Zesty Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken salad with grapes elevates a classic lunch staple into a gourmet sensation that sings with vibrant flavors.

Succulent chicken chunks embrace sweet grape explosions, creating a tantalizing dance of tastes and textures.

Creamy mayonnaise weaves through the ingredients, binding them in a luscious embrace.

Crisp celery adds a delightful crunch that awakens every bite.

Delicate herbs whisper subtle complexity into this melodic dish.

Toasted nuts provide a golden, nutty undertone that transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary culinary experience.

This irresistible recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Use for Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes

• Chicken Breast: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results.
• Pecans: Choose whole, golden-brown nuts without any rancid or bitter smell.

• Celery, Apple: Pick crisp, firm produce with vibrant color and no soft spots.
• Grapes: Select firm, glossy fruits without wrinkles or brown marks.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat versions for richer, smoother texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for more intense flavor.
• Lemon: Select bright, heavy citrus with smooth, unblemished skin for maximum juice.

Tools to Assemble Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even chicken cooking and easy cleanup.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken and chopping fresh ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Precise tool for cutting chicken and dicing celery, apple, and grapes.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and coating ingredients evenly.
• Refrigerator: Chills salad and allows flavors to meld together.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes

• Roast Succulent Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake for 23-25 minutes until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

• Combine Vibrant Ingredients

Toss the warm chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Chop crisp celery, sweet apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans. Mix these delightful ingredients together, creating a colorful and textured base.

• Craft Creamy Dressing

Blend mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Splash in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle this zesty mixture over the chicken and produce, gently folding everything to ensure each morsel gets perfectly coated.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. When ready, serve chilled as a refreshing lunch or light dinner option. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Fresh Flavor in Chicken Salad With Grapes

Elevate your culinary creation with these clever twists and helpful hints.

Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for instant variety and excitement.

Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to add unexpected texture and nutty depth to your salad.

Toss in fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon to brighten the flavor profile and give your dish a gourmet touch.

This salad keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weekdays and quick lunches.

Serving Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes at Its Best

• Serve on Crisp Greens: Spread the chicken salad over a bed of fresh lettuce or mixed greens for a light, refreshing meal that adds extra crunch and nutrition.
• Pack in Sandwich Wraps: Stuff the salad into whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps for a portable lunch that's perfect for picnics or work meals.
• Create Elegant Appetizer Bites: Scoop the salad onto cucumber rounds or crackers for an impressive party starter that looks gourmet but takes minimal effort.
• Enjoy as Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Store in sealed containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week, keeping you satisfied and energized.

Save and Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken breasts during your initial preparation and store separately for quick future salad assembly. This smart strategy saves time and ensures you're always ready for a delicious meal.
• Refrigerate Right: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ingredients crisp by storing nuts separately and mixing just before serving to maintain optimal texture and crunch.
• Freeze with Caution: While chicken salad can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, consume within 1-2 months and gently stir after thawing to restore consistency.
• Pack for Lunch: Separate wet and dry ingredients when packing for work or school. Use small containers to keep components fresh and mix just before eating to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain that perfect, crisp texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Tangy Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Refreshing pioneer woman chicken salad with grapes combines tender poached chicken, crisp celery, and sweet grapes in a creamy dressing. Crunchy almonds and fresh herbs elevate this classic salad, making it perfect for summer lunches or picnic gatherings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) grapes, halved
• ¾ cup (180 ml) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 apple, chopped
• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice (from about ¼ lemon)
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Roasting: Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Position chicken breasts on a baking sheet, generously season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 23–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
2. Preparation: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then meticulously dice into consistent bite-sized pieces. Finely chop celery, slice apple chunks, halve grapes, and roughly chop pecans.
3. Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted chicken, prepared vegetables, grapes, and pecans. Fold in mayonnaise and sour cream, ensuring thorough and even coating of all ingredients.
4. Seasoning: Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture. Sprinkle additional salt and cracked black pepper. Gently toss to distribute seasonings uniformly and enhance flavor complexity.
5. Chilling: Transfer chicken salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
6. Serving: Present the chilled salad elegantly over mixed greens, nestled between soft bread slices, or alongside crisp crackers for a versatile and delectable dining experience.

Notes

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the ingredients meld and develop a more intense, balanced taste profile.
• Precise Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165ºF (74ºC) internal temperature to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy texture.
• Consistent Chopping Matters: Cut chicken, celery, and apples into uniform bite-sized pieces for a balanced texture and even distribution of ingredients.
• Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds to add personal flair and varying levels of crispness to the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg