This Southern Chicken Salad is a sweet-and-savory delight featuring shredded chicken, juicy red grapes, and crunchy pecans tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for picnic lunches, elegant brunches, or just adding a refreshing spin to the classic chicken salad you love.
Table of Contents
Why This Southern Version Captures Hearts
What makes this salad special is the contrast in every bite—the juicy pop of red grapes, the crunch of toasted pecans, and tender chicken all bound in a gently sweetened mayo base. It’s subtly different than classic chicken salad but still comforting and familiar.
If you’re a fan of meal-lightening pairings, it works beautifully alongside dishes like my One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup, where the salad brings freshness to a hearty, creamy bowl.
Ingredients & Prep Tips
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken (breast or thighs) | 2 cups |
| Red grapes, halved | 1 cup |
| Toasted pecans, chopped | ½ cup |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | ¼ cup (optional) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley or tarragon (optional) | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt & black pepper | to taste |
Prep Tips for Best Results
Rinse grapes and dry well before halving to avoid watering down the salad. Toast pecans lightly until fragrant to bring out flavor. Shred chicken finely for even texture. Combine mayo and yogurt for a lighter version, and taste-adjust lemon or mustard slowly to balanced brightness.
This salad makes a wonderful partner to bread-based meals like my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Potatoes — serving the salad on the side adds a fresh, crunchy counterpoint.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Mix Chicken and Base
Combine shredded chicken, halved grapes, and chopped pecans in a mixing bowl. Add parsley or tarragon if using.
2. Stir in Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, yogurt (if using), mustard, lemon, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
3. Chill or Serve Immediately
For best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve it on soft bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or atop mixed greens just before serving.
Creative Variations & Add-Ins
Add diced apple or pear for sweetness, dried cranberries or cherries for extra chew, or substitute toasted walnuts or almonds for pecan variation. A pinch of celery seed or curry powder offers a Southern twist. Fresh herbs like mint or basil brighten flavor further.
Use this salad great in croissant sandwiches, atop avocado halves, or scooped into pita pockets. Pair it with chilled soups or light salads—like a chilled cucumber salad or gazpacho—for a balanced summer lunch.
Print
Southern Chicken Salad with Red Grapes & Pecans
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Southern Chicken Salad with Red Grapes & Pecans blends juicy grapes, tender chicken, and toasted pecans in a creamy dressing for the perfect sweet and savory twist on a classic.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thighs)
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or tarragon (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, grapes, and pecans.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yogurt (if using), mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over chicken mixture. Stir gently to coat evenly.
4. Fold in chopped herbs if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.
6. Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens.
Notes
To keep grapes firm, add them just before serving if making ahead.
Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
Substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Great for brunches, picnics, or light dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Southern Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Grapes, Chicken Pecan Salad, Sweet Savory Chicken Salad
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to one day ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Add grapes and pecans last minute to maintain crunch and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids often enjoy the sweet grapes and mild mayo dressing. For younger palettes, leave out herbs and reduce pepper.
How healthy is this version?
It’s high in protein from the chicken, contains healthy fats from pecans, and vitamin C from grapes and lemon. Swapping mayo for Greek yogurt cuts calories and adds probiotics. Serve on whole grain bread for fiber-rounded nutrition.
Serving Ideas & Meal Pairings
Enjoy this salad in sandwiches, atop croissants, or in lettuce cups. Pair with fresh sides like fruit skewers, chilled soup, or simple chips. It shines at brunch buffets, potlucks, and light dinners.
I often serve it alongside cold soups or vibrant salads—personally, I’ve combined it with a bowl of Light Detox Soup or a chilled chilled veggie soup to make a refreshing meal combo.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Chicken Salad with Red Grapes & Pecans brings a refined twist to traditional chicken salad. With its sweet, tangy, and crunchy layers, it feels special yet homey. Perfect for sunny seasons or anytime you want something refreshingly satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll come back again and again.