If you’re looking for that special dish to brighten up a lunch, picnic, or light dinner, Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. This recipe perfectly balances savory chicken with bursts of sweet, juicy grapes, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties everything together. The crisp celery, subtle zing from red onion, and a little crunch from nuts make every bite irresistible. Whether you serve it on its own, sandwiched between your best bread, or nestled on fresh greens, it never fails to impress and satisfy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every ingredient plays its part in creating a salad that’s colorful, flavorful, and texturally diverse, making it so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken breast (3 cups, cooked and chopped or shredded): Lean and tender, chicken breast soaks up all the delicious dressing while remaining hearty and filling.
- Red grapes (1 cup, halved): Their juiciness and sweetness pop with every bite, offering beautiful color and contrast.
- Celery (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds crisp bites and freshness to balance the creamy elements.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Provides a mild kick and sharp flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base that gives the salad its signature luscious texture and comforting taste.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Lends a slight tang that brightens up the dressing and keeps it light.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Delivers a touch of gentle heat and subtle complexity to the mix.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh acidity that lifts and balances every bite.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth without overwhelming the salad’s fresh flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): For a nutty crunch and extra richness (toast them for unmatched flavor).
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A final sprinkle of green for color and a hint of herby brightness.
How to Make Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your chopped or shredded chicken, halved grapes, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon—this is where all those beautiful colors and textures start coming together, making the salad visually as appealing as it tastes.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This dressing is the heartbeat of Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe, delivering just the right creamy-tangy punch to every forkful.
Step 3: Bring Everything Together
Pour the whisked dressing over your chicken and veggie mixture. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently fold until everything is evenly coated. This is the moment where all the magic happens — the flavors start mingling, and the salad really comes to life!
Step 4: Add Crunchy Elements
If you’re including nuts, now’s the perfect time to fold them in. Pecans or walnuts add both crunch and a bit of buttery richness, especially if you take a moment to toast them beforehand. You can also skip them for a classic version, but they’re worth trying for some extra texture!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows all the flavors in your Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, give it one more gentle stir and garnish with a little fresh parsley if you have it handy.
How to Serve Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds more than a pop of green—it gives a gentle, herby note that makes every bite taste even fresher. You could also add a scatter of extra toasted nuts or a few whole red grapes for a picture-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy salad pairs so well with a whole host of sides! Think of serving it with classic potato chips, crunchy pita chips, a simple garden salad, or even a bowl of summer fruit. For heartier meals, it’s fantastic alongside a cup of soup or a buttery croissant.
Creative Ways to Present
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe shines whether spooned onto crisp lettuce leaves, packed into buttery croissants, or piled high on a toasted baguette. For a picnic, scoop it into small mason jars for easy single servings, or offer as a dip with crackers and sliced cucumbers. However you present it, this salad loves a little creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it a fantastic make-ahead choice for busy weekdays or effortless entertaining. Stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that settles.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe—both the dressing and the grapes tend to lose their appealing texture. The creamy ingredients may separate, and the grapes become watery when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed freshly made or within a few days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat! If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving—this takes off the edge of the chill and lets the flavors shine through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It adds a little extra flavor, and using pre-cooked chicken means you can have this salad ready in no time at all.
Are green grapes okay instead of red?
Yes, green grapes work just as well, though they have a slightly different tartness. Mix both for a colorful twist, or stick with whichever variety you prefer or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives. The salad will still be rich and creamy, and you won’t miss out on the signature flavor of Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe.
What other mix-ins can I add?
Get creative with diced apples, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or even a sprinkle of curry powder for a different flavor profile. Just don’t forget to keep the grapes—they’re essential to the character of this salad!
How far ahead can I make this salad for a party?
You can prepare Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe the day before your event. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to blend even more. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it back up.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels both comforting and just a little bit special, I can’t recommend Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe enough. It’s the kind of recipe that gets requested year after year and quickly disappears at every gathering. Give it a try, and let it become a favorite at your table too!
Print
Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing chicken salad with a sweet twist from juicy grapes. This easy-to-make salad is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a light meal or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
- 1 cup red grapes (halved)
- 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the nuts if using. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo.
- Toast the nuts before adding for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
