This Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, packed with tender chicken, juicy grapes, crisp apples, and all dressed up in a dreamy, tangy yogurt dressing. It’s the kind of salad you’ll crave for lunches, light dinners, or even as a refreshing party dish—it’s hearty, colorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vivid flavors & textures: Every bite is a party thanks to crunchy apples, juicy grapes, tender chicken, and velvety dressing.
Protein-packed & nourishing: Greek yogurt and chicken keep you full, energized, and satisfied.
Ready in minutes: With only 15 minutes of prep, you get a show-stopping Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad faster than takeout.
Incredibly customizable: It adapts beautifully to whatever fruits, nuts, or greens you have on hand.

Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one plays a key role in making the salad so flavorful and visually stunning. Don’t skip a thing: even the smallest component offers a delicious pop of taste or texture!

Chicken breast: Lean, tender chicken gives this salad staying power. Leftover roasted or poached chicken works wonderfully for a quick meal.
Sliced red grapes: Their burst of sweetness balances savory flavors and brings a jewel-toned pop of color.
Diced apple: Sweet, tangy, and crisp—use your favorite variety, but honeycrisp or gala are especially nice.
Celery: For a delightfully fresh, crunchy bite that lifts up every forkful.
Green onions: Mild onion flavor that brings gentle sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Slivered almonds: Toast them for extra flavor! They add an irresistible crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Dried cranberries: Tart, chewy, and lovely against the creamy backdrop; they keep every bite interesting.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a garden-bright finish and a splash of green.
Greek yogurt, sour cream & mayonnaise: These combine for a dressing that’s creamy and tangy, yet light. Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and protein-rich, sour cream brings tang, and mayonnaise adds classic richness.
Honey & fresh lemon juice: The honey subtly sweetens the dressing, while lemon juice brightens every note and prevents the apples from browning.
Salt & pepper: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning—just enough wakes up all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to play! This Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad is endlessly flexible—swap in your favorite fruits or nuts, adjust the creaminess, or make it fit your dietary needs. The combinations are as limitless as your cravings.

Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or roasted tofu cubes for a plant-focused version that’s just as satisfying.
Switch up the fruit: Try pears instead of apples, or use dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a fun twist.
Go nut-free: Omit the almonds and add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch that’s allergy-friendly.
Lighter dairy-free dressing: Use coconut yogurt and vegan mayo for a creamy, tangy dressing that keeps things totally dairy-free.
Herb it up: Add in fresh dill, basil, or tarragon to enhance the herbal notes even further.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by combining the Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust the seasoning, sweetness, or tartness to your liking. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prep & Toast the Almonds

If you like your almonds extra flavorful, arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them into a 400°F oven for five minutes, just until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool—they’ll crisp up beautifully as they cool down, adding the most delightful crunch to your Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, grapes, apple, celery, green onions, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley. Don’t be afraid to use your hands or a big spoon—just make sure everything is evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time!

Step 4: Dress & Serve

Pour your desired amount of dressing over the salad (you might not need it all), then gently stir until everything is luscious and well-coated. Taste, add a bit more salt if you need, and serve immediately—or chill for later so the flavors can mingle.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad

Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend—super juicy, perfectly seasoned, and no extra cooking required.
Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk until it’s just right for drizzling and coating.
Toasting Makes a Difference: Never skip toasting the almonds; the warmth and crunch totally transform the salad’s texture.
Serve Chilled: For maximum refreshment, let your Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad chill at least 30 minutes before serving if you have the time.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of extra toasted almonds or a few fresh parsley leaves on top just before serving to give your Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad that irresistible “wow” factor. For a sparkly finish, a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad feels right at home next to a fluffy croissant, buttery crackers, or a simple leafy green salad tossed with lemon. For a heartier lunch, spoon it into a wrap, pile it onto a toasted baguette, or pair with a cup of soup—chilled cucumber soup is a dreamy choice in summer!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad into sturdy lettuce cups for a crisp, handheld option, or tuck it into halved avocados for a retro-chic appetizer. For entertaining, portion into small glasses or jars for colorful, portable picnic bites that always impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors get even more delicious with a bit of time to meld, though the apples may lose a touch of their initial crunch.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, since the creamy dressing can separate and the fresh produce will lose its crisp texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days for peak flavor and crunch.

Reheating

Since this Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating—just give it a good stir out of the fridge and you’re ready to serve. If stored dressing has thickened, add a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Simply keep the dressing and salad separate until just before serving—this way, the fruits and nuts stay crisp and fresh. Toss everything together and taste for seasoning before enjoying.
What kind of chicken works best for this salad?

Any cooked chicken breast works—leftover grilled, roasted, or poached chicken all do the job. For ultimate ease (and lovely flavor), grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Just shred or dice, and you’re good to go.
Are there other fruit options if I don’t have grapes or apples?

Definitely! Try using pears, chopped pineapple, orange segments, or even blueberries for a new twist. Just aim for fruits that are firm and not too juicy, so your salad stays fresh and crisp.
Is it possible to lighten up the dressing even more?

Yes! You can use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayo and sour cream for a lighter, extra-tangy dressing. If you do, be sure to taste and adjust the honey and lemon juice to keep everything balanced and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that feels like sunshine in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad is it. It’s fresh, satisfying, and just the thing to brighten up your lunches or wow your friends at your next get-together. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to all year long!

Creamy Chicken & Fruit Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 58 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and refreshing Chicken, Apple & Grape Salad with Creamy Dressing that combines tender chicken, sweet grapes, crisp apples, and crunchy almonds in a creamy yogurt-based dressing.

Instructions

Mix dressing ingredients together: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste and set aside.
Prepare salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, apple, celery, green onions, almonds, cranberries, and parsley.
Add dressing: Pour desired amount of dressing over the salad and mix until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.