Crispy Chicken Salad (Print Version)

A fresh mix of tender chicken, celery, grapes, and greens for a crisp, satisfying dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
02 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
04 - 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
05 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
06 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans (optional)
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

# How To:

01 - In a large bowl, gently combine shredded rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, and halved grapes until evenly coated.
02 - Add salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate.
03 - Distribute mixed salad greens evenly across four plates or a large serving platter.
04 - Spoon the chicken mixture over the bed of greens, spreading evenly.
05 - Sprinkle sliced almonds or pecans if desired, then garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
06 - Serve immediately to maintain crispness and freshness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The grapes add an unexpected sweetness that keeps this from feeling like just another chicken salad—it's genuinely craveable.
  • Fifteen minutes from hunger to plate, and nobody has to know you didn't spend an hour in the kitchen.
  • It works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or bringing to someone's house when you want to show up with something homemade and impressive.
02 -
  • Don't add the greens to the chicken mixture directly; keeping them separate until serving is what maintains that crucial contrast between warm, creamy, and cold, crisp.
  • If you're making this ahead for a picnic or lunch box, pack the greens and chicken mixture separately and combine just before eating.
03 -
  • Taste the rotisserie chicken before you buy it—quality varies wildly between stores and brands, and it's the foundation of this entire dish.
  • If your almonds or pecans are sitting around looking sad, toast them in a dry skillet for two minutes to wake up their flavor and make them taste like you cared enough to do that extra step.
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