Today’s recipe is a fabulous chicken salad my sister has been making since 1997 – Whole Foods Market’s Famous Sonoma Chicken Salad!
WHOLE FOODS MARKET’S FAMOUS SONOMA CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE
Craving that iconic Whole Foods Market Sonoma Chicken Salad? Look no further! This recipe recreates the same delicious flavors at home, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.
Read rave reviews from people who tried this recipe on Pinterest!
Original Post Date, September 11, 2013. Post Updated, January 30, 2024.
For years, my sister made her own copycat version of this classic Whole Foods Market dish. It wasn’t until a few years ago that she discovered the recipe on Whole Foods Market’s website. Her copycat version was pretty good…but nothing beats the original recipe.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE SONOMA CHICKEN SALAD
- chicken breasts – boneless, skinless (pre-cooked)
- red seedless grapes
- pecan pieces
- celery
- mayonnaise
- apple cider vinegar
- honey
- poppy seeds
- fine sea salt
- fresh ground pepper
This delicious salad is loaded with tender chicken breast, red seedless grapes, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, tossed in a wonderful mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seed dressing. This chicken salad is fantastic served on top of a bed of fresh spring salad. Oh, so good. I give this recipe 5 stars!!
Making this salad at home is a delicious and budget-friendly option, perfect for any occasion, from brunches and showers to lunches and dinners!
More Great Salad Recipes to Try!
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a sponsored post, I have no affiliation with Whole Foods Market. When I share a tried & true recipe, I always credit the source and will often send you to the site for the directions and to print. All you need to do is click on “Print Recipe” below, and it will take you to the full recipe. One extra step for an awesome recipe, that’s it. It’s important to me to share the love and send you to the original source.
Sonoma Chicken Salad Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Salad
- 2 pounds, chicken breasts – boneless, skinless (baked)
- 2 cups red seedless grapes, cut in half
- 3/4 cup pecan pieces, toasted (we use honey roasted pecans)
- 3 stalks celery, sliced thin
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 5 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Dressing:
In a medium size bowl, add all the dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt and pepper), mix well. Place in fridge for 1 hour or when ready to use.
Bake the Chicken:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Place chicken in the baking dish in a single layer, add 1/2 cup of water (or chicken broth), cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes until fully cooked. The chicken is ready when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
When the chicken is ready, remove and allow to cool for 15–20 minutes. Cover the chicken and place in the refrigerator until the chicken is completely chilled.
Cut cold chicken into bite size pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Salad
Add the dressing, pecans, celery and grapes to the chicken, mix well, coating the chicken evenly. Serve over a bed of lettuce, on rolls, favorite bread or croissants.
Please head to Whole Foods Market’s website to print the recipe – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers!
Maria
Can I used white vinegar?
Mary
Love love this recipe!
Brenda
This is an amazing salad. We had a 75° day in Southern West Virginia and I prepared for an impromptu luncheon with friends. All my friends left with recipe.
Anonymous
Worked nect door to a Whole Foods market and became addicted to the Sonoma chicken salad as well as the roasted turkey and bacon and avocado sandwich on rosemary foccacia roll, toasted. I was able to figure out the sandwich except for the 2 different aiolis used, but was unable to find the recipe for the Sonoma chicken salad. I have dearly missed both favorites as my employer moved and i am no longer close to a Whole Foods market and am excited to find this recipe, the link to Whole foods. I am currently making the salad. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this recipe. Now if only i could only get the recipe for the sandwich, the aiolis, (2), and instructions I would truly be in heavenly bliss. If you have the recipe and instructions for that sandwich, my email is: verywickedone@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Lauren Oberhansley
Kate
This is sooo delicious! Thank you!!
sue chris
I make this for family parties but I add baby New potatoes and chopped sweet red skin apples, to make it go further. Very one always asks for it.
Anonymous
Been making this for years, it's delish!
Leslie Taylor-Moore
Been making this one for years, it's so delish!
Anonymous
Think it would be possible to sub the mayo for greek yogurt?
Anonymous
Going to make it today. Thanks. Tess
Lindsey @ Dishing Up Hope
YUM! Love chicken salad. Pinning this for later =-)
Kayleigh
My MIL makes this but with a slightly different dressing. Her's has sugar, mayo, and sour cream. This is the best chicken salad I've ever had, and now I've got to try it with this poppy dressing!
Anonymous
Have bought this at WHOLE FOODS, Yummy salad but very expensive, Going to make at home from now on
flower oil painting
yummy salad! thanks for the recipe!!
Heather @ The Beating Hearth
MMmmm. Chicken salad is one of my faves!!! Think I better get grilling some chicken and make this before the weather gets cold!
Natalie @ NorthShore Days
Oh my goodness – so yum! I want some Moo – can you swing by with a bowl full???
Mel@Mellywood's Mansion
Oh Mary that looks lovely!
Danni Baird
If you are giving it 5 stars, then I know it's as good as it looks! Thanks Mary!