15-Minute Creamy Chicken Salad
A refreshing, no-cook chicken salad balancing creamy mayo with bright grapes, crunchy walnuts, and fresh parsley. Sweet red grapes provide juicy pops of flavor while celery adds crunch and red onion brings subtle sharpness. Perfect for lunch sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served over greens. This version keeps the dressing simple so quality rotisserie chicken shines through.
Ingredients
- 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded, such as rotisserie
- ⅝ cup mayonnaise, or sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup red grapes, quartered or halvedgreen grapes or seedless1:1sweetermilder
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- ½ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl.
- 2
Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, walnuts, and red onion to the bowl.
- 3
Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- 4
Serve on toasted bread, lettuce wraps, or atop a green salad.
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach and shred your own chicken breasts for fresher taste.
Prepare up to 24 hours ahead; flavors meld overnight but grapes stay firmest if added just before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Grapes soften over time, so add them fresh on day of serving if preparing ahead.
Mix dressing and combine all ingredients except grapes up to 24 hours ahead. Fold in grapes just before serving to preserve texture.
Serve on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato, in lettuce wraps, or spooned over mixed greens.
Common Mistakes
Overmix to avoid breaking down grapes and releasing juice that waters down the salad.
Add salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning since rotisserie chicken is often salty.
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare the full salad up to 24 hours ahead for flavors to meld. However, grapes are best added fresh just before serving to keep them firm and prevent excess liquid.
What if I don't have mayonnaise?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt work equally well at a 1:1 ratio. Greek yogurt creates a lighter version; sour cream adds tanginess. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Not recommended. Mayonnaise separates when thawed, and grapes become mushy. Freeze shredded chicken separately and assemble fresh.