If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with freshness, flavor, and a delightful balance of textures, look no further than this Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and fragrant dill, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing that makes every bite irresistible. This salad embodies the perfect summer vibe—light yet satisfying, colorful, and easy to whip up for quick lunches or casual gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a fast favorite, offering comfort and sophistication in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays its part: juicy grapes add bursts of sweetness, celery brings crunchy freshness, and dill infuses the salad with an aromatic lift. Together, these ingredients create a harmony of flavors and textures that is both vibrant and comforting.
- Rotisserie chicken (500 grams): Using cooked chicken strips down prep time while ensuring juicy, tender meat for the salad.
- Red seedless grapes (1 cup, halved): These add juicy sweetness and a lovely pop of color to balance savory elements.
- Duke’s Light Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy and light, this mayo binds everything together without feeling heavy.
- Celery (3 stalks, chopped): Adds refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery note.
- Lemon (1/2, juiced and zested): The zest and juice brighten the salad with essential citrus tang.
- Green onion (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings mild sharpness and vibrant green color.
- Sweet relish (3 tbsp): Delivers a subtle tangy sweetness that complements the grapes perfectly.
- Coarse ground dijon mustard (1 1/3 tbsp): Adds a bit of spicy depth to the creamy dressing.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped): The star herb giving the salad a fresh, slightly anise-like flavor.
- Lemon pepper dill seasoning (1 tsp): Enhances the lemon and dill notes with a touch of seasoning flair.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by removing all the bones and skin from your rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. This creates the perfect base that’s tender and easy to mix with all the other fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, green onions, and chopped fresh dill to the shredded chicken. Then pour in the Duke’s Light Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish. For that bright pop, add the lemon juice and zest next, along with the lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This combination is what makes this Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe so vibrant and exciting.
Step 3: Mix Gently
Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold all ingredients together. You want to make sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing, but be careful not to mash or break the chicken and grapes. This step is key to maintaining the salad’s appealing texture.
Step 4: Chill and Meld Flavors
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to merge beautifully, giving you that perfect balance and richness when you finally dig in.
How to Serve Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or finely sliced green onions over the top just before serving adds a fresh herbal note and pops of color to make the salad look as good as it tastes. A light drizzle of lemon juice can enhance the brightness even further right at the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like crisp green salads, buttery croissants, or crusty artisan bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a chilled cucumber soup for an elegant summer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe in hollowed-out avocado halves or butter lettuce cups for individual, bite-sized servings. You can also create a layered parfait in clear glasses with the salad, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts for an impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled because freezing can alter the texture of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients. For the best experience, avoid freezing the Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe.
Reheating
As this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warm dish, use freshly cooked chicken for a warm chicken salad with optional grape and dill garnish instead!
FAQs
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Duke’s Light Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Regular mayonnaise will work just fine and will make the salad richer, but Duke’s Light keeps this Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe lighter and less heavy.
Is it okay to substitute fresh dill with dried dill?
While fresh dill provides the best flavor, dried dill can be a substitute in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh dill, and adjust to taste.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using a vegan mayonnaise. The core flavors of grapes and dill will still shine through beautifully.
How far in advance can I prepare the salad?
Preparing the Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe up to a day ahead is perfect; just keep it chilled. This allows the flavors to develop nicely without losing any freshness or texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sweet relish?
If sweet relish isn’t available, finely chopped sweet pickles or even a small amount of honey mixed with chopped pickles can replicate the sweet-tangy vibe that relish brings to this salad.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe is truly a delightful treat for warm-weather meals, offering a refreshing mix of savory, sweet, and herby flavors that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat. Whether for a picnic, a light lunch, or a dinner side, this salad is a winner that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
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Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Summer Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather. Featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken combined with sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing made from Duke’s Light Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish, this salad is brightened with fresh lemon juice, dill, and aromatic seasonings. Easy to prepare and ideal for picnics, lunches, or light dinners, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Produce
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, bones and skin removed (500 grams)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved (165 grams)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (70 grams)
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Duke’s Light Mayonnaise (120 grams)
- 3 tbsp sweet relish (45 grams)
- 1 1/3 tbsp coarse ground Dijon mustard (20 grams)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper dill seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Remove all bones and skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Ingredients: Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, green onions, and fresh dill to the bowl with the chicken. Pour in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish. Add the lemon juice and zest, lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the Salad: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Mix thoroughly but carefully to maintain the texture of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Chill for Flavor: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can also roast or poach your own chicken if preferred.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor, but it can be served immediately if needed.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- This salad is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a crunchier texture, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.
