Recipes

Snappy Walnut & Grape Chicken Salad: But Will it Refresh Your Mind? | Mental Health Recipes

By Krista

-

Last Updated: August 22, 2023

Jump to Recipe
Share This With Someone You Love!

Get ready for the perfect blend of savory and sweet versus crunch and succulence.

This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body and refreshes your mind. 

This walnut and grape chicken salad combines the hearty richness of tender chicken, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and the sweet burst of fresh grapes — creating a meal that is both satisfying and light, as well as perfect for any occasion.

Plus, it’s a super easy one to throw together, especially during those times when you just can’t be bothered. For the summertime, this is also super refreshing for both the body and mind. In other good news, there are various ways to enjoy it too. So, let’s dig in. 

 

 

How to Make the Ultimate Walnut & Grape Chicken Salad

We all love chicken salad (or at least most of us do!). A chicken salad wrap or sandwich is ultra-easy. But what if we put a twist on an old favorite? 

Throwing in some walnuts and grapes ups the ante on this one!

It also adds some serious flavor and juiciness, creating the perfect balance.

In other great news, you can also enjoy this salad on some classic greens or throw it into a wrap (my favorite) or a sandwich. 

 

 

How Can This Chicken Salad Twist Improve Your Mental Wellness?

There’s loads of goodness in this one that 110% floods into our good ol’ noggin, helping us feel good and energized. So, let’s dig in! What’s so great about this chicken salad?

 

1. Improve Your Brain Power With Walnuts

Walnuts are more than just a delicious and crunchy addition to your salad; they are packed full of tons of nutrients that have been linked to improved brain function and mental health. 

Rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and an array of important vitamins and minerals, walnuts help maintain a sharp and healthy mind.

Research suggests that the regular consumption of these wonder nuts can lead to enhanced cognitive performance, including better memory, faster processing speed, and improved mental flexibility. 

Additionally, walnuts have been associated with reducing inflammation in the brain and may even lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

So, as you savor each bite of this delicious chicken salad, know that you’re doing more than satisfying your hunger — you’re nourishing your brain and supporting your mental well-being, one delicious crunch at a time!

Related Article: Coping With Anxiety? Try These Overnight Oats for an Easy & Stress-Free Morning

 

2. Grapes Offer a Sweet Brain and Mental Boost

Grapes are packed with various potent antioxidants called polyphenols. In turn, grapes might just help combat oxidative stress and inflammation — two key factors that can compromise brain function and mental wellness over time. 

Research suggests that the compounds in grapes may enhance memory, attention, and mood and may even have the potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

There’s even evidence indicating the potential of grapes to help alleviate depression and associated symptoms, making it one powerful fruit.

 

3. Chicken Provides Lean Protein for Improved Mood and Mental Health

As a prime source of high-quality, lean protein, chicken provides the building blocks (amino acids) that your brain needs to produce neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers that give way to communication between brain cells. 

Among these neurotransmitters is serotonin, often referred to as the "happy" hormone, which plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall mental wellness. As we all know, when we have a good night’s sleep, we feel pretty dang good!

Furthermore, chicken is a rich source of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, especially niacin and B6.

These B vitamins are crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of the nervous system. These vitamins also aid in the metabolism of energy within brain cells and support the production of DNA and RNA. 

Plus, with its content of choline, chicken assists in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is vital for learning and memory. 

Lastly, protein can help us feel full, which leads to easier weight maintenance and better physical health. As you may already know, our physical health can impact our mental health; neither occurs in a vacuum!

Thus, by taking care of ourselves physically, we can feel mentally good as well.

Related Article: Boost Your Serotonin Levels With This Easy Turmeric Chicken Recipe

 

Share This With Someone You Love!

Snappy Walnut & Grape Chicken Salad

Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
Total time:
15 minutes
Recipe Category:
salads
Ingredients:

So, let’s uncover how exactly to put this easy and delicious recipe together!

  • 2 cups of shredded chicken
  • ⅔ cup of mayonnaise or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup of red onion (diced)
  • ½ cup of red grapes (sliced in halves)
  • ½ cup of celery (diced)
  • ¼ cup of walnuts (chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
  1. Combine the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and parsley together in a big bowl.
  2. Next, mix in the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, walnuts, and onion. Make sure to stir it all together thoroughly.
  3. Serve on top of greens or in a wrap or sandwich. 
Yield (servings):
6 servings

Feast Your Eyes and Tastebuds on This Refreshing Salad This Summer

It won’t only be a crowd-pleaser, but it can also be an incredibly easy and healthy go-to for easy lunches or dinners. And you can dress it up in different ways, such as as a salad, sandwich, or wrap!

Read Next: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Is This The Comfort Food You Need?

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

LATEST

Wake up to dailymotivation!


Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!

Wake up to dailymotivation!


Get Motivational Quotes, Affirmations, and insightful content delivered to your inbox every morning!

>