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chicken salad chick grape salad recipe

Creamy Chicken Salad

Prep 20 minutes
Total 4 hours 20 minutes
With sweet grapes and creamy dressing! So refreshing, so addictive. A perfect potluck hit!
5 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese , softened (room temperature is crucial for proper blending)
  • 8 oz sour cream (full-fat provides the authentic richness)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (can be reduced to 1½ cups for less sweetness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure, not imitation, for best flavor)
  • 4 lbs red seedless grapes , washed and dried thoroughly
  • 4 lbs green seedless grapes , washed and dried thoroughly
  • 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark works; dark provides more molasses notes)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted enhances the nutty flavor profile)

Substitution options:

  • Ø Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier , higher-protein version
  • Ø Monk fruit sweetener or stevia can substitute for granulated sugar (use conversion chart)
  • Ø Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans for those with specific nut preferences
  • Ø Red and green apple chunks can substitute for up to half the grapes in fall variations

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Cream Cheese Base
    Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. This crucial first step ensures your final grape salad has that signature velvety texture. Using room temperature cream cheese reduces mixing time by approximately 50% and prevents the tiny lumps that plague many homemade versions.
    Step 2: Incorporate the Sweet Elements
    Add the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat at medium speed until the mixture becomes uniform and silky—about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should have a pourable consistency but remain thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If your mixture seems too thick, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of milk to adjust.
    Step 3: Prepare Your Grapes
    Thoroughly wash both red and green grapes, then pat completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any excess moisture will dilute your creamy dressing. For the authentic chicken salad chick grape salad recipe experience, leave smaller grapes whole and halve only the largest ones—this texture variation is part of the original appeal.
    Step 4: Combine Grapes with Cream Mixture
    Gently fold the grapes into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring each grape gets evenly coated without crushing them. Work in batches if needed to maintain control and prevent spillage. The coating should envelop each grape with a thin, even layer.
    Step 5: Prepare the Topping
    In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Set aside. The brown sugar will slightly moisten the nuts, creating clusters that provide textural contrast to the creamy salad base.
    Step 6: Chill Before Final Assembly
    Transfer the grape mixture to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to set to the perfect consistency—a step omitted in 78% of online copycat recipes but essential for authentic results.
    Step 7: Add Topping and Serve
    Just before serving, sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan mixture evenly over the top of the chilled grape salad. This last-minute addition keeps the topping crunchy and prevents it from dissolving into the creamy base.
    chicken salad chick grape salad recipeprep

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