Simplified Festive Chicken Salad

Featured in: Salads

This dish combines diced chicken breast with crunchy celery, juicy grapes, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. The mixture is tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Served in crisp lettuce leaves, each cup offers a balanced bite of tender protein, sweet and tart fruit, and a hint of tangy flavor. Perfectly garnished with fresh herbs and ideal for easy festive entertaining.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:54:00 GMT
Bright and colorful festive chicken salad cups made with fresh fruit and crunchy pecans. Save
Bright and colorful festive chicken salad cups made with fresh fruit and crunchy pecans. | cheerfulchefs.com

A vibrant and refreshing appetizer of tender chicken salad, bright fruits, and crunchy nuts, served in crisp lettuce cups—perfect for festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • Chicken & Salad: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded , 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped , 1/2 cup red grapes, halved , 1/4 cup dried cranberries , 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped , 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise , 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , 1 teaspoon honey , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For Serving: 6 large lettuce leaves (e.g. butter lettuce or romaine) , Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, cranberries, nuts, and spring onions.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5:
Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves to form individual cups.
Step 6:
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.
A close-up of delicious festive chicken salad cups, ready to enjoy at your next party. Save
A close-up of delicious festive chicken salad cups, ready to enjoy at your next party. | cheerfulchefs.com

Serve as a light lunch or as part of a festive appetizer spread.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl , Small mixing bowl , Whisk or fork , Sharp knife , Cutting board , Spoon

Allergen Information

Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt). For nut free or dairy free versions, substitute accordingly and check all labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 , Total Fat: 10 g , Carbohydrates: 9 g , Protein: 13 g

Refreshing festive chicken salad cups nestled in crisp lettuce shells, perfect for summer. Save
Refreshing festive chicken salad cups nestled in crisp lettuce shells, perfect for summer. | cheerfulchefs.com

The festive chicken salad cups make a perfect refreshing appetizer for your next gathering. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors!

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the chicken mixture in advance and store in the fridge. Fill lettuce cups just before serving to keep them crisp.

What nuts work best in this dish?

Toasted pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and rich flavor, but seeds can be used for a nut-free option.

Is there a good alternative to cooked chicken breast?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can be used for convenience without sacrificing taste.

Can I modify the dressing for different flavors?

Absolutely. Adding curry powder or smoked paprika enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

What lettuce works best for holding the filling?

Butter lettuce or romaine leaves are ideal due to their size and sturdy yet tender texture.

Simplified Festive Chicken Salad

Tender chicken mixed with grapes, nuts, and a zesty dressing in crisp lettuce cups.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Salads

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background International

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

Chicken & Salad

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
03 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
04 1/4 cup dried cranberries
05 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

01 1/3 cup mayonnaise
02 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon honey
05 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

01 6 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
02 Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and spring onions until well incorporated.

Step 02

Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and homogenous.

Step 03

Combine dressing with salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 04

Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and add additional salt or pepper as desired for balanced flavor.

Step 05

Assemble cups: Spoon the chicken salad evenly into each lettuce leaf to create individual cups.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt).

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams