Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week. It's not just for summer picnics or casual lunchboxes but also works perfectly as a hearty winter meal. This nutritious recipe focuses on ingredients like chicken, fruits, and vegetables to create a delicious and healthy option for you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 small ripe avocado, cubed
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tahini sauce (optional for a creamy dressing)

Instructions:

Start by preparing your chicken. If you have leftover cooked chicken from another meal, this is perfect. Otherwise, cook it using your preferred method such as grilling or baking until fully done and then shred into small pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken with cubed avocado, diced mango, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. This step allows all ingredients to be evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Next, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and tahini sauce if using into a dressing. Pour this mixture over the chicken salad mix and gently toss until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing.

Tips for Success:

1. Ensure all ingredients are properly chilled before combining them to maintain freshness.
2. If you prefer your salad less sour, use half a lime instead of one full lime.
3. To add more texture, consider adding nuts like pecans or almonds. You can also include seeds such as sunflower seeds for extra crunchiness.

Customization Ideas:

• For a different flavor profile, substitute the mango with papaya or kiwi.
• Feel free to change up the vegetables based on what you have in your refrigerator. Bell peppers or cucumber could be great additions!
• To make this dish even healthier, add more leafy greens like arugula or spinach to enhance its nutritional value.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Variations:

For a lighter option, consider using a lower-fat dressing or substituting some of the chicken with turkey. You can also experiment by adding different types of herbs like cilantro or basil for extra flavor.

To turn this into a main course salad, serve it over a bed of mixed greens and add croutons for a touch of crunch. Alternatively, pair it with whole grain bread to make it more substantial.

Conclusion:

This healthy chicken salad recipe is not only delightful but also provides an excellent source of protein along with various vitamins and minerals from the fruits and vegetables involved. It's easy enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at your next gathering. Whether you're looking for a quick weekday meal or something special for dinner, this versatile dish will fit the bill!