Sonoma Chicken Salad (Whole Foods Market Copycat)

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This easy Sonoma Chicken Salad is a homemade version of the Whole Foods favorite that’s packed with tender chicken, juicy grapes, crisp celery, toasted pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or meal prep.

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• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep level: Beginner +

Ingredient Notes & Variations

• Cooked chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked and cooled boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
• Red grapes: Their natural sweetness balances the tangy dressing. Slice them in half for easy eating. Green grapes can be used in a pinch.
• Celery: Adds the signature fresh crunch. Dice it into small, even pieces.
• Pecans: Toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch. Walnuts, sliced almonds, or cashews are delicious substitutes.
• Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest dressing (I prefer Duke’s). You can substitute part or all of it with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing its signature tangy flavor and brightens the overall taste. If needed, white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice can be used.
• Honey: Agave nectar or granulated sugar can be used in a pinch.
• Poppy seeds: Add a subtle crunch and the classic look of Whole Foods Sonoma chicken salad.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste after mixing everything, as the flavor will continue to develop while the salad chills.

How to Make

Add the chicken, sweet grapes, celery, and crunchy pecans to a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the salad dressing ingredients until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Laura Belle’s Tips

1. Toast the pecans and let them cool to room temperature while you are prepping the chicken, grapes, and celery.
2. Cut the grapes and celery into small pieces so every bite has a little of everything.
3. Mix the dressing separately before stirring it with the chicken for even coverage.
4. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
5. Taste before serving and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.

What to Serve With Chicken Salad

One of the best things about this chicken salad is how versatile it is:

• Pile it onto buttery croissants, sandwich bread, or toasted sourdough from House of Nash Eats for a satisfying lunch. It also makes a delicious filling for wraps or pita pockets, or serve it in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
• For entertaining, scoop it onto crackers or cucumber slices for a simple appetizer. If you’re serving it as a meal, pair it with fresh fruit, pasta salad, potato salad, kettle chips, or a cup of tomato soup. It’s also tasty served over a bed of mixed greens.

How to Toast Pecans

Toasting pecans is an easy step that brings out their rich, buttery flavor and makes them even crunchier:

Skillet Method (Recommended)

Add the pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove them from the pan immediately to prevent burning, and let them cool before adding them to the chicken salad.

Oven Method

Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until toasted and fragrant. Let them cool completely before using them in the salad.

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Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Sonoma Chicken Salad (Whole Foods Market Copycat)

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This easy Whole Foods copycat Sonoma Chicken Salad is made with tender chicken, grapes, celery, pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing for a fresh, flavorful lunch or light meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken – cut into bite-size cubes
• 1 cup of red seedless grapes – cut in half
• 2 stalks of celery – cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces
• 1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise
• 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. If needed, cook and cool the chicken, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large bowl.
2. Add the halved red grapes, diced celery, and toasted chopped pecans to the bowl with the chicken.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
7. Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of mixed greens.

Notes

• Comes together quickly when you start with cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Serve it your way on croissants, sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, crackers, or over a bed of fresh greens.
• ​Perfect for any occasion, whether you're making a quick lunch, light dinner, packing a picnic, hosting a baby shower, or bringing a dish to a potluck.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 828Total Fat: 55gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 43gCholesterol: 219mgSodium: 429mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 47g

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