Healthy Chicken Salad is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light snack. Made with lean chicken, crunchy vegetables, juicy grapes, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, this chicken salad is both satisfying and guilt-free. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and a burst of fresh flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this delightful Healthy Chicken Salad step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced almonds
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts by boiling, roasting, or using leftover rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts
- Dice the Celery: Wash and dice the celery stalks into small pieces.
- Slice the Grapes: Wash and halve the red grapes.
- Chop the Green Onions: Thinly slice the green onions.
- Chop the Parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped or shredded chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, sliced almonds, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Step 5: Serve
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the Healthy Chicken Salad chilled, on its own, or with whole-grain crackers, in a sandwich, or on a bed of fresh greens.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or leftover grilled chicken. Shredded chicken works best for a uniform texture.
- Grapes: Red grapes add a nice sweetness and color to the salad. You can substitute them with green grapes or a mix of both.
- Nuts: Thinly sliced almonds add a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture while keeping the salad light and healthy. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, Healthy Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this salad? A: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Try adding diced apples, dried cranberries, or a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Keto/Low Carb Version
This Healthy Chicken Salad recipe is naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet. Ensure the Greek yogurt and other ingredients are unsweetened and low in carbs.
Healthy Chicken Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, juicy grapes, and creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s full of fresh flavors!
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