Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes

Oh, my stars, darlin’… if there’s one recipe that takes me straight back to summer church picnics and Sunday lunches on the porch, it’s Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes.

I remember the first time I made it clear as day. It was one of those warm, lazy afternoons when the kitchen windows were open, the curtains swayed with the breeze, and the hum of bees danced outside near the lilac bushes. I’d just come home from the market with a warm rotisserie chicken — one of those simple comforts that makes the whole house smell like supper’s ready.

Back then, I didn’t have a lot of time to fuss with fancy meals. So, I shredded that golden chicken, tossed in a handful of sweet grapes, some crunchy celery, and a scoop of mayonnaise. A sprinkle of salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a handful of toasted almonds — and just like that, magic happened.

When I served it on fluffy croissants for lunch, my husband looked up between bites and said, “Granny, this right here is what happiness tastes like.”

That was more than thirty years ago, and to this day, I still make it whenever I need something comforting, simple, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that never goes out of style — creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

There’s something extra special about this salad, sugar. It’s a little fancy, a little nostalgic, and a whole lot of comforting. Here’s why it’ll win your heart (and your taste buds):

• Quick & easy: Using rotisserie chicken means it’s ready in under 20 minutes — no stove time needed.
• Perfect balance: Sweet grapes meet savory chicken and a creamy dressing for harmony in every bite.
• Textural delight: Crunchy celery and almonds make it a salad you’ll actually look forward to eating.
• Meal prep friendly: It stores beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or last-minute dinners.
• Versatile: You can serve it in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or just by the spoonful!
• Crowd-pleaser: From bridal showers to potlucks, this salad never fails to bring smiles.

If you’ve ever tasted a recipe that made you close your eyes and sigh, this is that kind of meal.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t just chicken salad, darlin’ — it’s Granny’s chicken salad. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: It saves time but adds deep, roasted flavor.
• Fresh grapes: Their juicy sweetness balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
• A hint of lemon: Brightens up the whole dish.
• Toasted almonds: Add a touch of nuttiness and crunch that makes every bite interesting.
• Customizable: You can mix, match, and tweak it to your heart’s content.

It’s a humble dish, but with the right touches, it feels downright elegant — like something you’d serve at a tea party, yet simple enough for an everyday lunch.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting classic to life.

🐔 For the Salad

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or a mix of red and green)
• ½ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons red onion, minced (optional, for a little tang)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

🥣 For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

💡 Granny’s Tip: Always toast your almonds first — just 3–4 minutes in a dry skillet brings out their lovely, nutty flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start with a warm rotisserie chicken. Pull off the skin, remove the meat from the bones, and shred it into bite-sized pieces.

💭 Granny’s Wisdom: Let it cool a bit before mixing, sugar. Warm chicken can make the dressing separate.

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Step 2: Toast the Almonds

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. This should take about 3–4 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding to your salad.

That toasty crunch makes all the difference — it’s what turns a good chicken salad into a great one.

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Taste the dressing — it should be creamy, a little tangy, and slightly sweet. Adjust with more lemon or honey to your liking.

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Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved grapes, celery, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything’s well coated.

💛 Granny’s Note: Use a light hand — you want the grapes to stay plump and the chicken pieces whole.

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Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the toasted almonds right before serving to keep their crunch.

If you’re preparing the salad ahead, store the almonds separately and add them just before serving.

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Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those lovely flavors mingle and settle together.

Once chilled, give it a gentle stir, scoop it into your serving dish, and enjoy!

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

Oh, sugar, this salad is so versatile! Here are some ways Granny likes to serve it:

• On buttery croissants: Fancy enough for brunch or special lunches.
• In lettuce cups: Crisp and refreshing for lighter meals.
• On crackers or toasted baguette slices: A charming appetizer for guests.
• Over a bed of greens: Add a drizzle of olive oil for a heartier salad plate.
• In sandwiches or wraps: Pack for picnics or quick lunches.
• With fruit salad or soup: Perfect for a cozy lunch combo.

✨ Granny’s Favorite Pairing: Serve it with a bowl of tomato basil soup and a tall glass of sweet tea. Heaven on earth!

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Customization & Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own, darlin’. Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
• Use different fruits: Try chopped apples, dried cranberries, or mandarin oranges.
• Make it lighter: Replace some of the mayo with more Greek yogurt.
• Add herbs: Fresh dill or tarragon adds a lovely garden flavor.
• Make it spicier: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce brings gentle heat.
• Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free mayo or avocado mayo and skip the yogurt.
• Add crunch: Stir in diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for texture.

💭 Granny’s Note: The key to the perfect chicken salad is balance — sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Don’t be afraid to tweak it until it feels just right to you.

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Storing & Reheating

This salad is a make-ahead dream!

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended — the dressing and grapes don’t thaw well.
• Serving: Give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen up the texture.

✨ Granny’s Secret: The salad actually tastes better after sitting overnight — it gives all the ingredients time to get cozy with each other.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 5 g
Sodium: 420 mg

(Based on 4 servings.)

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, honey! Leftover roasted or poached chicken works beautifully.

2. Should I use red or green grapes?
Both are delicious — red grapes are sweeter, while green add a tangy bite.

3. Can I make it a day ahead?
Absolutely. It’s even tastier after chilling overnight.

4. How do I keep it from getting watery?
Make sure your chicken is cooled and your grapes are dry before mixing.

5. Can I make it without mayo?
You can! Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead.

6. What kind of nuts work best?
Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts add the best crunch and flavor.

7. Can I add cheese?
A sprinkle of feta or blue cheese adds a nice tangy twist.

8. How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

9. Can I add dried fruit?
Yes — dried cranberries or cherries make a lovely seasonal variation.

10. Is it gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful if serving with bread or wraps.

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Tips for a Perfect Chicken Salad Every Time

• Don’t overmix. Folding gently keeps the texture light.
• Toast your nuts. It’s worth the extra two minutes for that deep, nutty flavor.
• Taste and adjust. Add more salt, lemon, or honey depending on your grapes’ sweetness.
• Serve it chilled. Cold salad has the best flavor and texture.
• Use a mix of grapes. Red and green together look pretty and taste wonderful.

Granny’s golden rule: The simpler you keep it, the better it tastes.

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Final Thoughts

Darlin’, Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes is the kind of recipe that reminds us why simple food is often the best food. It’s quick, easy, and every bite is pure comfort — creamy chicken, juicy grapes, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds.

It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with a whisper of old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a brunch, or just need a comforting dish to keep in the fridge, this one never fails.

So grab a rotisserie chicken on your next grocery trip, roll up your sleeves, and bring a little Granny magic into your kitchen. 💕

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🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you made this Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Grapes, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a sweet comment below — it warms my heart to hear from my kitchen friends.

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