If you’re searching for a refreshingly delicious dish that feels like a cool breeze on a warm day, the Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe is your new best friend. This salad combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with juicy red grapes, crisp celery, and fragrant fresh dill, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s an effortless, bright, and perfectly balanced salad that’s ideal for sunny afternoons, family picnics, or whenever you crave something light yet satisfying. Every bite bursts with summer flavors, making it a standout recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to this salad’s irresistible charm. Each component plays a special role, from the juicy grapes adding sweetness and pop, to the fresh dill providing an herbal lift, creating a colorful, tasty, and textured dish.
- Rotisserie chicken (500 grams): Pre-cooked and shredded, it saves time and gives the salad hearty, tender protein.
- Red seedless grapes (1 cup): Halved for bite-sized bursts of natural sweetness.
- Duke’s Light Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base that keeps everything perfectly coated without overwhelming the flavors.
- Celery (3 stalks): Chopped finely for a satisfying crunch that balances the soft textures.
- Lemon (1/2): Juiced and zested to lend brightness and a subtle citrus zing.
- Green onion (1/4 cup): Adds a mild, fresh bite to the mix.
- Sweet relish (3 tbsp): Brings a touch of sweetness and tang for depth.
- Coarse ground Dijon mustard (1 1/3 tbsp): A little zest and spice to elevate the dressing.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp): Chopped finely, it gives the salad its signature fresh and herbaceous note.
- Lemon pepper dill seasoning (1 tsp): Enhances the lemon and dill flavors with a subtle kick.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just a whisper of warmth.
How to Make Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by removing all bones and skin from your rotisserie chicken and shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces. Placing the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl makes it easy to combine with the other ingredients later on. It requires minimal effort yet provides the perfect foundation for this salad.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Ingredients and Dressing
Next, add your halved grapes, chopped celery, green onions, and fresh dill right on top of the shredded chicken. Then pour in the Duke’s Light Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet relish, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Sprinkle in the lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Every ingredient works harmoniously to create a dressing that is creamy, tangy, sweet, and herbaceous all at once.
Step 3: Gently Fold Everything Together
Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully fold all the ingredients until each piece is beautifully coated with the dressing. Take your time as the goal is to mix thoroughly but gently—this keeps the chicken tender and the grapes and celery crisp. You’ll start to see how well the textures contrast and complement each other, making this salad so addictive.
Step 4: Chill for Flavors to Meld
To truly bring out the vibrant flavors and allow them to marry, cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This wait time elevates the taste, making every bite more cohesive and refreshing. Trust me, the flavor payoff is worth the little patience required.
How to Serve Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle some additional chopped fresh dill or a few more halved grapes right before serving. This adds visual appeal and a fresh pop of flavor that invites guests to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with light, summery sides. Think crisp garden salads, buttery croissants, or a simple quinoa salad to make it a full meal. It’s equally fantastic alongside crusty bread or as a hearty topping on toasted pita or crackers for a lighter snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Spoon the salad into hollowed-out avocado halves or butter lettuce cups for a charming, bite-sized presentation. Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or with a colorful array of fresh veggies for an eye-catching picnic dish that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days so that the textures stay crisp and fresh, and the flavors remain vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh ingredients like grapes and celery, which don’t thaw well and tend to become watery or mushy. It’s best to prepare only as much as you need and enjoy fresh.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been chilled for several hours, and you’re all set to enjoy the bright summer flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can also use grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast. Just make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Duke’s Light Mayonnaise?
You can substitute with any light or regular mayonnaise you prefer. Greek yogurt can also be a healthier alternative if you want a tangier, creamier dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a terrific make-ahead option. Just keep it chilled and consume within a couple of days for the freshest taste and crunch.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can add a lovely crunch and an additional layer of flavor without overpowering the dish.
How do I adjust the salad for less sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sweet relish or grapes slightly, and consider adding a bit more lemon juice or mustard for balance.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe is one of those rare dishes that truly celebrates the joy of fresh, vibrant ingredients effortlessly coming together. It’s simple, wonderfully balanced, and packed with flavor, perfect for warm-weather meals or anytime you want a refreshing, crowd-pleasing salad. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to keep making it all season long.
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Summer Chicken Salad with Grapes and Fresh Dill Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Summer Chicken Salad featuring tender rotisserie chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and a tangy mayo-based dressing with dill and lemon flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic on warm days.
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 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
Dressing and Seasonings
- 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 the 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 produce and dressing: 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 best flavor: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
- For a lighter version, substitute the Duke’s Light Mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- Serve chilled on a bed of leafy greens or as a sandwich filling.
- If rotisserie chicken is unavailable, cooked and shredded chicken breast can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
