Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups

Featured in: Southern Comfort

This vibrant dish combines tender cooked chicken with celery, red grapes, dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted nuts, all tossed in a creamy tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. The mixture is served in crisp lettuce leaves and garnished with fresh parsley or dill, creating refreshing, handheld portions perfect for festive occasions. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with optional spices or substitutions, it offers a balanced blend of textures and flavors suitable for light starters or lunches.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:32:00 GMT
Festive Chicken Salad Cups, filled with grapes and pecans, nestled in crisp lettuce—a delicious appetizer. Save
Festive Chicken Salad Cups, filled with grapes and pecans, nestled in crisp lettuce—a delicious appetizer. | epicurestates.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 works wonderfully for holiday parties and quick lunches alike.

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.
These light-filled Festive Chicken Salad Cups showcase diced chicken and fresh ingredients, perfect for any gathering. Save
These light-filled Festive Chicken Salad Cups showcase diced chicken and fresh ingredients, perfect for any gathering. | epicurestates.com

This dish quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings, bringing smiles to all ages.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika to the dressing. Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Serve as a light lunch or as part of a festive appetizer spread.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

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

Enjoy the refreshing crunch of lettuce and the creamy filling of these gorgeous Festive Chicken Salad Cups. Save
Enjoy the refreshing crunch of lettuce and the creamy filling of these gorgeous Festive Chicken Salad Cups. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy these festive chicken salad cups as a light refreshing starter that delights every palate.

Simplified Festive Chicken Salad Cups

Tender chicken with grapes, nuts, and fresh herbs in crisp lettuce cups, ideal for lively gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations No gluten

Components

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)

Directions

Phase 01

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, nuts, and spring onions until evenly distributed.

Phase 02

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balance.

Phase 05

Assemble Cups: Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves, forming individual cups.

Phase 06

Garnish and Serve: Top cups with chopped parsley or dill if desired and serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), tree nuts (pecans or walnuts), and dairy (Greek yogurt). Substitute ingredients as needed for nut-free or dairy-free options.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Protein: 13 g