Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad is one of the easiest meals you can make at home. It is creamy, fresh and full of great flavor. This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is simple, fast and so tasty. You only need a few ingredients and the result tastes just like a store-bought version.

You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner or even as a snack. Many people love this dish because it is healthy, light and full of protein. This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep too. You can make a large batch and eat it for days.

If you want to learn how to make Fresh Market Chicken Salad, this guide will help you with every step. I will also share tips, mistakes to avoid and serving ideas. Let’s start and enjoy this simple and delicious recipe.

My Experience With This Recipe

I love making this Fresh Market Chicken Salad because it takes very little time. The flavors are bright, creamy and fresh. The grapes add a sweet taste, and the pecans give a nice crunch. The chicken stays tender and juicy.

I have made many chicken salad recipes, but this version always stands out. It tastes better than the one from the store. My family loves it, and it is always gone fast. It is also great for picnics and quick meals on busy days.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Fresh Market Chicken Salad
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Salad / Lunch
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: About 350 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl for mixing dressing
• Spoon or spatula
• Pot for boiling chicken (if cooking fresh)

Ingredients You Need for Fresh Market Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup red grapes, sliced
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Chicken

Boil chicken breasts until tender. Let cool fully before shredding for the salad mix.

2. Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken. Keep the pieces medium-size for better texture.

3. Prepare the Fruits and Veggies

Chop celery and slice grapes into halves. Make sure grapes stay fresh and juicy.

4. Mix the Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.

5. Add Chicken to a Bowl

Place shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl. Spread it evenly for easy mixing.

6. Add Grapes and Celery

Pour in the chopped celery and sliced grapes. They add crunch and sweetness.

7. Add Pecans

Mix in the chopped pecans. They bring a rich nutty flavor and great texture.

8. Pour the Dressing

Add the dressing over the chicken mixture. Make sure it covers all the ingredients.

9. Mix Everything Together

Use a spatula to mix gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.

10. Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle parsley for color and fresh taste. It makes the salad look beautiful.

11. Taste and Adjust

Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed for balance.

12. Chill Before Serving

Place the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes for better flavor and texture.

Tips to Make the Best Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

• Use fresh grapes for best sweetness.
• Add toasted pecans for extra crunch.
• Chill the salad before eating.
• Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• Add more yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Cut ingredients evenly for a perfect bite.
• Use fresh lemon juice for bright flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using warm chicken — it makes the salad watery.
• Adding too much mayo — it becomes too heavy.
• Skipping the chill time — flavors will not blend well.
• Overmixing the salad — grapes may break and become mushy.
• Using old nuts — stale pecans ruin the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Market Chicken Salad is very flexible and easy to serve. You can enjoy it in many ways. Serve it on toasted bread for a simple sandwich. It also tastes great in a wrap with lettuce.

For a healthier option, place it on a bowl of fresh greens. You can also serve it with crackers or croissants for a party platter. This salad is also perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, and potluck dinners.

Variations You Can Try

• Add apples for extra crunch.
• Use walnuts instead of pecans.
• Add dried cranberries for more sweetness.
• Use avocado for a creamy twist.
• Add mustard for a tangy flavor.
• Replace chicken with turkey for a holiday version.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keeps fresh for up to three days.
• Do not freeze because the dressing may separate.
• Stir lightly before serving again.
• Add a little lemon juice if salad becomes dry.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	24 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	20 g

FAQs about Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Can I make this salad the night before?

Yes, you can make this salad one day before. The flavor becomes even better after chilling overnight because the dressing blends well with the chicken. Just keep it in a sealed container to stay fresh.

2. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works fine in this recipe. But fresh or rotisserie chicken gives a better taste and texture. If using canned chicken, drain the liquid well to avoid extra moisture.

3. How do I make the salad lighter?

You can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make the salad lighter. You can also skip the honey if you want less sweetness. The salad will still taste creamy and delicious.

4. Can I add vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add many vegetables like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped bell peppers. They add color, crunch and more nutrition to the recipe.

5. Why is my chicken salad watery?

The salad becomes watery if the chicken is warm or if grapes release moisture. Always cool chicken fully and use firm grapes. You can also drain extra liquid before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is simple, quick, and full of great flavor. It is perfect for busy days when you want something healthy and tasty. The mix of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans and creamy dressing creates a perfect balance in every bite.

You can serve it in many ways and enjoy it any time of the day. If you love easy meals, this recipe will be your new favorite. Try it once, and you will make it again and again.

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