Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Grapes
Crisp butter lettuce cups filled with a creamy, crunchy chicken salad studded with juicy red grapes and toasted almonds. A light, refreshing lunch or appetizer that comes together in minutes, perfect for warm days when you want something satisfying without the heaviness.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~12 min
Poach the chicken breasts.
1.Bring 4 cups water and 0.25 tsp salt to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan.2.Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.4.Remove chicken, let cool, then dice into small cubes.TIPKeep the water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil — this keeps the chicken tender and moist. - roast · ~3 min
Toast the sliced almonds.
1.Place a small skillet over medium-low heat.2.Add sliced almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.3.Remove from heat once golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.TIPAlmonds go from toasted to burnt in seconds — stay by the pan and keep stirring. - prep
Prep the grapes and celery.
Halve the red grapes. Finely dice the celery stalks. Thinly slice the green onions, using both white and green parts.
- mix
Mix the dressing and combine the salad.
1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, remaining salt, and black pepper until smooth.2.Add diced chicken, halved grapes, celery, green onions, and toasted almonds.3.Fold gently until everything is evenly coated. - assemble
Fill the lettuce cups and serve.
1.Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a platter.2.Spoon a generous portion of chicken salad into the center of each leaf.3.Serve immediately.TIPDouble up smaller lettuce leaves if they tear — two thin leaves together make one sturdy cup.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Poach the chicken at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep it tender and moist.
- 2Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden.
- 3Chill the chicken salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- 4Dice the chicken into small, even cubes so each bite mixes well with the grapes and celery.
- 5Pat lettuce leaves dry thoroughly — excess water will make the salad watery and dilute the dressing.
- 6Double up smaller or torn lettuce leaves to create a sturdier cup for holding the filling.
- 7For best texture, halve the grapes just before mixing to keep them from bleeding into the salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace the yogurt with an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This keeps the salad creamy while avoiding dairy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Substitute half the mayonnaise with additional thick Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free version) to boost protein content without sacrificing creaminess.
nut freeNut-free
Swap toasted sliced almonds for toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch that still adds texture.
curriedCurried
Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder and a pinch of cayenne to the dressing for a warm, spiced twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet grapes.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt and add a splash of pickle brine or apple cider vinegar for tang, reducing fat without drying out the salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Skinless chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that helps build and repair tissues while keeping the dish light.
Rich in Antioxidants
Red grapes contain resveratrol and quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress and support heart health.
Supports Digestive Health
Celery offers dietary fiber and natural hydration, promoting regular digestion and gut function.
Good Source of Vitamin E
Toasted almonds contribute vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.
Probiotic Benefits
The yogurt in the dressing provides live probiotics that can aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Skip the poaching step and adjust salt in the dressing since rotisserie chicken is already seasoned.
