Introduction

This California Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette is a fresh and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Juicy California grapes add natural sweetness, complementing tender chicken, creamy avocado, and smoky bacon, all brought together with a zesty vinaigrette. It’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep or a quick, flavorful meal anytime.

An open sandwich is placed on a white parchment sheet over a wooden cutting board. The sandwich has two layers; the base layer is a slice of dark multigrain bread with visible seeds and grains. On top of the bread is a layer of fresh green lettuce leaves that add a light, leafy texture. The top layer is a mixture of diced grilled chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust, halved red grapes, and small avocado chunks, all mixed with finely chopped herbs and seasoning. To the side of the cutting board is a small bunch of shiny purple-red grapes. Behind the cutting board, there is a clear glass of iced tea with ice cubes and lemon slices. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 pound grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
2 cups halved or quartered California grapes
1/3 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon or packaged real bacon pieces
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
Freshly ground pepper to taste
6 slices whole grain artisan bread

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and chopped fresh basil to create the lemon-balsamic vinaigrette.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, halved grapes, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and diced avocado.
Step 3: Pour the vinaigrette over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve the salad on its own or spoon it onto whole grain artisan bread slices for a delicious sandwich option.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or pecans to the salad.
Swap out bacon for smoked turkey bacon to lighten the dish.
Use red, green, or black California grapes depending on your taste preference or what you have on hand.
Try adding fresh spinach or mixed greens for a more substantial salad.
Make it gluten-free by serving without the artisan bread or using your favorite gluten-free bread.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the avocado to brown slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If storing portioned sandwiches, keep the salad and bread separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken separately if desired, but the salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows an open sandwich placed on a piece of white paper on a wooden board. The sandwich has one slice of brown, seeded bread as the base. On top of the bread is a green lettuce leaf spread over the surface. Above the lettuce, there are chunks of cooked chicken mixed with diced avocado and halved red grapes. The colors are fresh with green from the lettuce and avocado, light golden brown from the chicken, and deep red from the grapes. Next to the sandwich, there is a small bunch of red grapes resting on the wooden board. Behind the board, there is a glass filled with iced tea and lemon slices. The entire setup is on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken from leftovers?

Yes, cooked chicken from leftovers works perfectly for this salad. Just make sure it is chopped into small pieces and still tender for the best texture.

Are the grapes necessary in this recipe?

The grapes add a refreshing sweetness and juicy texture that balances the savory ingredients, but if you prefer, you can substitute with chopped apples or dried cranberries for a different flavor.

California Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

This California Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring tender grilled chicken, juicy California grapes, creamy avocado, and smoky bacon, all tossed in a tangy lemon-balsamic dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner, this salad combines fresh and flavorful ingredients for a delicious and wholesome meal that can also be served as a sandwich filling. Dairy-free and packed with protein and fiber, it supports heart, brain, and immune health.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (to grill or broil chicken if not pre-cooked)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Salad

1 pound grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
2 cups halved or quartered California grapes
1/3 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon or packaged real bacon pieces
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Serving

6 slices whole grain artisan bread

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, pinch of salt, and chopped fresh basil until well combined into a tangy dressing.
Mix the Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped grilled chicken, halved or quartered California grapes, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and diced avocado. Pour the lemon-balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature on its own or piled onto slices of whole grain artisan bread to make hearty sandwiches. This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Notes

This salad makes a perfect flavorful and satisfying lunch option, either as a standalone dish or served in a sandwich.
The natural sweetness from the California grapes balances nicely with the savory chicken, bacon, and rich avocado.
Use grilled or broiled chicken breasts prepared in advance to save time.
The recipe is dairy-free and supports heart, brain, and immune health.
Great for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

Keywords: California grape chicken salad, lemon balsamic vinaigrette, grilled chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, dairy-free salad, avocado chicken salad, grape recipes