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Chicken Salad with Heavy Whipping Cream is a classic dish that’s been given a delicious twist! It’s so yummy and easy to make though, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it before.

 

 

Are you ready for some tender shredded chicken mixed with crunchy celery? 

Then you add in some sweet grapes, crisp apples, and pecans.

And finally mix it all together with a creamy dressing that’s got whipped heavy cream? Yes please! 

This chicken salad recipe with grapes is perfect for a summer picnic, a fancy brunch, or even just a cozy lunch at home.

It’s super easy to make with minimal prep work!

And the chicken salad secret ingredient whipped heavy cream! So creamy and delicious! 

Plus you can serve it in so many ways! On a croissant, in a lettuce wrap, or by itself. You choose!

The mix of textures and flavors is absolutely mouthwatering!

And it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or that rotisserie chicken sitting in your fridge!

 

 

What Is Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is a popular dish that typically combines chunks of chicken breast with a variety of ingredients.

Usually it’ll have celery, nuts, fruits, and a creamy dressing. 

It’s known best for its creamy texture. 

And of course the savory chicken with the crunch and sweetness of added fruits and veggies. 

And of course, I’m gonna take that classic and add some whipped heavy cream! 

So so silky you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before! Promise! 

 

 

Chicken Salad Ingredients

Simple ingredients! Simple Recipe! Best Chicken Salad! Is there any other way to go?

• Shredded precooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great and is so easy!
• Celery: Adds a fun crunch.
• Pecans: Optional, but I love them!
• Grapes and apples: So sweet and juicy!
• Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks.
• Lettuce: To serve as a bed or wrap, if desired.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning.

Pro Tips:

• Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Whip the heavy cream just until it forms soft peaks to avoid turning it into butter.
• You can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Use what you’ve got!
• You could also toss in some hard-boiled eggs chopped into the salad for more protein.
• Swap celery for diced bell peppers or shredded carrots if you want.

 

 

How to Make Chicken Salad?

This easy recipe is going to be your new favorite!

The whole printable recipe card is below but here’s what you need to know:

1. Combine chicken, celery, pecans, grapes, and apples in a large bowl.
2. Fold in mayonnaise and gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve on a buttery croissant, sliced bread, or in a lettuce wrap. Done!

Pro Tips:

• Keep the ingredients cool for the best refreshing salad.
• Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the mixture light and airy!
• I don’t recommend cool whip. I think this works much better with whipped cream.

How Long Is Chicken Salad Good For?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this moist chicken salad is good for 3-4 days. 

The freshness of the ingredients on the day of making will also influence how long it stays good.

So if your grapes are already starting to get a little old? Your salad won’t last as long.

And if the chicken has been sitting in your fridge for 4 days already? 

But you don’t plan to eat the whole salad today?

Probably best to do something with your chicken you will use up today or freeze the chicken.

 

 

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad

The whipped heavy cream and mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed.

And actually I don’t really like the texture of grapes once frozen and thawed either.

Best to just eat this fresh.

What to Add to Chicken Salad for Flavor?

If you wanna switch up the chicken recipe and make it your own, you have some options!

You could try adding any of these additional ingredients:

• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
• A squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Diced green onions or red onions for a sharpness.
• Spices like curry powder or garlic powder for a unique twist.

If you do end up adding one, let me know what you did! 

I love hearing about how you experiment and how it turns out!

 

 

What to Serve with Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with:

• A warm soup on a chilly day.
• Crisp crackers or sliced cucumbers for dipping.
• A side salad for a light and healthy meal.
• Quiche or savory tartlets for a brunch spread.

Can You Eat Chicken Salad While Pregnant?

Eating this creamy chicken salad recipe while being a pregnant woman is generally safe. 

Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked.

And be sure to use pasteurized mayonnaise and cream. 

Then make sure you use salad ingredients that are fresh. 

And storing it properly also reduces any risk of foodborne illnesses.

But as always, I’m not a doctor!

So if you have real health concerns, talk to a healthcare provider for specific dietary concerns. 

 

 

How to Make Chicken Salad with Canned Chicken?

Yes, you can make a delicious chicken salad using canned chicken! Here’s how:

1. Drain and rinse the canned chicken to remove excess sodium.
2. Shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces.
3. Follow the rest of the recipe as written!

It can be a great time-saver to use canned chicken.

And this way you can enjoy chicken salad even when you don’t have fresh or precooked chicken.

What Goes with Chicken Salad?

This chunky chicken salad pairs goes well with these best easy side dishes. 

Here are a few ideas:

• Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
• Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
• Hot Dog Bun Garlic Bread
• Blueberry Pretzel Salad
• Cowboy Baked Beans Recipe
• Sunshine Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar
• Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes
• Roasted Winter Vegetables
• Lime Jello Salad with Cream Cheese
• Orange Fluff Salad
• Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer
• Carrot Noodles
• Power Greens Salad

 

 

Is Chicken Salad Keto?

This particular chicken salad recipe can be keto-friendly.

Just be sure to serve it without bread or croissants. 

The main ingredients are all fine on a low-carb diet. 

But you should be careful with the fruits (grapes and apples). 

Sugar and carbs I think is what you’ve got to watch with keto.

There are more keto-friendly options you could try like avocados.

Though avocados would definitely change the texture of the salad!

So as always, be careful with any changes to the recipe. 

I haven’t tried it myself and can’t guarantee your outcome!

Is Chicken Salad Healthy?

Chicken salad can definitely be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients used. 

This easy dinner includes lean protein from the chicken.

Then you’ve got healthy fats from the nuts and mayonnaise.

And vitamins and fiber from the fruits and celery too! 

Substituting the mayonnaise with a lighter version could reduce the calorie count if you’re worried about that.

Greek yogurt could also replace the mayo if you want.

The main thing to have a healthy chicken salad is balance and portion control.

 

 

Chicken salad with heavy whipping cream is a yummy combo of savory and sweet. Serve it for a quick lunch, at a baby shower, or for meal prep! Enjoy!

 

Originally Posted: April 26, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: April 9, 2024

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