Dinner

Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken recommended); ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon poppy seeds; ¼ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground recommended); ¼ cup celery (finely chopped, fresh stalks preferred); ½ cup red grapes (halved, seedless); ¼ cup red onion (finely diced; soak in cold water 5 minutes for milder flavor); 1 tablespoon pecans (roughly chopped and toasted)

Byluca Carter October 5, 2026October 5, 2026

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Introduction

This Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender chicken with a creamy, tangy dressing and fresh ingredients, it offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes in just 10 minutes.

A white bowl filled with a layered salad starting with a base of fresh, bright green leafy lettuce. On top, there is a creamy mixture made of white chicken chunks coated in a light dressing, mixed with halved dark purple grapes, small pieces of light green celery, and scattered pecan halves with reddish-brown shells. Some black poppy seeds are sprinkled over the creamy salad. A couple of light yellow lemon slices rest on the side of the bowl. Two silver forks lie on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced — rotisserie chicken works great)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon poppy seeds

¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup celery (finely chopped)

½ cup red grapes (halved, seedless recommended)
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
1 tablespoon pecans (roughly chopped, toasted)

Instructions

Step 1: Ensure your cooked chicken is fully cooled, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Finely chop celery, red onion, and pecans. Halve the grapes to make the salad easier to eat and ensure consistent size for all ingredients.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the dressing. Add celery, grapes, onion, and pecans. Gently fold everything together to coat the chicken without crushing the ingredients.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before adding to the salad.

Soak red onion in cold water for five minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt to lighten the salad further.
Add chopped fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley for a fresh twist.

For a crunchier texture, include chopped apples or water chestnuts.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of extra apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavors if needed. It’s best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered chicken salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is fresh, bright green leafy lettuce spread evenly inside the bowl. On top of the lettuce, there is a creamy mixture of white chicken pieces mixed with light green celery slices, deep red grape halves, and small brown pecan nuts scattered throughout. The salad is lightly sprinkled with tiny black poppy seeds and topped with fresh green parsley leaves. Two silver forks rest on the left side inside the bowl, and two lemon slices lay on the right edge of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this salad?

Yes, any cooked chicken works well, including grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from separating.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely. Preparing it a few hours ahead or the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving.