Do you have a holiday signature dish that’s just so extraordinarily delicious that everyone talks about it year-round and waits for it to be served every Noche Buena?
I have one! I make this creamy salad that you can’t find anywhere else (well, that’s what my family, friends, and neighbors say, hehe!). It’s a macaroni salad with chicken and GRAPES. Yes, grapes! My in-law’s version is made with fruit cocktail, sweet corn and apples. I prefer sweet grapes because they complement the savory flavors of the chicken, cheese and nuts.
So yeah, everyone in the family loves my salad! Some have them as a side dish during Christmas Eve dinner, while others snack on them while waiting for the clock to strike 12 midnight, then eat more of the salad while opening gifts. A holiday salad fest!
To make sure that we still have something to eat after the celebration, I keep a bowl or two in our fridge before bringing the rest to my in-laws during Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
I’ve tried a lot of grapes for my salad, but I prefer California Grapes! They’re so much better than most commercially available grapes in terms of taste, freshness, and appearance. They’re worth every centavo.
I’ve just learned that 99% of table grapes in the United States are grown in the sunny state of California. These grapes are cultivated and harvested with much care, while using modern farming methods. These ensure top quality grapes that taste wonderful and are safe for consumption.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that white, powdery coating on grapes. That’s perfectly okay to eat! It’s called the bloom and it’s a natural layer of protection against moisture loss and decay. Just always wash your grapes thoroughly before eating them.
Adding grapes also makes my salad healthier. Grapes are an excellent source of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that help support the body’s immunity, aid with healthy aging, and are good for the heart.
Grapes are more than 80% water so they help keep us hydrated. Don’t be so worried about the calories as a ¾ cup serving of grapes only has 90 calories! Oh, and grapes do not contain fat, has zero cholesterol, and very low in sodium.
Here’s the recipe of my signature Chicken and Grapes Salad. Something as yummy as this needs to be shared!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup California Grapes (unpeeled and halved)
- 3 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup nuts of your choice, preferably almonds
(*For grown-ups who love some spicy kick, add a dash of black pepper and/or paprika or cayenne.)
Just toss everything together and chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving. Add more grapes and nuts as garnish. Enjoy!
California Grapes are available nationwide! For more information on Grapes from California, visit https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/ or like and follow them on Instagram @grapesfromca and Facebook @GrapesFromCalifornia.
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