Simplified Festive Chicken Salad

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Recipes

This dish offers a refreshing blend of tender chicken, crunchy nuts, juicy grapes, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Served in crisp lettuce cups, it provides a vibrant and light option perfect for celebrations. Garnished with fresh herbs, it balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes while maintaining a gluten-free profile. Quick to prepare, it suits easy entertaining and offers flexibility with nut-free or dairy-free alternatives.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:33:00 GMT
Festive Chicken Salad Cups, a colorful appetizer featuring sweet grapes and crunchy pecans. Save
Festive Chicken Salad Cups, a colorful appetizer featuring sweet grapes and crunchy pecans. | poppyhearth.com

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

I first served this

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.
Freshly prepared Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups in lettuce cups, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Freshly prepared Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups in lettuce cups, ready to serve and enjoy. | poppyhearth.com

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

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika to the dressing Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience Replace nuts with toasted seeds for a nut free version

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

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

Vibrant image of chilled Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups with a creamy dressing, ideal for a party. Save
Vibrant image of chilled Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups with a creamy dressing, ideal for a party. | poppyhearth.com

Enjoy the fresh flavors and crunchy textures in every bite

Recipe Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of homemade cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time while still providing tender, flavorful meat.

What types of nuts can I include for crunch?

Toasted pecans or walnuts are ideal, but toasted seeds make a good nut-free substitute.

How can I adjust the dressing for extra flavor?

Add a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika to the dressing for a subtle spice and depth.

Which lettuce leaves work best for serving cups?

Butter lettuce or romaine leaves hold the filling well and provide a crisp, fresh container.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten sensitivities.

Simplified Festive Chicken Salad

Tender chicken mixed with fruits and nuts served in crisp lettuce cups for a festive touch.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Cooking duration
15 minutes
Total duration
35 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type International

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary details No gluten

Required Ingredients

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)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and sliced spring onions until well distributed.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 05

Assemble Cups: Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves to form individual cups.

Step 06

Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt).
  • Check substitutions carefully for nut-free or dairy-free versions.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 13 g