How to Make a Delicious and Healthy Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a popular dish that combines savory chicken with refreshing vegetables for an easy-to-eat meal. Whether you’re having it as a light lunch or as a snack, this recipe ensures each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 large chicken breast)
½ small red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup celery sticks, finely chopped
3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 ripe avocado, sliced (for more creaminess)
Cucumber slices or lettuce leaves for serving

To start, prepare your ingredients. Shred the chicken breast into small pieces using two forks or a sharp knife. Finely chop the red onion and celery sticks until they are finely minced.

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, chopped onions, and celery. Set aside for later use.
Mix the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard in another small bowl until well combined. Season this dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken mixture has been prepared, pour half of the dressing over it. Mix thoroughly so that all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste a bit; adjust seasoning if necessary.
If you want creamier texture without adding more mayo or yogurt, consider mashing an avocado and mixing it into the salad. This step is optional but recommended for extra flavor.
Once everything has been mixed well, your chicken salad is ready to serve! Arrange on slices of cucumber or lettuces leaves for presentation purposes.

This homemade chicken salad is not only quick and easy but also very healthy. It contains essential nutrients like protein from the chicken breast, vitamins from various vegetables such as onions and celery, along with good fats from avocado if included. The dressing adds a delightful tanginess which compliments the other ingredients perfectly.

Tip for Adding More Flavors

You can enhance your dish by adding some dried cranberries or raisins to provide additional sweetness. If you want something spicy, try incorporating diced jalapeños. Another idea is to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving - it looks beautiful and adds a fresh aroma.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 240 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 11 g
Protein: 35 g

Cooking Tips & Variations

If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of mayo or yogurt. For those who like more heat, add some red pepper flakes instead of jalapeños. Alternatively, if you're looking for something different, substitute half of the chicken with cooked turkey breast.

Chicken salad isn't just great during summer months when it's warm outside; it also pairs wonderfully with a hot soup or stew in colder weather as part of a balanced meal plan. Enjoy this versatile and nutritious dish any time you're craving something fresh and tasty!