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    Category Home » Chicken and Turkey » Sonoma Chicken Salad

    Sonoma Chicken Salad

    Published: Jan 13, 2020 · Modified: Jun 2, 2021 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet this Sonoma-style chicken salad makes for a perfect lunch or afternoon snack! Serve it over a bed of greens, in between bread or all on its own.

    a white bowl filled with creamy Sonoma Chicken Salad and pink tea towel.

    I love, love, LOVE chicken salad! In fact, this is the first of many chicken salad recipes I plan on posting to the site. This one is a classic Sonoma style that mixes shredded chicken, grapes, pecans, and poppy seeds with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Make this salad at the beginning of the week and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will last up to four days!

    P.S. You can use a rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save a little time and effort! One whole 2lb (ish) rotisserie chicken should do it. Discard the skin and bones, shred the meat and you’ll be good to go!

    Looking for the perfect pairing? Serve Sonoma Chicken Salad alongside Greek Orzo Pasta Salad or Spring Couscous Salad with Feta and Avocado.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Here’s everything you’ll need to make Sonoma Chicken Salad: boneless, skinless chicken breast, grapes, red onion, celery, pecans, poppy seeds, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, sour cream, vinegar, and honey.

    Sonoma Chicken Salad ingredients in individual bowls, shredded chicken, diced red onion, celery, grapes, toasted pecans, mayo etc

    Recipe Step by Step

    Step One: Poach the Chicken

    In a large pot of salted water poach the chicken for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely then shred.

    a bowls of creamy poppyseed dressing and a bowl of chicken salad being mixed with sliced grapes

    Step 2. Make the Dressing

    Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 3. Toss and Serve

    Toss the chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and toasted pecans with the dressing. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.

    a white bowl filled with Sonoma Chicken Salad with grapes, celery and creamy dressing

    Chicken Salad FAQs and Expert Tips:

    Can I prep Sonoma Chicken Salad in advance?

    Yes! The flavor will only get better after a night marinating in the refrigerator. You can make this chicken salad up to 24 hours ahead of serving.

    What is the best way to serve chicken salad?

    I like to serve chicken salad on toasted, seedy bread. You can also serve it with croissants, crackers, on top of a bed of mixed greens or wrapped in a tortilla!

    Check out more great recipes:

    • Buffalo Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing
    • Beer-Braised Chipotle Chicken Tacos
    • Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Feta and Cranberries
    • The Best Baked Meatballs

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    a white bowl filled with creamy Sonoma Chicken Salad and pink tea towel.

    Sonoma Chicken Salad

    Creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet this Sonoma-style chicken salad makes for a perfect lunch or afternoon snack! Serve it over a bed of greens, in between bread or all on its own.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 488kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2lbs)
    • 1 heaping cup grapes sliced in half
    • ½ red onion diced
    • 3 stalks celery diced
    • 1 c toasted pecans coarsely chopped

    Dressing

    • ¾ c mayo
    • ¼ c sour cream
    • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
    • 3 tbsp honey
    • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
    • salt

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken breast in a pot and cover with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from water and let rest until cool enough to handle. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or two forks to shred the chicken. Let cool completely before tossing with the other ingredients.
    • Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Taste and season with salt as needed.
    • In a large bowl toss the shredded chicken with the grapes, celery, onion, toasted pecans, and dressing. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator. This recipe is even better the next day!

    Notes

    Ingredients Notes and Substitutions:
    • Chicken Breast: Roasted rotisserie chicken is great for this recipe and a great time saver. 
    • Red Onion: Shallot or, white onion.
    • Grapes: Diced apple.
    • Pecans: Toasted walnuts or almonds.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar: Redwine, rice or champagne vinegar, or lemon juice.
    • Sourcream: Plain yogurt, creme fraiche, or extra mayo if you prefer a dairy-free chicken salad.
    Storage and Make Ahead
    • Sonoma Chicken Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can absolutely make this recipe ahead. The flavor is best after a few hours in the refrigerator marinating. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lily Aguilar

      July 27, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      Delicioso! Quick and yummy recipe. Definitely making this again!

      Reply
      • Leigh Hyatt Anderson

        July 28, 2021 at 5:07 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this one Lily!

        Reply
    2. Tatyana

      December 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      Love it
      All my family enjoyed this salad
      Thank you for this recipe

      Reply
      • Leigh Hyatt Anderson

        December 17, 2020 at 5:32 pm

        I’m so glad! Thank you Tatyana!

        Reply
    3. Katie

      April 29, 2020 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      Great flavors and textures; crunchy and creamy!

      Reply

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