why make this recipe
This Healthy Chicken Salad is a tasty and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the veggies, and healthy fats from the walnuts. The best part? There’s no mayonnaise! This recipe uses Greek yogurt for a creamy texture that keeps it light and fresh. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
how to make Healthy Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken (280g, I use store-bought rotisserie chicken)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (60g, about ½ cup chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped (30g, or ¼ red onion)
- ½ cup grapes, quartered
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (5g, about 2 Tbsp chopped)
- 2 Tbsp walnuts, chopped (15g, or nut of choice)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (~120g, I use nonfat but use any you prefer)
- 1-2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (15-30g, start with 1 and add to taste up to 2)
- 1 large lemon, juiced (30ml, about 3.5 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (more to taste)
Directions
- Shred or chop the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, walnuts, and parsley.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients at the bottom of a large bowl.
- Add the chicken and other ingredients and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add more salt as needed.
Hint: To make shredding the chicken even easier, pulse it a few times in a food processor!
how to serve Healthy Chicken Salad
You can serve this Healthy Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain bread. It’s delicious on its own or with some whole-grain crackers. Garnish with extra parsley or walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
how to store Healthy Chicken Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you think you might have leftovers, consider adding the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.
tips to make Healthy Chicken Salad
- If you prefer more crunch, add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- For a bit of sweetness, try adding diced apples or pears.
- Adjust the Dijon mustard according to your taste; you can make it milder or more tangy.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different proteins like turkey or tofu. For a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt and use plant-based chicken alternatives.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use any plain yogurt as a substitute, or try using cottage cheese for a different texture.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also use a spicy mustard for more heat.
Healthy Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups shredded chicken store-bought rotisserie
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 1/2 cup grapes quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt nonfat or preferred
- 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper more to taste
Instructions
- Shred or chop the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, walnuts, and parsley.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients at the bottom of a large bowl.
- Add the chicken and other ingredients and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add more salt as needed.
- Hint: To make shredding the chicken even easier, pulse it a few times in a food processor!