10 Minute Best Chicken Salad Recipe No Grapes

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 02:55 am

The best-ever chicken salad recipe without grapes in under 10 minutes. Our detailed instructions will help you make the best no-grape chicken salad.

The recipe for chicken salad with no grapes is a flavorful spin on a classic! By nixing the usual grapes and customizing the ingredients to your taste, it makes for a simple yet versatile salad to enjoy anytime. This easy chicken salad is pleasing to the entire family – even picky eaters will go back for seconds!

This chicken salad recipe with no grapes strikes the perfect balance of protein, flavorful seasonings, crunchy textures, and creaminess. You can endlessly adapt this using your favorite mix-ins to create a chicken salad masterpiece.

Discover how easy yet entirely customizable this chicken salad without grapes can be. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a salad full of protein and freshness to enjoy between slices of perfectly toasted bread or served alongside crisp crackers. Even kids devour this recipe! The possibilities are endless for reinventing this classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-grapes chicken salad recipe puts a flavorful twist on a beloved classic in many tasty ways. Once you try it, you’ll see why it earns the best salad status:

Grape-Free Salad Perfection

For those who find grapes unnecessary or undesirable in their chicken salads, this chicken salad recipe delivers. Allowing the chicken and seasoning flavors to take center stage creates a balanced and truly savory chicken salad experience between slices of toasty bread.

Bursting with Herby Flavors

An herbal blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika gives the shredded chicken a flavor boost and a kick of cayenne pepper heat. This seasoning combo adds incredible depth and vibrance to transform an ordinary salad into something extraordinary.

Fast Weekday or Weekend Salad

From start to finish, this easy chicken salad comes together quickly thanks to just a few ingredients and simple preparation steps. Its 10-minute prep time makes enjoying these tasty sandwiches possible on busy weeknights or more relaxed weekends.

How to Make the Best Chicken Salad Without Grapes

Equipment

• Baking dish or sheet pan: Bake the chicken breast for the chicken salad recipe until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Oven: Preheat to the proper temperature and bake the chicken breast for the no-grape chicken salad recipe.
• Forks or shredding claws: To easily shred the cooked chicken breast for incorporation into the chicken salad recipe.
• Large mixing bowl: Toss together the shredded chicken breast with the other salad ingredients for the chicken salad recipe sans grapes.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately add and measure seasonings and ingredients for the chicken salad preparation.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop vegetables like celery and red onions to add flavor, and crunch, and customize the chicken salad recipe without grapes.
• Skillet or stovetop griddle: Toast one side of the challah bread slices in butter to accompany the chicken salad recipe.
• Spatula: Flip and remove the toasted bread slices from the hot skillet or griddle.
• Meat thermometer (optional): To precisely check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F safety for the chicken salad recipe.
• Serving platter or dish: To present and serve the finished chicken salad recipe without grapes.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• A few slices of red onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 slices challah bread
• Butter
• 1 tomato, sliced
• A few pickles
• Chips (optional for serving)

Direction

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover the chicken breast with vegetable oil, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, dried thyme, dried rosemary, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Bake chicken

Bake the seasoned chicken breast for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked. Allow to rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Shred chicken

Once the chicken finishes baking and is still hot, use two forks to shred the chicken breast into bite-size pieces. Be sure to shred the chicken while it’s warm, as it will be easier to pull apart. Set the shredded chicken aside in a bowl.

Step 4: Make chicken salad

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the shredded chicken pieces. Then incorporate the chopped celery, diced red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until thoroughly combined into a creamy chicken salad.

Step 5: Chill chicken salad

Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight). Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and also makes it easier to slice the sandwiches.

Step 6: Toast bread

When ready to serve, heat a skillet over medium heat. Swirl a little butter in the hot skillet. Add the challah bread slices and toast one side until golden, about 2 minutes. Flip and toast the other side.

Step 7: Assemble sandwiches

Place toasted challah bread slices on a clean work surface. Scoop the chilled chicken salad onto one slice and use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly over the toast. Top it with tomato slices and another bread slice. Repeat to make more sandwiches.

Step 8: Serve

Arrange assembled chicken salad sandwiches on a serving platter. Serve immediately with crispy dill pickle chips and your favorite potato chips on the side if desired.

