Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner? Look no further than this Best Chicken Salad Recipe. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a tangy, nutritious dressing, this chicken salad is a guilt-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dish to impress your family, this recipe ticks all the boxes: healthy, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty. Let’s dive into why this is the ultimate chicken salad and how you can make it at home today.
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Why This Chicken Salad Stands Out
Chicken salad is a classic dish, but this version takes it to the next level by focusing on wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. It’s low in unhealthy fats, high in protein, and bursting with fresh flavors. Plus, it’s versatile, you can serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a whole-grain wrap, or even with some crackers for a quick snack.
The secret? A creamy yet light dressing made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayo, paired with tender chicken and crunchy veggies.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also supports your wellness goals. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy lifestyle, pair this dish with supplements like Moringa Actives to boost metabolism or Fat Burn Active to enhance fat-burning efforts naturally.
See also: Easy Homemade Strawberry Bread
Ingredients (Classic Recipe)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this healthy chicken salad masterpiece:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup almonds, slivered or chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors, all while keeping the dish light and nutritious.
Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed
To prepare this recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Cutting board – For chopping veggies and almonds.
- Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes prep work a breeze.
- Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
- Measuring cups – For precise ingredient amounts.
- Measuring spoons – For smaller measurements like spices and honey.
- Spatula – To mix the dressing and salad evenly.
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Instructions (Classic Recipe)
Follow these simple steps to whip up the best chicken salad you’ve ever tasted:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin with cooked chicken breast. You can bake, poach, or grill it in advance. For convenience, grab a rotisserie chicken and remove the skin to keep it lean. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Nuts
On a cutting board, finely chop the celery and halve the red grapes. If your almonds aren’t pre-slivered, give them a rough chop with a chef’s knife. These add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a spatula until smooth. This dressing is creamy yet light, with a zesty kick that ties the salad together.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Add the shredded chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it in now for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best taste, cover the salad and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled on its own, over greens, or with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
Classic Recipe (Per Serving, 4 Servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g (mostly from almonds)
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 14g (natural from grapes and honey)
- Sodium: 320mg
This chicken salad is a fantastic source of lean protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized without weighing you down.
See also: Healthy Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
Love the sweet pop of grapes in your salad? This variation doubles down on that fruity goodness with a slightly different twist. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients (Grape-Focused Version)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved (extra grapes for more sweetness)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped (instead of almonds)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (instead of lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (instead of honey)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions (Grape Version)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Shred cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chop Ingredients
Halve the red grapes, chop the celery, and roughly chop the walnuts.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Mix It Up
Add the chicken, grapes, celery, and walnuts to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
This grape-heavy version adds extra sweetness and a subtle nutty twist with walnuts, making it a refreshing take on the classic.
Nutrition Facts
Grape Version (Per Serving, 4 Servings)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 11g (from walnuts)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g (higher due to extra grapes)
- Sodium: 310mg
Both versions are packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you full and fueled.
See also: Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Tips for Customization
Make either recipe your own with these tweaks:
- Swap the Nuts: Use pecans or cashews instead of almonds or walnuts.
- Change the Fruit: Replace grapes with dried cranberries or diced apples.
- Add More Veggies: Add cucumber or red onion for more crunch.
Why It’s a Healthy Choice
Both recipes are nutritional winners. The chicken breast delivers lean protein for muscle support, while nuts (almonds or walnuts) provide heart-healthy fats and vitamins. Greek yogurt brings probiotics and slashes calories compared to mayo, and red grapes offer antioxidants without refined sugars.
Enhance the benefits with Fibre Select, a vital fiber supplement that detoxifies your body and boosts well-being, ideal alongside this clean-eating meal.
Great for Weight Loss
These chicken salads are perfect for weight loss. Low in carbs and high in protein, they keep hunger at bay. Pair them with Keto Actives to support fat loss and curb appetite, especially if you’re on a ketogenic diet or aiming to slim down healthily.
See also: The Best Chili Recipe
Storage and Meal Prep
Both versions are meal-prep friendly! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, just stir before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chicken for this chicken salad recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture or even leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just remove the skin to keep it lean and healthy.
2. How can I make this chicken salad recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or a dairy-free mayonnaise. Adjust the seasoning to taste, as some substitutes may alter the flavor slightly.
3. Can I prepare this chicken salad ahead of time?
Definitely! Both the classic and grape versions store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep—just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
4. What can I serve with this chicken salad?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with lettuce for a salad, whole-grain wraps for a sandwich, or crackers for a light snack. For a heartier meal, try it with a side of quinoa or roasted veggies.
5. Is this chicken salad recipe suitable for a keto diet?
The classic version is fairly low-carb (18g per serving), but for a stricter keto diet, reduce the red grapes or swap them for a keto-friendly option like avocado. Pair it with Keto Actives to support your ketogenic goals!
Conclusion
This Best Chicken Salad Recipe, whether classic or grape-focused, is a delicious testament to healthy eating. It’s fresh, wholesome, and endlessly customizable. Want to level up your wellness? Try Meltamin, a cactus-flavored fat burner, or explore more supplements below to complement your journey.
More Health Boosters
- Energize and slim down with Cappuccino MCT, a tasty coffee with fat-burning perks.
- Detox with Matcha Extreme, a tea supplement for weight control.
- Support digestion and weight loss with Probiosin Plus, a probiotic gem.
Give these recipes a try and let me know which version you love most.
