This creamy, crunchy joanna gaines chicken salad is made with shredded chicken, sweet red grapes, and fresh dill, ready in just 15 minutes. The magic happens when you fold the crisp almonds and juicy grapes into the rich yogurt dressing. I find it makes the ideal quick lunch for busy afternoons.
Why This Classic Works
I used to make chicken salad with just mayonnaise, which always felt too heavy. Splitting the base with plain yogurt keeps it rich but adds a necessary tang that balances the sweet grapes.
Taking the time to toast the almonds before mixing them in adds a depth of flavor I completely missed the first time I tried this. It is a small step that completely changes the texture.
Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad
- Mix The Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, green onions, and halved grapes to the dressing bowl.
- Fold And Chill: Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add Crunch: Stir in the toasted sliced almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Recipe Tips
- Toast the almonds: Toasting brings out the natural oils and keeps them crunchier in the dressing.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and provides incredibly tender meat.
- Chill before serving: Letting the mixture rest in the fridge for an hour allows the dill flavor to bloom.
What To Serve With Chicken Salad
Serve this piled high on buttery croissants for a classic cafe-style lunch. It also works beautifully scooped over a bed of mixed greens or tucked into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option.
How To Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise and yogurt will separate and the grapes will become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly and makes the dressing even thicker and tangier.
Can I use canned chicken?
While you can use canned chicken in a pinch, fresh shredded rotisserie chicken offers a much better texture.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead, but wait to stir in the almonds until right before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Protein: 24g
Try More Recipes:
- Joanna Gaines Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Potato Salad with Frozen Potatoes Recipe
Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Recipe
6
servings15
minutes15
minutesCreamy, crunchy joanna gaines chicken salad packed with shredded chicken, sweet red grapes, and toasted almonds, ready in just 15 minutes for an effortless lunch. You will love how the fresh dill and tangy yogurt dressing tie everything together perfectly.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Mix The Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, green onions, and halved grapes to the dressing bowl.
- Fold And Chill: Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Add Crunch: Stir in the toasted sliced almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
