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Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

A quick and healthy chicken salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, combining tender cooked chicken with crunchy celery, toasted nuts, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing. This flavorful salad is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Chicken Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked chicken, cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 3/4 cup celery stalks, diced (3 large stalks)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup parsley or dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup pecans, almonds, or cashews
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (2% or higher fat)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar (any except balsamic)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast Nuts: In a small skillet over low to medium heat, add the pecans and toast them until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the nuts to a cutting board, allow them to cool slightly, then chop them coarsely.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the toasted pecans, cooked cubed chicken, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, optional parsley or dill, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir gently to blend all ingredients evenly, adjusting salt as needed to suit your taste.
  3. Chill Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste of the chicken salad.
  4. Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled over a bed of greens, alongside quinoa or brown rice, or use it as a filling for sandwiches with whole wheat bread.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken from rotisserie or poached chicken breasts for convenience.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and add extra crunch with diced apples or sunflower seeds.
  • The salad tastes best after chilling, but it can be served immediately if short on time.
  • Adjust the consistency by increasing yogurt or mayo depending on your preferred creaminess.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley based on your flavor preference or leave out if unavailable.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/healthy-chicken-salad-recipe/