We’re back today with a healthy chicken salad recipe that is perfect for meal-prepping and requires no cooking at all! What else is great about it? This recipe replaces the traditional mayonnaise with low-fat and high-protein Greek yogurt. If you need a quick recipe to make before a busy week, this is the perfect recipe for you.
What kind of chicken can be used for this recipe?
When it comes to making this healthy chicken salad recipe, I prefer to make it as easy as possible. The best way for me to do this is to buy a whole rotisserie chicken from the store and chop up all the meat on the chicken for my recipe. Buying chickens with different flavors can help add that extra seasoning to your salad and make it even tastier.
However, if you want to cook the chicken from scratch, that is also a great option. Purchase whole chicken breasts from the store and cook them in the oven at ___ degrees F. Once they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, take them out of the oven and let sit. Shred the chicken and chop it up to add it directly to your salad!
What other add-ins can I put in my chicken salad?
There are endless options when it comes to add-ins for chicken salad recipes, making it an easily customizable recipe. Feel free to dress it up however best fits your taste buds!
- Nuts: pecans, peanuts or walnuts: your favorite type of nuts can be a great addition to chicken salad because it helps add an extra crunch.
- Grapes: grapes are one of the most classic additions, adding a sweet taste and crunchy texture that makes the salad stand out.
- Cranberries: another amazing add-in are dried cranberries. This is a classic when it comes to tea recipes where small chicken salad sandwiches are served.
- Vegetables: red onions, cucumbers, bell peppers are all great ways to add veggies to your salad and contribute a taste of freshness.
- Feta Cheese: dress up your salad with feta cheese. A great way to add more protein!
- Bacon Bits: bacon bits are a delicious addition to any salad, especially chicken salad. Buy them from the store or make them from scratch!
What can I pair with my chicken salad?
Chicken salad goes amazingly with many different options. Some of those are carbs and some are fruit!
- Croissants: a classic croissant paired with chicken salad can never steer you wrong. The flaky, buttery croissants perfectly complement the freshness of the salad.
- Pita Chips: if you prefer to use chips to dip in your chicken salad, pita chips are a great option. Healthier than normal chips (and easy to make at home), it is hard to resist this pairing!
- Sourdough: sourdough will always be my favorite type of bread, because it pairs so well with almost anything. That being said, a nice and fresh loaf of sourdough will go great with this recipe!
- Apples: another way to enjoy your salad with some fruit is to thinly slice an apple and use it to scoop up some of the chicken salad.
- Lettuce: lettuce wraps are a great way to have a low-carb option for eating your chicken salad. Wash and dry a few leaves of your choice of lettuce, then make some lettuce wraps for a crunchy and delicious meal!
Light and Tasty: The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 25 oz whole rotisserie chicken
- 1 granny smith apple cubed
- 4 stalks celery
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1/4 cup 0% fat greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- On a clean cutting board, use either your hands or two forks to tear as much meat off the bones of the rotisserie chicken as possible. Collect all the meat into a bowl.
- Using a sharp knife, chop the chicken meat into small 1/2 inch cubes and throw into an empty, larger bowl.
- Wash and dry the celery stalks, green onions and the granny smith apple.
- Chop the celery stalks, green onions and apple into small pieces. The larger they are the crunchier your salad will be.
- Add the celery, green onions and apple into the chopped chicken in the bowl. Mix using a spatula or large spoon until fully incorporated.
- Add the greek yogurt, pine nuts, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper into the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Portion the chicken salad into 6 servings and store in air-tight tupperware in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Amazing chicken salad! I used to use Mayo- but not anymore!!!! Delicious!!!
Amazing! I used to use mayo but not anymore!!! So delicious!!!