If you’re searching for a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish, Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe will win your heart from the very first bite. This creamy chicken salad is bursting with fresh flavors—tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a dressing that’s both tangy and rich. Whether you’re packing a picnic, prepping weekday lunches, or serving something special at a gathering, this salad’s irresistible balance of textures and colors delivers every single time.

Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the magic here: each ingredient in Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe plays a distinct role, building layers of flavor and fresh crunch. Don’t overlook even one—each element brings its own spark, turning a classic salad into something truly unforgettable.

Chicken breast: Use cooked, chopped or shredded chicken for a protein-packed base—rotisserie chicken works beautifully in a pinch!
Red seedless grapes: Halved for pops of juicy sweetness that brighten up every bite.
Celery: Finely chopped for fresh crunch and a clean, green flavor throughout the salad.
Red onion: Adds a subtle zing and a splash of color; dice finely for the perfect texture.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that binds everything together; choose your favorite brand for best results.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: This adds tanginess and keeps the dressing light and bright; Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want a lighter salad.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch, but it wakes up all the other flavors.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that sunny, citrusy lift.
Garlic powder: For a gentle savory note that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out and intensifying every flavor—taste as you go!
Pecans or sliced almonds (optional): If you love a little crunch and nuttiness, these are a must-have.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens both the flavor and the look of your finished chicken salad.

How to Make Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

Step 1: Chop and Prep Your Main Ingredients

Begin by chopping your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or shredding it if you prefer a softer texture. Slice the grapes in half for juicy bursts scattered throughout, then finely dice the celery and red onion. Having everything prepped and ready in separate piles speeds up the assembly and ensures each bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, plus a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s silky smooth and all the ingredients are fully blended—this dreamy dressing is what transforms Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe into something extra special.

Step 3: Combine Chicken, Grapes, and Veggies

Now it’s time to build the salad! In a large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, halved grapes, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion. Toss gently so you don’t crush the grapes. You’re looking for beautiful even distribution of all the key ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Dressing and Fold in the Nuts

Pour the prepared dressing over your chicken and veggies. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold and mix until everything is deliciously coated. For a nutty twist, fold in the pecans or almonds at this stage—the extra crunch and flavor absolutely shine in Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those vibrant flavors mingle and develop. Before serving, give it one last stir and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Serve Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra nuts elevates this salad—and a few extra halved grapes on top add instant visual appeal. Little touches like a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a wedge of lemon on the side make the dish feel restaurant-worthy with almost no effort.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs beautifully with light, crunchy sides. Think crisp lettuce cups, a green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette, or salty potato chips for irresistible contrast. Warm baguette slices or buttery croissants turn it into a lunchtime luxury, while gluten-free crackers keep things light for any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe isn’t just for a standard sandwich! Spoon it into sweet butter lettuce leaves for refreshing wraps, mound it high atop a bed of mixed greens, or stuff it inside croissants for a bistro-worthy lunch. Make party-ready finger sandwiches or scoop it into hollowed tomatoes or avocados for a gorgeous, fresh centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Give it a gentle stir before eating—sometimes the dressing thickens or separates slightly, but a quick mix brings it right back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

While Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Just know that mayo- and yogurt-based dressings can change texture after freezing. If you decide to freeze, store in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature! There’s no need to reheat—simply portion out what you need and enjoy straight from the fridge. If serving on bread or croissants, you can toast those separately for added warmth and contrast.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just remove the skin and bones, then chop or shred the meat. It saves time and adds great flavor and moisture to the salad.

What kind of grapes work best?

Red seedless grapes are ideal for their sweetness and soft texture. If you only have green grapes, you can use them—they’ll add a touch more tartness and a vibrant green color to your salad.

Is there a lower-fat version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap all or part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter take on Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe. Choose a low-fat Greek yogurt for an even healthier twist without sacrificing creaminess.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can make the entire salad up to two days in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight makes the flavors blend even better. Just hold off on the garnishes until right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Definitely. Simply omit the pecans or almonds and the salad will still be creamy, crunchy, and delicious. If you want extra crunch without nuts, try diced cucumber or even sunflower seeds for a nutty flavor without the allergens.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe and see just how quickly it disappears—whether you serve it for lunch, brunch, or a summer picnic! The flavors are fresh, comforting, and different enough to be memorable. Give it a try and let this soon become your own favorite go-to chicken salad!

Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Joann’s Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe is a delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery, all coated in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
1 cup red seedless grapes (halved)
½ cup celery (finely chopped)
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chicken, grapes, celery, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat Salad: Pour dressing over the chicken mixture, stir gently to coat. Add nuts if desired.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.