Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

Looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or picnics? Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Salad with Grapes offers the ideal balance of protein, crunch, and sweetness. Ina Garten’s version of this timeless salad features tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing with a touch of tang—delicious on its own or served in sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

What is Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes?

This dish is Ina Garten’s elegant take on traditional chicken salad. She uses roasted chicken breasts as the base, then adds halved grapes, celery, and a mayonnaise-based dressing with Dijon mustard and lemon juice. The result is a refreshing, well-balanced salad that’s creamy, slightly sweet, and full of texture.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Cape Cod Salad
• Ina Garten Lobster Pot Pie
• Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup
• Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Perfect blend of sweet and savory – Grapes add a juicy contrast to the savory chicken
• Great for meal prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day
• Versatile serving options – Enjoy in a sandwich, on greens, or with crackers
• Elegant but easy – Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Balanced and protein-rich – Keeps you full longer
• Ideal for gatherings – A favorite for potlucks, brunches, and tea parties
• Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup good-quality mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1½ cups red seedless grapes, halved
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

Roast the chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until cooked through. Let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Combine ingredients

Add the diced chicken, grapes, celery, and nuts (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Chill and serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled.

What Goes Well With Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Serve in croissants or sandwich rolls – Adds a buttery, flaky touch
• Spoon over a bed of mixed greens – Light and low-carb option
• Pair with sliced avocado or cucumber – Fresh and cooling contrast
• Serve with crackers or pita chips – For a crunchy snack plate
• Add a side of fruit salad – Keeps the meal vibrant and colorful
• Include iced tea or lemonade – Complements the sweet-savory balance
• Finish with a light dessert – Such as lemon bars or berries and cream

Key Tips for Making Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Roast the chicken instead of boiling – Adds more flavor and better texture
• Let the chicken cool before mixing – Prevents the dressing from thinning
• Use seedless red grapes – Sweeter and more visually appealing
• Dice ingredients uniformly – Ensures even bites and better presentation
• Toast the nuts if using – Enhances flavor and crunch
• Chill before serving – Helps flavors meld
• Taste and adjust seasoning – Add more lemon or salt as needed

Creative Variations of Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Add curry powder – For a sweet-spicy curried chicken salad twist
• Mix in Greek yogurt – Lightens up the dressing
• Include diced apples or pears – Adds another layer of sweetness
• Use rotisserie chicken – Saves time and still tastes great
• Add raisins or dried cranberries – For a chewy texture
• Try green grapes instead – For a slightly tart contrast
• Incorporate chopped fresh herbs – Like tarragon, chives, or dill

Storage Guidelines for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge
• Do not freeze – Mayonnaise and grapes do not thaw well
• Stir before serving leftovers – Dressing may separate slightly
• Keep chilled until ready to serve – Especially important for gatherings
• Add fresh herbs just before serving – Maintains flavor and appearance

Reheating Tips for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad with Grapes

• This dish is meant to be served cold – No reheating required
• Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes – To take the chill off before eating
• Do not microwave – Will ruin the texture of the chicken and dressing
• Use cold as sandwich filling or salad topping – Perfect for quick meals
• Add fresh grapes or celery if it seems dry – Refreshes texture

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken salad with grapes?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and use it in place of roasted chicken. It adds rich flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

How long does chicken salad with grapes last in the fridge?

Chicken salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in this chicken salad?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt to lighten the dish. Replace all or half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich twist.

What type of grapes are best for chicken salad?

Red seedless grapes are ideal. They’re sweet, firm, and add a burst of juicy flavor without the bitterness or seeds found in some varieties.

Wrapping Up

Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Salad with Grapes is a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile.

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