California Grape Chicken Salad Recipe
A refreshing and healthy California Grape Chicken Salad combining tender chicken, sweet red grapes, crunchy nuts, and fresh lettuce, all tossed in a zesty lemon balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a summery dinner.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 4 cups fresh lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans), roughly chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop the lettuce, halve the red grapes, and roughly chop the nuts. Ensure the chicken is cooked, shredded, or diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, lettuce, and nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed nuts with your favorite nuts or seeds to accommodate allergies.
- For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- This salad can be served on its own or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Adjust sweetness in the dressing by varying the honey amount or omitting it entirely for a tangier taste.
Keywords: California Grape Chicken Salad, chicken salad, grape salad, healthy lunch, lemon balsamic dressing, easy salad recipe