Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to spruce up your dinner routine? Discover our irresistible Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe! This isn’t your grandmother’s chicken salad it’s a modern, health conscious take on a beloved classic that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. This wholesome combination brings together premium protein, nourishing avocado, and garden fresh vegetables ideal for hectic evenings, weekly meal planning, or a light midday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Salad
What sets this vibrant Healthy Chicken Salad creation apart:
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Low in Calories: A satisfying meal that won’t derail your health goals.
- Quick and Easy: From kitchen to table in half an hour, designed for today’s fast-paced life..
- Versatile: Savor it solo, tucked into fresh bread, or crowning your favorite greens.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Maintains its delicious appeal for convenient ready-to-eat portions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Brings smiles to faces young and old!
Ready to revolutionize your chicken salad game? Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy recipe!
Ingredients
- For The Salad :
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cooked and shredded
2 ripe avocados, pitted and mashed
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red grapes, halved
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional :
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
Directions
- – Prepare the Chicken :
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can use leftover roasted chicken, or quickly poach the chicken in simmering water for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. - – Mash the Avocados :
In a large bowl, mash the ripe avocados until smooth but still slightly chunky. This will serve as the creamy base for our salad. - – Mix the Creamy Base :
Add the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocados. Mix well to combine. This creates a creamy, tangy dressing that’s much healthier than traditional mayonnaise-based dressings. - – Add the Chicken and Vegetables :
Fold in the shredded chicken, diced red onion, chopped celery, and halved grapes. These ingredients add texture, crunch, and bursts of sweetness to balance the creamy base. - – Chill and Serve :
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the salad to prevent browning. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for our Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Go Tropical: Transform the flavor with sweet mango chunks or juicy pineapple bits.
- Boost the Protein: Mix in a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Low-Carb Option: Embrace fresh lettuce wraps for a lighter alternative.
- Add More Crunch: Enhance with crisp apple pieces or crunchy water chestnuts.
- Make It Vegan: Transform with mashed chickpeas or seasoned tempeh, featuring dairy-free yogurt.
Health Benefits
Beyond its incredible taste, this Avocado Chicken Salad delivers a powerful nutritional punch:
- Lean Protein: Tender chicken breast delivers key building blocks for muscle strength and lasting fullness.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Creamy avocados offer heart-nurturing monounsaturated fats, enhancing vitamin absorption.
- Probiotics: Greek yogurt offers beneficial bacteria for gut health.
- Fiber: Vegetables and optional nuts provide dietary fiber for digestive health.
- Antioxidants: Fresh grapes and zesty lime provide natural compounds that combat cellular stress.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is a good source of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
Selecting this innovative take on chicken salad means treating yourself to both exceptional flavor and vital nourishment.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Present atop a rainbow of fresh greens for an energizing feast.
- Use it as a filling for whole grain wraps or sandwiches.
- Arrange on crisp cucumber rounds or colorful pepper boats for a light starter.
- Fill ripe tomato cups for an eye-catching display.
- Serve it alongside whole grain crackers or pita chips for a satisfying snack.
Meal Prep and Storage
This vibrant creation is ideal for planning ahead! Here are some tips to keep it fresh:
- Preserve in a sealed container for three days. Combat oxidation by placing wrap directly on the salad’s surface before closing.
- If preparing in advance, consider adding the grapes and nuts just before serving to maintain their texture.
- Revive stored portions with a splash of fresh lime juice before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (recipe serves 4):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Fat: 23g (mostly healthy fats from avocado)
- Sodium: 300mg
This nutritional profile makes our Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad a balanced meal that fits into most healthy eating plans, including low-carb and high-protein diets.
Our Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad is more than just a meal – it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying. By swapping out mayo for avocado and Greek yogurt, we’ve created a creamy, indulgent-tasting salad that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option, a new favorite for your meal prep routine, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next potluck, this recipe has got you covered.
Tell us how this fresh take on chicken salad or other wonder salads brightened your day! Did you try any of the variations? Drop us a note about your experience or showcase your creation on social platforms.
Happy cooking and healthy eating!