Creamy Grapes and Pecan Chicken Salad
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Creamy Grapes and Pecan Chicken Salad, inspired by the popular Sonoma Chicken Salad at Whole Foods. This satisfying dish features tender, shredded chicken perfectly mingled with crunchy toasted pecans, crisp celery, and sweet seedless grapes, all enveloped in a rich and tangy dressing. Ideal for lunch or tossing onto a bed of greens, this salad captures the essence of a gourmet deli favorite without the hefty price tag. Prepare the dressing in advance and let it sit overnight for the ultimate flavor infusion, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. Serve it on its own, in a sandwich, or over a fresh salad for a versatile and delicious dining experience.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (Cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
Chopped celery
3/4 cup (Freshly chopped)
Chopped toasted pecans
3/4 cup (Toasted and chopped)
Seedless grapes
2 cups (Halved)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (N/A)
Cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Honey
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Poppy seeds
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
3
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 3/4 inch.
6
Chill the cut chicken in the refrigerator until completely cooled.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled chicken, chopped celery, chopped toasted pecans, and halved seedless grapes.
8
Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
9
Serve immediately on a bed of mixed greens, as a filling for sandwiches, or in your favorite wrap.
Nutrition Information
11.7g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Grapes and Pecan Chicken Salad?
It is a gourmet chicken salad inspired by the Sonoma Chicken Salad at Whole Foods, featuring chicken, grapes, pecans, and a tangy poppy seed dressing.
How many calories are in this chicken salad?
Each serving of this chicken salad contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This recipe provides 17 grams of protein per serving.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made with mayonnaise, cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
Why should I prepare the dressing in advance?
Allowing the dressing to sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors meld together for a better taste.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be safe?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
Bake the boneless skinless chicken breasts at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes in a covered dish with a little water.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the baked chicken with shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken to save time.
What type of grapes are best for this salad?
Seedless grapes are recommended, and they should be halved before being added to the salad.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be toasted and chopped to provide the best flavor and a crunchy texture.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it contains approximately 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 11.7 grams of fat per serving in this chicken salad.
How many pounds of chicken do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
You can serve it on a bed of mixed greens, as a sandwich filling, or in a wrap.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or a sugar substitute if you prefer, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of freshly chopped celery.
Do I need to chill the chicken before mixing?
Yes, the chicken should be completely cooled in the refrigerator before being combined with the other ingredients.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar.
How large should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces of approximately 3/4 inch.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
As long as your mayonnaise is dairy-free, the recipe does not contain other dairy products like milk or cheese.
Can I add other nuts besides pecans?
While pecans are traditional for this style, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if desired.
How long can I store this in the fridge?
This chicken salad can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise dressing and fresh grapes will change texture significantly upon thawing.
How many teaspoons of poppy seeds are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a mild and creamy salad, though you can adjust the pepper to your taste.
Can I use red or green grapes?
Both red and green seedless grapes work well; red grapes are often preferred for their color contrast.
What is the purpose of adding water to the baking dish?
The water helps steam the chicken while it bakes, keeping it tender and preventing it from drying out.
How much mayonnaise do I need?
You will need 1 cup of mayonnaise for the dressing.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead meal as the flavors continue to develop while stored in the fridge.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein version.