Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad is a perfect dish for anyone looking for something light, tasty, and nutritious. It combines lean protein from the chicken with fresh produce and healthy fats, making it a fantastic meal for lunch or dinner. This salad is not only satisfying but also very easy to make, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, with the added sweetness from grapes and the crunch of pecans, you get a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups cooked, diced, or shredded chicken
- 3 stalks of celery – about 1/2 cup diced
- 1 cup sliced grapes
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Directions:
- To prepare the grapes, soak them in a bowl filled with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. Rinse and dry them well before slicing. This step enhances the flavor of the grapes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the grapes with the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until well combined into a creamy and chunky chicken salad.
- You can serve this salad right away or chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad
This chicken salad can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with whole-grain crackers. You can also use it as a filling for wraps. Top it with a sprinkle of extra nuts or even some slices of avocado for an added boost.
How to Store Healthy Chicken Salad
To store your Healthy Chicken Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure not to let it sit out at room temperature for too long to maintain its freshness.
Tips to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
- For a tastier salad, try using rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to match your taste preferences. A little citrus can brighten up the flavors.
- If you prefer, you can add herbs like dill or parsley for more freshness.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, you can add different fruits like apples or mandarin oranges. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. For a spicy kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this salad?
Yes, canned chicken can work in a pinch! Just drain it well and shred it before using.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just ensure any additions are also gluten-free if needed.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and skip the mayo or use a dairy-free alternative.
The BEST Healthy Chicken Salad
Equipment
- large bowl
- cutting board
- knife
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp dill, fresh and chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- If using raw chicken, bake or boil it until cooked through, then shred or dice it.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve immediately or chill for later.