Nutrition of

Serving Size: 1 Calorie: 375kcal Sugar: 4g 

Fat: 22g Carbohydrates: 27g Fiber: 2g Protein: 19g

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Salad Without Grapes

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness when baking chicken. Remove it from the oven at 165°F to ensure it stays tender and juicy, avoiding overcooking.

Easy Shredding

Shred the warm chicken right after cooking using two forks or your hands for the simplest, smoothest shredding texture.

Maximize Flavor

Let the finished chicken salad chill in the fridge before assembling sandwiches so the flavors can properly meld and develop.

Season to Taste

Feel free to customize the seasonings to your preferences. Add more cayenne pepper for extra spice or reduce the amount for a milder salad.

Bread Options Galore

While challah bread is suggested, you can use any type of bread you like such as whole wheat, sourdough, or ciabatta.

Prevent Soggy Sandwiches

Toast one side of the bread with butter before adding the chicken salad to boost flavor and keep the bread from getting soggy.

Creative Serving Ideas

Get innovative with how you serve the salad. Try it over lettuce, wrapped in tortillas, or spooned onto crackers for starters.

Mix Up The Flavors

Feel free to add extra ingredients like avocado, bacon, or lettuce to take your sandwiches up a notch.

Variations of Chicken Salad Recipe No Grapes

While the classic chicken salad recipe no grapes, that doesn’t mean you can’t add different mix-ins for new flavors and textures. Get creative with these tasty ingredient twists:

• Fruity Twist: Diced apples or dried cranberries incorporate just the right amount of sweetness while contributing a fruity flavor.
• Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds lend a satisfying crunch and nutty taste to the chicken salad recipe.
• Herbaceous Delight: Fresh parsley, dill, basil or other herbs add vibrant green flecks while amplifying the fresh aromas.
• Creamy Avocado: Some or all of the mayo can be replaced with smooth, creamy mashed avocado for a dose of healthy fats.
• Tropical Inspiration: Grilled pineapple and shredded coconut offer tropical nuances perfect for a no-grape chicken salad.
• Curry Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder to give the chicken salad recipe a warming, exotic spice blend.
• Greek Style: Kalamata olives, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese will give this chicken salad a Mediterranean vibe.
• Asian Fusion: Scallions, sesame oil, and soy sauce add an Asian-inspired flair to the recipe.
• Buffalo Chicken: Toss buffalo sauce with the chicken before mixing with celery and blue cheese dressing for a spicy kick.
• Crisp Veggie Medley: Shredded carrots, bell peppers or corn lend pops of color and a refreshing crunch.

Conclusion

This best chicken salad recipe without grapes puts a fresh new twist on a beloved classic salad. By forgoing the usual grape addition, it allows the other ingredients to claim the spotlight and shine. The herbaceous chicken seasoning blend also amps up the flavor, while mix-in additions let you customize it to your taste.

What’s not to love about this easy yet exciting spin on chicken salad? No racing against the clock to get dinner on the table or having to sacrifice flavor because you’re short on time. Not only is it fast, but also versatile enough to enjoy as a sandwich filling, lettuce wrap, cracker topper – you name it!

With its simple preparation, room for improvisation, and ripe, grape-free flavors, this best chicken salad recipe lets you reinvent a nostalgic favorite. So ditch the usual grape variety and spice up your next salad session with this hands-down best chicken salad.

FAQ’s of Chicken Salad Recipe No Grapes

Here are the frequently asked Qs about the chicken salad recipe without grapes separated into individual questions and answers:

Q: Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of baking a chicken breast?

Answer: Yes! Canned chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience. Just ensure the chicken is shredded and seasoned with the specified spices before combining it with the other ingredients.

Q: Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will further meld together, making it even more delicious.

Q: Can I substitute the mayo with a healthier option?

Answer: Certainly! Mayo can be replaced with Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a combination of both to reduce the calorie content while maintaining creaminess.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwiches?

Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite bread, such as whole wheat, ciabatta, or a gluten-free option to suit dietary preferences.

Q: What other veggies can I add to the chicken salad?

Answer: Get creative with your veggies! Chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even diced cucumber can add extra texture and color to the salad.

Q: Is this chicken salad recipe spicy?

Answer: The recipe includes a pinch of cayenne pepper, but the overall spiciness can be adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add more or omit it entirely based on your preference.