This savory-sweet chicken salad, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is a delightful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a simple dinner. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, over a bed of fresh greens, or straight out of the bowl, this recipe for chicken salad with grapes is sure to become a new favorite.
Chicken salad is a classic comfort food, and there are countless variations. Recipes abound online from culinary giants like Ina Garten and featured in publications like the New York Times and Southern Living. Recently, a chicken salad showdown highlighted a recipe from The Pioneer Woman as a standout winner. This recipe takes the best elements of that praised version, enhances them, and brings them to your kitchen. What makes this Pioneer Woman chicken salad recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, savory and sweet, thanks to the addition of juicy grapes and crunchy almonds. The fresh dill adds an herbaceous note that elevates the flavors even further.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes So Good?
This isn’t just your average chicken salad. The Pioneer Woman’s influence shines through in the thoughtful combination of ingredients and the ease of preparation. Here’s what makes this recipe exceptional:
- Savory-Sweet Balance: The sweetness of the grapes perfectly complements the savory chicken and creamy dressing.
- Texture Contrast: The crisp celery, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken create a wonderful textural experience in every bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill brighten the salad and add a layer of freshness that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this chicken salad recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich, on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or as a topping for your favorite salad greens.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. Using high-quality mayonnaise and fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your chicken salad.
- 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise (high-quality, such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 stalks celery, finely diced
- 4 large scallions, thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1½ cups grapes, halved
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create the best Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Roast the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast registers between 160°F and 165°F (71°C and 74°C). Remember, the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests. Using a meat thermometer is crucial to prevent overcooking and ensure juicy chicken.
Step 2: Cool and Dice the Chicken
Let the roasted chicken cool completely. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Dice the chicken into ½-inch pieces. Dicing ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad and easy to eat.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisking ensures a smooth and well-combined dressing that will coat the chicken and other ingredients evenly.
Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Chill
Add the diced chicken, celery, scallions, halved grapes, sliced almonds, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, sugar, or lemon juice to your preference. Chilling the salad for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning again if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Pioneer Woman chicken salad chilled. It’s delicious immediately, but even better after the flavors have had time to develop in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad with Grapes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and make your salad less enjoyable. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the chicken salad is crucial for flavor development and allows the salad to reach the perfect consistency.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley and dill make a significant difference in the overall flavor. Don’t substitute with dried herbs if possible.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning at least twice – once after mixing and again before serving – to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced to your liking.
- Customize Your Crunch: If you prefer a different nut, toasted pecans or walnuts would also be delicious in this salad.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad
This versatile chicken salad can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Classic and satisfying, perfect for lunch.
- Lettuce Wraps: A lighter, gluten-free option.
- Crackers or Crostini: Great for appetizers or snacks.
- Over Greens: Create a healthy and flavorful salad by serving chicken salad on top of mixed greens or spinach.
- Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: For an elegant and refreshing presentation.
Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds Recipe
Inspired by The Pioneer Woman, Ina Garten, and The Kitchn
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 stalks celery, finely diced
- 4 large scallions, light and dark green parts, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups grapes, halved
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Rub chicken with oil, season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Roast 25-30 min, until thermometer reads 160-165°F. Cool.
- Remove chicken from bones, discard skin/bones. Dice chicken into ½-inch pieces.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, sugar, 1 scant tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper.
- Add chicken, celery, scallions, grapes, almonds, herbs. Mix well. Season to taste.
- Chill for a few hours. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes:
- For quicker prep, use about 4 cups of leftover or rotisserie chicken. Start at step 3 and gently toss rotisserie chicken.
- A meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (6 servings):
- Calories: 584
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 679mg
- Cholesterol: 114mg
Nutritional data is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Enjoy this delightful Pioneer Woman chicken salad with grapes recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
