Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
This healthy chicken salad is packed with protein, low in carbs, and perfect for a balanced meal. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with nutritious ingredients, it’s one of the best chicken breast recipes for meal prep, sandwiches, or a light dinner!
This healthy chicken salad is another blockbuster on my YouTube channel, with over 3 million views and thousands of happy people who were looking for healthy chicken recipes for weight loss. It has become one of my all-time favorite salads, along with my Healthy Avocado and Tuna Salad, Chickpea Salad, and Tabbouleh Salad.
One thing I love about this salad is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it as a light meal on its own or pair it with something heartier. Sometimes, I even serve this salad alongside my One Pot Chicken Quinoa for an extra boost of protein.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Chicken Salad
This healthy chicken salad recipe is the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. If you’re looking for a high-protein chicken salad that’s not only delicious but also great for weight loss, this is the recipe for you. The juicy chicken breast adds a satisfying texture, while the mix of crunchy veggies, nuts, and a creamy, low-fat dressing offers both balance and variety. If you are looking for healthy salad recipes, or just want a quick chicken breast dinner idea, this salad has something for everyone.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Packed with high-protein chicken breast, making it great for weight loss.
- Keto-friendly and low in carbs, ideal for those following a keto chicken salad plan.
- Creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt for a healthy twist on traditional chicken salad dressing.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or a quick chicken breast recipe for dinner.
- Versatile – enjoy it as a salad or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: The star of this dish, chicken breasts are high in protein and low in fat, making them perfect for a high protein chicken salad. They’re versatile and work well in many chicken breast recipes for dinner.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch to the salad, providing fiber and a fresh taste that complements the creamy dressing.
- Green apple: A sweet and tart addition that balances the savory flavors of the salad and adds a refreshing bite.
- Green and red onions: Both add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish. They bring depth to the overall taste.
- Lettuce: Forms the base of this healthy salad with chicken, adding bulk and fiber while keeping the salad light and fresh.
- Almonds: Adds crunch and healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.
- Dried cranberries: Offer a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and tangy dressing.
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: These form the base of the dressing, with Greek yogurt providing a healthy, creamy consistency that keeps the chicken salad dressing lighter than traditional versions.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by marinating and cooking the chicken breasts. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and oregano for added flavor. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, making it a perfect addition to any chicken breast recipe. Let the chicken cool before slicing to ensure the salad stays fresh and crisp.
2. Prepare the Salad:
Chop the veggies—celery, apples, onions, and lettuce—along with the almonds and dried cranberries. This adds a mix of crunchy textures and flavors, making this healthy chicken salad recipe both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
3. Mix the Dressing and Assemble:
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-fat mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to create a healthy dressing for chicken salad. Combine everything in a large bowl and toss until well-coated with the dressing. This easy chicken salad is now ready to serve, whether as a light meal or as part of your meal prep!
Is Chicken Salad Healthy?
Yes, chicken salad is healthy when made with nutritious ingredients like lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a lighter dressing. This healthy chicken salad recipe is packed with protein, low in carbs, and can be part of a balanced diet, especially when using ingredients like Greek yogurt for the dressing and plenty of fiber-rich veggies.
Variations
One of the great things about this healthy chicken salad recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try to keep it exciting:
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for mashed avocado. This gives the salad a creamy texture while adding healthy fats, making it perfect for those following a keto diet.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-cooking them. This adds a delicious char and makes it a great option for summer barbecues.
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a kick by mixing in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. It’s a simple way to transform this into a healthy salad with chicken that has some heat.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Include ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Keto Chicken Salad: For a keto-friendly version, swap the apples and dried cranberries for lower-carb options like cucumber or avocado. Use full-fat mayonnaise in the dressing and add ingredients like spinach, cheese, or olives to increase healthy fats, creating a delicious keto chicken salad that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet.
Substitutes
This healthy chicken salad recipe is quite versatile, and you can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great substitutes to try:
- Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even turkey. For a plant-based option, chickpeas or tofu are great substitutes that still provide protein.
