Solve the Weeknight Meal Dilemma with a Light, Simple Salad
Jan 14, 2026 03:30AM ● By Family Features
Solve the Weeknight Meal Dilemma with a Light, Simple Salad
When cooking midweek, a lighter meal may be just the solution you are looking for at the dinner table. After all, family dinners don't have to be complicated.
A simple, fresh salad offers the best of both worlds: easy prep and a light bite everyone can enjoy together. Fresh, delicious Grapes from California shine in this Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette, perfect for serving on its own or pairing with sandwiches. The crisp, juicy grapes add a touch of natural sweetness to complement tender chicken, creamy avocado and smoky bacon.
Tossed together in a tangy homemade lemon-balsamic vinaigrette, meal prep is a breeze and loved ones can delight in the refreshing flavors. Don't forget, grapes also make a perfect snack to pack in lunches, take to work or enjoy after school.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com to find more meal ideas.
Grape and Chicken Salad with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Servings: 6
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 pound grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups halved or quartered red Grapes from California
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons cooked, crumbled bacon or packaged real bacon pieces
- 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 6 slices whole-grain artisan bread
- In large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt and basil. Add cooked chicken, grapes, onion and bacon.
- When ready to serve, mix well then lightly stir in avocado and season with pepper, to taste. Serve with bread slices.
Tip: Salad may be prepared 1 day in advance and refrigerated in covered container.
Nutritional information per serving: 460 calories; 33 g protein; 38 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (39% calories from fat); 3.5 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 7 mg cholesterol; 400 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.
