Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

This dish features tender cooked chicken mixed with crunchy nuts, sweet grapes, tangy cranberries, and fresh celery, all blended with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. The mixture is served in crisp lettuce cups, offering a refreshing texture and balance of flavors. Garnished with herbs, it’s ideal for a light lunch or festive gathering. Preparation is quick and simple, making it approachable for all skill levels.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:04:00 GMT
Fresh, colorful arrangement of Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups served on crisp lettuce for an appetizer. Save
Fresh, colorful arrangement of Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups served on crisp lettuce for an appetizer. | pumpkinvale.com

A vibrant and refreshing appetizer of tender chicken salad, bright fruits, and crunchy nuts, served in crisp lettuce cups—perfect for festive gatherings.

This recipe has become a family favorite at every celebration, always met with compliments and requests for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Salad: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded, 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped, 1/2 cup red grapes, halved, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For Serving: 6 large lettuce leaves (e.g. butter lettuce or romaine), Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, cranberries, nuts, and spring onions.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5:
Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves to form individual cups.
Step 6:
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.
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This dish always brings smiles around our family table during holiday gatherings.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, Small mixing bowl, Whisk or fork, Sharp knife, Cutting board, Spoon

Allergen Information

Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt). For nut-free or dairy-free versions, substitute accordingly and check all labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 13 g per cup

Close-up of creamy Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups, vibrant with grapes and pecans in lettuce cups. Save
Close-up of creamy Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups, vibrant with grapes and pecans in lettuce cups. | pumpkinvale.com

Enjoy these festive chicken salad cups as a delightful start to your celebrations.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Cooked chicken breast, either diced or shredded, works best for a tender texture.

Can I substitute nuts for seeds?

Yes, toasted seeds can replace nuts to accommodate nut-free preferences without compromising crunch.

What greens are recommended for the cups?

Butter lettuce or romaine leaves provide a crisp and sturdy base for the filling.

How can I add extra flavor to the dressing?

A pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika enhances the dressing with subtle spice and depth.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and check other ingredients for allergens accordingly.

Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups

Tender chicken, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts in crisp lettuce cups create a vibrant festive starter.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Time Needed
35 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 6 Serving Size

Diet Information No Gluten

Ingredient List

Chicken & Salad

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
03 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
04 1/4 cup dried cranberries
05 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
06 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

01 1/3 cup mayonnaise
02 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
03 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
04 1 teaspoon honey
05 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

01 6 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
02 Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

How to Make

Step 01

Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, nuts, and spring onions until well distributed.

Step 02

Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Mix dressing with salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 04

Adjust seasoning: Taste and add additional salt or pepper if necessary to achieve desired flavor.

Step 05

Assemble lettuce cups: Spoon the chicken salad mixture evenly into each large lettuce leaf to form individual cups.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Top with fresh chopped parsley or dill, if desired, and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 13 g