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Fresh Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes and Lemon Aioli

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A light, refreshing chicken salad featuring juicy grapes and a tangy lemon aioli dressing, perfect for a quick homemade lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by shredding or dicing about 3 cups of cooked chicken. Set aside.
  2. Halve 1 cup of seedless grapes, finely chop 2 celery stalks, dice 1/4 cup red onion, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  3. Roughly chop 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans and toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  4. Make the lemon aioli dressing by combining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and add honey if desired.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, onion, parsley, and toasted nuts. Pour the lemon aioli dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor (optional).

Notes

Use cold chicken to maintain texture. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Fresh lemon juice is essential for bright flavor. For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Refrigerate salad before serving to let flavors meld. Avoid overmixing to keep grapes and nuts intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, lemon aioli, grapes, easy lunch, quick recipe, healthy salad, homemade chicken salad

Find it online: https://milacook.com/fresh-classic-chicken-salad-with-grapes-and-lemon-aioli-recipe-easy-homemade-lunch-idea/