Are you looking for a delicious and healthy lunch option that won't derail your weight-watching goals? Look no further! This WW chicken salad recipe, made with creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, is a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It's packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the day. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and adaptable to your taste preferences. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 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 breasts. You can grill, bake, or boil them – whatever method you prefer. Once cooked, let them cool completely before shredding or dicing. This ensures your salad stays chilled and prevents the yogurt from getting too thin.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using nuts, add them now.
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Mix well: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper depending on your preferences.
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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: Enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken salad! Serve it on whole-wheat bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or with your favorite vegetables.
Tips for the Best WW Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Opt for fresh, flavorful celery, red onion, and dill.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
- Add some crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and extra flavor. You could also try adding some chopped apples or grapes for a different textural element.
- Make it ahead: This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Substitute the dill with fresh parsley and add chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate (mostly healthy fats from Greek yogurt and nuts, if added)
- Carbohydrates: Low
This WW chicken salad is a simple, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a healthy snack. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover a new favorite healthy dish!