You can substitute the red grapes with green grapes or even diced pears for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter option, replace the mayonnaise with additional yogurt. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance the crunch, similar to variations found in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or individual lettuce leaves for an appealing presentation. Pair it with crusty bread or a bowl of New England Corn Chowder for a satisfying meal. It's also great as a side dish at summer barbecues or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it's best to store the dressing separately until ready to serve. If you want to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave to avoid drying it out, but this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Red Grape And Apple Salad contains roughly 139 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving.
What can I use instead of yogurt?
If you prefer not to use yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or a vegan alternative like cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. These alternatives will provide a creamy texture but may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or whole-grain pasta to the mix. These additions not only enhance the texture but also provide extra fiber and nutrients, making it a hearty meal option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).