Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or as a light dinner? This Healthy Chicken Salad recipe is just the thing you need! Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients to keep you energetic throughout the day. With fewer than 350 calories per serving, it’s an ideal choice for those watching their waistlines or simply craving a healthy option.

Cooking Time: Approx. 20-30 minutes

Servings: This recipe yields about 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (around 4 cups)
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup celery sticks, sliced into pieces
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for the dressing)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced celery sticks. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed for your preferred level of tanginess or creaminess.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly until all components are coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the prepared chicken salad mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This will also help cool down any warm leftover chicken from cooking.
5. Once chilled, serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or as is, depending on your preference and garnish with additional toppings like sliced avocado if desired!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Total Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 58mg
• Fiber: 2g

Why Choose This Healthy Chicken Salad?

This chicken salad is not only packed with essential nutrients but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier version, add some jalapeño peppers or chili flakes; for more sweetness, incorporate dried cranberries instead of cherry tomatoes.

The combination of different textures—crunchy cucumbers, crisp celery, juicy tomatoes, and creamy yogurt—is what makes this dish so enjoyable. It’s refreshing enough to enjoy during summer but still substantial enough to provide sustenance through a busy workday or active afternoon.

Storage Tips

Leftovers from this chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain its freshness, keep it away from direct sunlight and consume within those three days for optimal flavor and texture.

Variations & Alternatives

• Grilled Chicken Salad: Replace cooked chicken with grilled chicken pieces for an extra layer of smokiness.
• Baby Spinach Salad: Substitute iceberg lettuce with baby spinach leaves to add more nutritional value and a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Use different types of yogurt, such as flavored or Greek-style, according to your liking. Experiment with various dressings like lemon juice and honey for added complexity.

Incorporating this Healthy Chicken Salad into your diet plan is a smart move towards healthier eating habits without compromising on flavor. It's simple enough that even beginners in the kitchen can prepare it confidently, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests during casual gatherings or family dinners.

Try out this recipe today and see how easily you can incorporate nutritious meals into your daily routine! Whether enjoyed hot from the pan or cold from the refrigerator, this healthy chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making it and eating it!