BestFoodWhere

Almond-Grape Salad with Lemon-Dijon Zing

A symphony of textures with juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

This salad is a delightful departure from the ordinary, offering a harmonious blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements. It's a versatile dish, perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated side at a brunch, or even a satisfying snack. The inspiration comes from a desire to elevate the traditional salad experience, incorporating bright, fresh flavors and contrasting textures to create something truly special. This is a salad that will convert even the most skeptical salad eaters!

  • •Textural Delight - The combination of creamy dressing, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds creates a satisfying experience with every bite.
  • •Bright and Tangy Flavor - The lemon-Dijon dressing adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the richness of the mayonnaise and yogurt.
  • •Subtle Sweetness - Red grapes provide a burst of natural sweetness that complements the savory elements of the salad.
  • •Quick and Easy to Prepare - This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
  • •Elegant and Impressive - The vibrant colors and sophisticated flavors make this salad a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 stalks Celery (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 Red onion (finely diced)
  • 1 cup Red Grapes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup Toasted slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. This helps season the chicken from the inside out, enhancing its flavor.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

    ~15 min

  3. 3

    Remove the chicken from the saucepan and let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. Letting it cool prevents you from burning your fingers and helps the chicken retain its moisture.

    ~5 min

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, celery, red onion, and halved red grapes. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor profile.

    ~2 min

  5. 5

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess while reducing the overall fat content.

    ~3 min

  6. 6

    Season the dressing with salt to taste. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little salt enhances all the other flavors.

    ~1 min

  7. 7

    Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the salad mushy.

    ~2 min

  8. 8

    Fold in the toasted slivered almonds. Add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

    ~1 min

  9. 9

    Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling period is crucial for developing the overall taste of the salad.

    ~30 min

  10. 10

    Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. This ensures the dressing is evenly distributed.

    ~1 min

  11. 11

    Serve chilled, either on its own, in lettuce cups, or on croissants for a delightful sandwich. Garnish with extra slivered almonds for visual appeal.

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The chicken is perfectly cooked when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the salad a day in advance. However, it is best to add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Almond-Grape Salad with Lemon-Dijon Zing as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!