- Greek Yogurt: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can replace it with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even mashed avocado for a creamier, dairy-free option.
- Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt or use avocado oil mayo for a healthier fat option.
- Celery: If you’re out of celery, try using cucumbers, bell peppers, or even radishes for a crunchy alternative in this chicken and lettuce salad.
- Almonds: You can swap almonds for any other nuts or seeds like walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Cranberries: If you want a lower-carb option, omit the dried cranberries and use chopped cucumbers or olives instead, especially for a keto chicken salad.
Best Served With
Beef Chunks in the Oven: For a hearty and flavorful meal, serve this healthy chicken salad alongside oven-baked beef chunks. The tender, slow-cooked beef contrasts nicely with the fresh, crunchy salad, creating a satisfying meal perfect for dinner.
Healthy Tuna Patties: Pair the salad with homemade healthy tuna patties for a protein-packed combination. The patties are light yet filling, making them a great match for this healthy salad with chicken.
Lentil Soup: For a cozy and nutritious option, serve this salad with a warm bowl of lentil soup. The soup’s earthy flavors and high fiber content pair beautifully with the freshness of the salad, creating a balanced, healthy meal.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon: Complement the salad with Pistachio Crusted Salmon for a sophisticated and nutrient-dense dish. The crunchy, nutty crust on the salmon pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken salad dressing, making for an impressive and healthy meal.
How to Store
Refrigeration: Store the healthy chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the salad cold to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Dressing Separation: If you plan to store the salad for a few days, it’s a good idea to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This prevents the salad ingredients, like lettuce and nuts, from becoming soggy.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as ingredients like lettuce and the creamy chicken salad dressing don’t hold up well after thawing.
Prepping in Advance: If you want to prep ahead, cook the chicken and chop the veggies in advance. Store each component separately and assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
More Chicken Breast Recipes
Looking for more chicken breast dinner ideas? Here are some delicious and easy-to-make chicken breast recipes that are perfect for any night of the week:
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 3 Chicken breasts skinless
- 1-2 tablespoons Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
For the salad:
- 2-3 Celery stalks chopped
- ½ Green apple chopped
- 3 Green onions chopped
- ¼ Red onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons Parsley chopped
- 4-5 leaves Lettuce chopped
- ½ cup (45 g) Almonds chopped or any other nuts
- ½ cup (65 g) Dried cranberries optional
For the dressing:
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) Mayonnaise low fat
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) Greek yogurt low fat
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and paprika. Place the chicken in the bowl and mix until full coated. Let marinate for 1 hour (optional).
- Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool, while preparing the vegetables.
Make the salad:
- To a large bowl add chopped celery, chopped apple, cranberries, chopped green onion, chopped red onion, chopped parsley, chopped almonds, chopped lettuce. *Read recipe notes
- Cut chicken breast into small pieces and add to the salad.
Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients and well combined.
- Add the dressing to the salad and mix.
- Serve!
Video
Notes
- Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
- FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located below the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.
- Chicken salad for weight loss: in this recipe I used low fay mayo, if you prefer a lighter version, you can use the same amount of fat-free Greek yogurt.
- Keto chicken salad: in this recipe, I included some dried cranberries, but if you prefer low-carb (keto) chicken salad, you can omit the cranberries. Same with apples.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Yes, you can prepare the components (chicken, veggies, and dressing) in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
You can substitute mayonnaise with mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or a mix of the two for a creamy, healthier option.
You can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken breasts. Marinating them before cooking adds extra flavor. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy to keep the salad moist and tender.
Yes, to make the salad dairy-free, omit the Greek yogurt in the dressing and replace it with extra mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
Yes, this healthy chicken salad recipe for weight loss is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a filling and nutritious meal that can support weight loss goals, especially when paired with a balanced diet.
I’ve made this and it wonderful! But what is the calorie count for the salad.
This salad is wonderful, it should have 5 stars!
Thanks for a healthy delicious salad
What great flavours. Thanks
👍
I added grapes, was great!