Crunchy Chicken Salad Delight with Sweet Grapes
This delightful chicken salad combines savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, inspired by a beloved colleague's recipe. Each bite features tender diced chicken, crisp celery, and the surprising burst of juicy grapes, making it a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering. The optional nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Allow the salad to chill to enhance the flavors, and enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal. Trust us, once you try it, you'll be begging for the recipe just like we did!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2.5 cups (diced)
celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
seedless grapes
1 cup (halved)
walnuts or pecans
1 cup (chopped (optional))
onion
1 small (minced)
salt
0.5 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Miracle Whip
0.5 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, halved grapes, minced onion, and optional walnuts or pecans.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix together the salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Miracle Whip until smooth.
3
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve chilled with your choice of crackers, chips, rolls, bread, or bagels for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Crunchy Chicken Salad Delight unique?
This salad features a delightful balance of savory chicken, crisp celery, and the surprising sweetness of juicy grapes, all tied together with a creamy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this chicken salad?
The main ingredients are diced cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, halved seedless grapes, minced onion, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Miracle Whip.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can add one cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an optional extra crunch.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2.5 cups of diced cooked chicken. You can use roasted, boiled, or rotisserie chicken.
What type of grapes are best for this salad?
Seedless grapes are best. You should halve them before adding them to the mixture.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a separate small bowl, mix together 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 0.5 cup of Miracle Whip until smooth.
Does this chicken salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the best serving suggestions for this dish?
It is delicious served chilled with crackers, chips, rolls, bread, or bagels.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
While the recipe specifies Miracle Whip for its unique tang, you can substitute mayonnaise if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be finely chopped to ensure a consistent crunch in every bite.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one small minced onion to add a subtle savory depth.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe that primarily involves chopping and mixing ingredients.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe, including the optional nuts.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is tagged as a great picnic food, though it should be kept chilled until serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least an hour in advance is recommended, and it can be stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
What is the texture of this salad?
The texture is a mix of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy celery and nuts.
Can I use red grapes or green grapes?
Either red or green seedless grapes will work perfectly in this recipe.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe uses exactly one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this chicken salad healthy?
The recipe is tagged as healthy, as it contains lean protein, fruit, and vegetables.
What is the purpose of the salt in the dressing?
The salt helps to enhance the savory flavors of the chicken and the tangy dressing.
Can I double the recipe for a large gathering?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredient amounts to serve a larger group.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
The recipe does not list added sugar, though the grapes and Miracle Whip provide a natural sweetness.
Can I use dried fruit instead of grapes?
While the recipe calls for fresh grapes, some people use dried cranberries as a substitute for a different texture.
How small should the chicken be diced?
Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about half-inch cubes) works best for this salad.
What happens if I skip the chilling step?
If you skip chilling, the flavors may not be as well-integrated and the salad won't be as refreshing.
Is this a good lunch option?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a great option for lunch.
Can I use green onions instead of a small onion?
Yes, minced green onions can be used if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Should the nuts be toasted?
Toasting the walnuts or pecans is not required, but it can enhance their flavor if you choose to do so.
How do I ensure the dressing coats everything evenly?
Pour the pre-mixed dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until every piece is covered.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved colleague whose chicken salad was highly sought after.