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This velvety chicken, grape and apple blend combines zesty tastes and different textures for a cool meal that works any time of year. The mix of soft chicken, juicy grapes, tangy apples, and toasty almonds makes a flavor party that'll wow your taste buds with every mouthful.
I whipped up this blend when trying to use some leftover store-bought roast chicken and gorgeous red grapes from our local market. My crew fell in love right away, and now we grab it for outdoor meals and quick dinners when it's hot outside.
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt: Makes the smooth foundation for our mix while staying lighter than just using mayo
- Sour cream: Gives a creamy zip that works well with the sweet fruits
- Mayonnaise: Adds just that touch of luxury to make everything silky
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that goes great with the fruits
- Fresh lemon juice: Perks up all flavors and stops apples turning brown
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Packs good protein; try to get free-range if you can
- Red grapes: Give juicy sweet pops in each bite; pick firm ones with bright color
- Crisp apple: Adds fresh snap and gentle sweetness; try Honeycrisp or Gala types
- Celery: Brings needed crunch and light savory taste
- Green onions: Add soft onion flavor without taking over the other tastes
- Slivered almonds: Pack extra protein and nice texture; warming them brings out their flavor
- Dried cranberries: Give tangy sweetness and pretty color
- Fresh parsley: Adds bright garden notes and looks good too
How To Make Velvety Chicken, Grape & Apple Blend
- Mix the sauce:
- Put Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir well until smooth. Add a bit of salt and pepper. The sauce should be nicely sweet and tangy to go with the fruit and chicken. Let it sit while you work on the other stuff.
- Warm the almonds:
- This step isn't needed but makes everything taste better. Lay slivered almonds flat on a baking sheet and put in a hot 400°F oven. Keep an eye on them for about 5 minutes until they turn golden and smell nutty. Let them cool fully before adding them to keep them crunchy.
- Throw everything together:
- In a big bowl, lightly mix the cut-up chicken, sliced grapes, chopped apple, sliced celery, green onions, cooled almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley. Make sure everything gets mixed evenly so each serving has all the flavors.
- Add the sauce:
- Pour about two-thirds of your sauce over everything. Using big spoons, gently fold it all together so you don't squish the fruit. Add more sauce if you want it creamier. Taste it and add more salt if needed before serving.
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My top pick in this dish has to be the toasted almonds. The first time I shared this at a family party, my nephew who usually skips nuts kept asking what made it taste so good. That warm, nutty crunch against the cool, smooth parts really changes this from just chicken salad into something you'll remember.
Prep-Ahead Ideas
This chicken mix actually tastes better when made a few hours early, letting all the flavors blend together. If you're making it more than a day ahead, maybe keep the almonds separate and toss them in just before eating to keep them crunchy. The sauce can stay fresh on its own for up to three days, and the whole mix will last 2-3 days in a sealed container in your fridge.
Serving Ideas
Turn this flexible mix into a full meal by putting it on mixed greens, wrapped in butter lettuce for a low-carb choice, or stuffed in whole grain pita with extra greens. For fancy get-togethers or lunch parties, try small amounts in endive leaves for bite-sized snacks. This also goes great with a light soup like tomato or butternut squash for a filling lunch combo.
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Swap-Out Options
This dish works with lots of changes based on what you've got handy. Leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey fits perfectly instead of cooked chicken breast. Slightly firm pears work nicely in place of apples. Walnuts or pecans can jump in for almonds, while dried cherries work great instead of cranberries. For no dairy, use plant-based yogurt and mayo, skip the sour cream and add a bit more lemon juice for tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I replace chicken breast with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken works just as well and adds a burst of flavor while saving time.
- → What fruits can I swap with grapes and apples?
Try using ripe pears, sweet strawberries, or mandarin slices for a fun twist.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure! Use plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo instead of the regular dairy options.
- → Is it okay to prep this salad ahead?
Yep, just keep the dressing and salad separate in the fridge and mix them together when you're ready to serve.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
Serve it with some fresh greens, crispy bread, or crackers to complete the meal.