Tasty Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken salad with grapes transforms ordinary ingredients into a symphony of flavor that dances across your palate.

Fresh chicken mingles with sweet bursts of fruit, creating a delightful culinary experience that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Crisp elements provide satisfying texture, while creamy components bind everything into a harmonious blend.

The recipe balances sweet and savory notes with remarkable precision, making each bite an adventure.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this classic dish beyond traditional expectations, offering a refreshing twist on a beloved staple.

Crunchy nuts and tender chicken create a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Ways to Switch Up the Classic Chicken Salad Combo

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pecans with toasted pine nuts, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped fresh dill for a Greek-inspired chicken salad with a tangy Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, add chopped cilantro, and sprinkle cumin for a zesty southwestern-style chicken salad with a bold heat.
• Asian-Inspired Crunch: Substitute mayo with sesame oil and rice vinegar, mix in sliced almonds, mandarin orange segments, and a dash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired chicken salad with vibrant, light flavors.
• Herb Garden Blend: Fold in fresh chopped basil, tarragon, and chives, replace apple with diced cucumber, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a fresh, herbaceous chicken salad bursting with garden-fresh ingredients.

Chicken Salad That Tastes Like a Treat

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Salad celebrates summer’s fresh flavors with a delightful twist.

Crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans create perfect harmony in each bite.

Creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream bind these ingredients into a luxurious blend.

Classic comfort meets gourmet sophistication through this simple yet elegant recipe.

Home cooks can elevate their meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Her signature dish promises a delicious adventure that screams summer picnics and relaxed gatherings – you won’t resist sharing this mouthwatering creation with friends, so snap a photo, tag the recipe, and spread culinary joy across social media platforms.

Why Chicken Salad with Grapes Feels Fancy but Easy

• Burst with Fresh Flavor Combinations: This chicken salad brings together a delightful mix of sweet grapes, crunchy apples, and toasted pecans, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate with every bite.
• Quick and Simple Gourmet Prep: Achieve restaurant-quality results in under an hour with straightforward baking and mixing techniques that even novice cooks can master effortlessly.
• Versatile Serving Superstar: Enjoy this chicken salad multiple ways – nestled on crisp greens, tucked into soft sandwiches, or paired with crackers, making it a perfect option for lunches, picnics, or casual gatherings.
• Nutrient-Packed Protein Delight: Lean chicken breast combined with fresh ingredients offers a balanced meal that delivers satisfying protein, crunchy textures, and a mix of wholesome nutrients in every delicious spoonful.

What Goes Into This Sweet and Savory Mix

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that forms the base of the salad, best when fresh and boneless.

• Celery: Adds crisp texture and light, fresh crunch to the salad.
• Apple: Provides sweet-tart flavor and additional crispness.
• Grapes: Brings natural sweetness and juicy burst to the chicken salad.

• Pecans: Offers rich, buttery crunch and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds ingredients together smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, acidic balance to the creamy salad.

How to Make Chicken Salad That Feels Special

Step 1: Prepare Juicy Chicken Breast

Crank up the oven to 425°F. Spread chicken breasts on a baking sheet and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 23-25 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into delectable bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Gather Fresh Ingredients

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Crisp celery
• Crunchy apple
• Sweet grapes
• Toasted pecans

Step 3: Create Creamy Binding

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream

Blend ingredients thoroughly until everything gets a perfect, even coating.

Step 4: Enhance With Zesty Seasonings

• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Bright lemon juice

Stir carefully to distribute flavors evenly across the salad.

Step 5: Allow Flavors To Mingle

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This magical resting time lets all the flavors dance and blend together beautifully.

Tips for Creamier Chicken Salad with Balance

• Crunch Preservation Hack: Separate pecans from the salad and add just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Flavor Balancing Technique: Sample the chicken salad after mixing, then adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or lemon juice for perfect taste.
• Quick Pecan Transformation: Skip soaking and rapidly toast raw pecans for instant nutty flavor and texture.
• Minimal Creaminess Approach: Reduce mayonnaise or sour cream quantity to control the salad's overall moisture level.
• Strategic Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the chicken salad for one hour, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop deeper, richer taste profiles.

How to Store Chicken Salad with Freshness Intact

• Airtight Container Method: Transfer chicken salad into a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Protect the salad's texture and flavors by preventing moisture and air exposure. Glass containers work best for maintaining freshness and preventing odor absorption.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide the salad into smaller individual serving portions before refrigerating. This approach helps preserve overall quality and makes quick grab-and-go meals easier. Smaller portions also reduce repeated opening and temperature fluctuations that can compromise taste.
• Temperature Management Technique: Always store chicken salad at or below 40°F in the refrigerator. Keep the container in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back shelf. Maintain consistent cool temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and extend the salad's edible lifespan. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad brings Southern comfort to your plate with tender chicken, crisp celery, and sweet grapes. Creamy mayonnaise and a hint of seasoning create a delightful blend that perfectly complements summer picnics or quick lunch cravings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams)

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 whole apple, chopped
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) grapes, halved
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) toasted pecans, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Dressing:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (from about ¼ lemon)
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, as you like

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Instructions

1. Roast chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 425ºF (220ºC) on a baking sheet, seasoning thoroughly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 23–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
2. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then carefully dice into uniform bite-sized pieces.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the diced chicken with finely chopped celery, crisp apple chunks, halved grapes, and roughly chopped pecans.
4. Incorporate creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.
5. Enhance the salad’s flavor profile by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice, additional salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss the ingredients gently to blend the seasonings uniformly.
6. Refrigerate the chicken salad for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste.
7. Serve the chilled salad atop a bed of crisp mixed greens, nestled between soft bread slices, or accompanied by your preferred crackers for a delightful meal or appetizer.

Notes

• Taste and Fix: Adjust seasonings by tasting the salad after mixing, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to create the perfect flavor balance.
• Chill Before Eating: Refrigerate the salad for an hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Keep the Pecans Crunchy: Preserve the pecans’ crisp texture by adding them just before serving, preventing soggy nuts.
• Quick Pecan Tip: Save time by toasting raw pecans instead of soaking them for a faster preparation method.
• Make It Less Creamy: Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream if you prefer a lighter, less rich salad consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg