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Fresh California Chicken Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado and Grapes

Fresh California Chicken Salad - featured image
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A light, refreshing, and satisfying chicken salad combining creamy avocado, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy summer lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced or slivered
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Dice the chicken: Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken breasts, cutting into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups).
  4. Chop veggies and fruit: Dice the ripe avocado into chunks, halve the seedless grapes, finely chop celery, and dice red onion if using.
  5. Mix salad: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, avocado, grapes, celery, and red onion. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently: Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the ingredients together carefully, so avocado stays creamy and the grapes don’t get crushed.
  7. Add almonds: Sprinkle toasted almonds on top and toss lightly once more to distribute.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Keep avocado separate if prepping ahead to prevent browning. Use ripe but firm avocado for best texture. Adjust dressing amount to avoid overdressing. Salad tastes best fresh or chilled up to 2 days. Variations include swapping grapes for berries or apples, and nuts for pecans.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, avocado salad, grape salad, summer lunch, healthy salad, creamy chicken salad, quick chicken salad, low-carb salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/fresh-california-chicken-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-and-grapes-easy-steps-for-perfect-summer-lunch/