Are you tired of heavy, mayonnaise-laden chicken salad? Craving a lighter, healthier option that still delivers on flavor and texture? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for chicken salad without mayonnaise is a delicious and refreshing alternative, perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a healthy snack. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. Get ready to discover a new favorite among your quick dinner ideas and best recipes!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 large chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or flavored, your choice!)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh grapes (optional, adds sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch; a sprinkle of curry powder for a unique flavor profile.
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook a chicken breast until fully cooked through. You can boil, bake, grill, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, grapes (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Mix well: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for extra tang, salt for more savoriness, or pepper for a little heat.
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Chill (optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but highly recommended.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious and healthy chicken salad on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier texture: Use full-fat Greek yogurt. It will provide a richer consistency compared to low-fat options.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Make it a meal: Serve your chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens for a complete and healthy meal.
- Meal prepping made easy: This chicken salad is fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This recipe provides a healthy and delicious option for those looking for lighter food recipes.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7 grams
This easy chicken salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals. It's a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it!