Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups cooked pasta, preferably rotini, bow-tie, or penne
  • 1½ cups red or purple seedless grapes, halved
  • 1½ cups celery, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup roasted cashews or peanuts
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

For the Creamy Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the chicken
If using raw chicken breasts, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool completely, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water. Let it cool completely.

3. Prepare the vegetables and fruit
Wash the grapes and cut them in half. Chop the celery and green onions into small pieces. Finely chop the parsley and dill.

4. Make the creamy dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, black pepper, and salt.

Whisk until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Combine the salad
Place the cooled chicken, pasta, grapes, celery, cashews, green onions, parsley, and dill into a large mixing bowl.

Pour the dressing over everything.

6. Mix gently
Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. Make sure the chicken and pasta are evenly coated without crushing the grapes.

7. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad extra refreshing.

8. Final seasoning
Before serving, taste the salad and add additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or dill if needed. If the salad becomes too thick after chilling, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.

🌿 Optional Additions

For extra flavor, you can add:

  • 🥒 Diced cucumber
  • 🥕 Shredded carrots
  • 🫑 Diced bell peppers
  • 🍏 Diced green apple
  • 🌻 Sunflower seeds
  • 🥜 Chopped almonds
  • 🧀 A small amount of feta cheese
  • 🍋 Extra fresh lemon zest

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, alongside roasted vegetables, or in a whole-grain wrap. It also makes an excellent meal-prep lunch because the flavors become even better after resting in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6
Category: High-Protein Chicken Salad