Chicken Pasta Salad with Grapes is a refreshing, light, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, juicy grapes, and al dente pasta with a creamy dressing. The sweet bursts of flavor from the grapes balance beautifully with the savory chicken, crunchy celery, and a tangy dressing, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes. This dish is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal for lunch or dinner. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts, toasted (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta, then set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, halved grapes, celery, red onion, and toasted nuts (if using).
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Chill and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This Chicken Pasta Salad with Grapes is a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quick, healthy lunch!
