Sonoma Chicken Salad Bliss: 10-Minute Copycat

Name: Sonoma Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken; ½ cup red grapes, halved; ¼ cup diced red onion; ¼ cup diced celery; 1 tablespoon chopped pecans; ¼ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works great); ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ teaspoon poppy seeds; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled past the prepared foods section and grabbed a container of Sonoma Chicken Salad, you already know—it’s dangerously good. Creamy, a little sweet, perfectly crunchy… it’s the kind of lunch that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if the laundry says otherwise.

This Sonoma Chicken Salad is my easy, at-home version inspired by that Whole Foods favorite. And the best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes. No oven. No fuss. Just a big bowl, a spoon, and a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

As someone who believes cooking should feel joyful—not stressful—I absolutely love recipes like this. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, chaotic school mornings, and those “what’s-for-lunch-again?” moments. Let’s make something that tastes special without demanding your whole afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Sonoma Chicken Salad

There’s something magical about this combination of flavors and textures:

Tender shredded chicken
Juicy red grapes
Crunchy celery and pecans
A creamy poppy seed dressing with just a hint of sweetness

It’s sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all at once. And because this Sonoma Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free, it works for so many different eating styles.

Even better? It’s a make-ahead dream. Prep it once, and you’ve got lunch handled for the next few days. That’s what I call smart cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this Whole Foods copycat Sonoma Chicken Salad:

For the Salad

2 cups shredded chicken
½ cup red grapes, halved
¼ cup diced red onion
¼ cup diced celery
1 tablespoon chopped pecans

For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

¼ cup mayonnaise (I love avocado oil mayo)
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon poppy seeds
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. That’s my favorite kind of math.

How to Make Sonoma Chicken Salad (It’s So Easy)

You’re going to love how fast this comes together.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
Apple cider vinegar
Honey
Poppy seeds
Salt and pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste it. It should be slightly sweet, lightly tangy, and perfectly seasoned. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a tiny drizzle more honey.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, add:

Shredded chicken
Halved grapes
Diced red onion
Diced celery
Chopped pecans

Give everything a quick toss so it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss until everything is coated.

Take a bite and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch more salt? A crack of pepper? Trust your taste buds—they know what they’re doing.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can enjoy this Sonoma Chicken Salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes. The flavors deepen as it rests, and honestly, it gets even better.

Sonoma Chicken Salad with grapes, pecans, celery, and creamy poppy seed dressing in a white bowl — This Sonoma Chicken Salad is loaded with tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and creamy poppy seed dressing.

How to Serve Sonoma Chicken Salad

This is where the fun begins. You’ve got options:

Scoop it onto crackers for a quick snack.
Pile it between slices of sandwich bread.
Roll it into a wrap for an easy lunch on the go.
Spoon it over a bed of greens for a lighter dinner.

Stuff it into a croissant when you’re feeling a little fancy.

I’ve even eaten it straight from the bowl while standing at the kitchen counter. No judgment here.

Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor

A few little tricks make this recipe shine:

Use rotisserie chicken.
If you’re short on time (and who isn’t?), grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It shreds beautifully and adds extra flavor.

Dice everything small.
Smaller pieces mean every bite has a bit of chicken, grape, crunch, and dressing. That’s the sweet spot.

Let it chill if you can.
If your sauce looks slightly thick after chilling, don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen. Give it a quick stir and you’re good to go.

Toast the pecans.
If you have an extra 3 minutes, toast the pecans in a dry skillet. It adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that makes this Sonoma Chicken Salad taste even more special.

Easy Swaps & Variations

One of the reasons I adore this recipe? It’s flexible.

No Grapes?

Swap them for:

Chopped apples
Raisins
Dried cranberries

Each brings a slightly different sweetness, but they all work beautifully in this Whole Foods copycat Sonoma Chicken Salad.

Not a Pecan Fan?

Try:

Walnuts
Sliced almonds
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds

Need It Nut-Free?

Skip the nuts altogether or use seeds for crunch.

Want It Dairy-Free?

Replace the Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise. The dressing will still be creamy and delicious.

Cooking should fit your life—not the other way around.

A Little Personal Note

This recipe saved me during one especially chaotic season. Between work, family commitments, and that never-ending to-do list, I needed meals that didn’t ask much of me.

I remember throwing this together in the morning, sliding it into the fridge, and feeling ridiculously proud of myself by lunchtime. It felt like I had done something kind for “future me.” And honestly, that’s what simple recipes like this are all about—small wins that make the day smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sonoma Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s better that way. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for 3–5 days. Perfect for meal prep lunches.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken breasts. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

Can I freeze Sonoma Chicken Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well after thawing and can separate.

How can I make it lighter?

You can use all Greek yogurt instead of half mayo, or choose a lighter mayonnaise. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and satisfying.

Is Sonoma Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes! The salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or bread if needed.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 276
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g

It’s protein-packed and satisfying, which means you won’t be rummaging through the pantry an hour later.

Make Lunch Feel Special Again

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we come back to again and again. This Sonoma Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, a little sweet, and wonderfully comforting—all without turning your kitchen upside down.

Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a casual brunch, or just trying to get through a busy week with your sanity intact, this recipe has your back. Whip up a batch of Sonoma Chicken Salad, tuck it into the fridge, and let “future you” feel just a little more relaxed tomorrow.

Now tell me—are you team sandwich, wrap, or straight-from-the-bowl?

More Fresh Ideas for Your Table

If this creamy, crunchy Sonoma Chicken Salad made your lunch feel a little more special, here are a few more fresh favorites to keep things exciting all week long. For another take on this classic, you might enjoy the delicious inspiration from Little Bits Of Sonoma Chicken Salad.

Looking to switch things up? Try the fruity, protein-packed twist in this Blackberry Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad—it’s light, refreshing, and perfect for meal prep. If Mediterranean flavors are more your style, the bright and zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad makes an easy, satisfying lunch.

Want to turn your chicken salad into the ultimate sandwich moment? Slice it thick and serve it on homemade No Knead Seeded Oat Bread for a bakery-style upgrade. And if you love a creamy deli favorite, don’t miss the rich and crowd-pleasing Million Dollar Chicken Salad.

A few simple recipes can go a long way in making everyday meals feel effortless and delicious.