Are you looking for a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Bethenny Frankel-inspired chicken salad recipe is a game-changer. It's light, flavorful, and perfect for meal prepping, making it a staple in my healthy eating routine. Forget those heavy, mayonnaise-laden chicken salads; this version is skinnylicious and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped grapes (green or red)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Baking, grilling, or poaching are all excellent methods. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. This prevents a watery salad.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, grapes, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently: Gently stir all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
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Chill (optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your Bethenny-inspired chicken salad on whole-wheat bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a standalone healthy meal. Adding chopped nuts provides a delightful textural contrast.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
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Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your chicken salad will taste. Opt for fresh, organic produce whenever possible.
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Don't over-shred the chicken: Slightly larger chicken pieces provide a better texture than finely shredded chicken.
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Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard to your liking.
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Add some spice: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
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Make it a meal prep star: This chicken salad is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and healthy lunches or dinners.
Variations:
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Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder for a flavorful twist.
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Apple Chicken Salad: Swap the grapes for diced apples for a crisp, refreshing variation.
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Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 a mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate (mostly healthy fats from nuts and avocado if added)
- Carbohydrates: Low
This Bethenny Frankel-inspired chicken salad recipe is a simple yet sophisticated addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its delicious flavor and healthy ingredients make it a satisfying and guilt-free choice. Enjoy!