Homemade Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe made of shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Serve as a main dish or sandwich filling this recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes to prepare, offering a versatile and tasty meal.
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💚 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Takes under 30 minutes to prepare.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
- Versatile Serving Options: Works as a sandwich filling, wrap, or standalone dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Can be made ahead for busy weekdays or gatherings.
❓ What Is Chicken Salad Recipe?
Chicken Salad Recipe is a versatile dish made by combining shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It is a refreshing, protein-rich dish that can be served cold as a main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced apples or grapes
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
🥗 Instructions:
- Chop celery, apples (or grapes), and nuts into bite-sized pieces. Shred cooked chicken into smaller pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, apples, and nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until well-coated. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavors.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast the nuts before adding to enhance their crunch and aroma.
- Add a Twist: Swap apples for dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
- Healthier Dressing Option: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Season Last: Adjust seasoning after combining all ingredients to balance flavors perfectly.
🍲 What To Serve With Chicken Salad?
Serve Chicken Salad with fresh greens, crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for baked potatoes it pairs well with refreshing sides like fruit salad or a light soup for a wholesome meal.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the salad is properly chilled to maintain freshness.
FAQs
How can I add extra flavor to Chicken Salad?
You can enhance the flavor of Chicken Salad by adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika also adds a bright and savory kick.
Can I make Chicken Salad healthier?
Yes, to make Chicken Salad healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and spinach. Opt for lean chicken breast and reduce the amount of dressing used.
Can I use canned chicken for Chicken Salad?
Yes, canned chicken is a convenient alternative for Chicken Salad. Be sure to drain and shred the canned chicken before mixing it with other ingredients.
How can I prevent Chicken Salad from being soggy?
To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and mix it with the other ingredients just before serving. Avoid adding watery vegetables like cucumbers too early.
Can Chicken Salad be served warm?
Yes, Chicken Salad can be served warm by heating only the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. Avoid reheating the entire salad to maintain the texture of fresh vegetables.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 324
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Homemade Healthy Chicken Salad
Description
Homemade Healthy Chicken Salad recipe made of shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Serve as a main dish or sandwich filling this recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes to prepare, offering a versatile and tasty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop celery, apples (or grapes), and nuts into bite-sized pieces. Shred cooked chicken into smaller pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, apples, and nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until well-coated. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast the nuts before adding to enhance their crunch and aroma.
Add a Twist: Swap apples for dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
Healthier Dressing Option: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Season Last: Adjust seasoning after combining all ingredients to balance flavors perfectly.