Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Fresh Dill
A refreshing chicken salad combining tender diced chicken breast with sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and fresh dill in a creamy mayo-sour cream dressing. The contrast of textures and flavors makes this perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens. The toasted pecans add a nutty richness while the grapes provide natural sweetness that balances the savory elements. This versatile salad is ideal for lunch, picnics, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat, diced
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halvedgreen grapes1:1preference
slightly more tart
- 1 cup celery, cut in half lengthwise then sliced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp dill, finely chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant, then transfer to cutting board and coarsely chop
- 2
Combine diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion and cooled pecans in a large mixing bowl
- 3
Stir together mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper in a small bowl
- 4
Add dressing to salad and stir until evenly coated
- 5
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
Tips
Toast pecans until just golden and fragrant - they continue cooking slightly after removing from heat, so don't overdo it.
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture.
Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Add pecans just before serving to maintain crunch.
Serve chilled on bread for sandwiches, in wraps, over greens, or with crackers.
Common Mistakes
Don't over-toast pecans to avoid bitter flavor
Add dressing gradually to avoid over-dressed salad
Substitutions
slightly more tart
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Remove skin and shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
How long does this chicken salad keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best quality and food safety, consume within 2 days.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace sour cream and mayo with vegan versions, or use all vegan mayo with a splash of lemon juice for tang.