Description
This delicious healthy chicken salad is a quick and easy recipe that elevates your lunch game with a perfect blend of savory roasted chicken, fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruit. Ready in just 15 minutes, it uses wholesome ingredients like avocado-based mayonnaise and fresh dill to create a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups diced chicken breast (use roasted or leftover chicken)
Salad Mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (try avocado-based mayonnaise for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, soaked in cold water for milder taste
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or grapes; use dried fruits without added sugar)
- 1/3 cup nuts (pecans, sliced almonds, or walnuts; optional: toasted for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup herbs (chives or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather all ingredients and ensure the chicken breast is cooked by your preferred method such as roasting, poaching, or using leftover cooked chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: If not using leftover chicken, roast or poach chicken breast until fully cooked. Cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, fresh dill, soaked and drained red onions, chopped celery, dried fruit, nuts, and chopped fresh herbs.
- Stir Well: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with mayonnaise.
- Serve or Store: Serve the chicken salad immediately as a fresh meal, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate to enjoy later.
Notes
- Soaking red onions in cold water reduces their sharpness and adds a milder onion flavor.
- Using avocado-based mayonnaise provides a healthier fat option and adds extra creaminess.
- Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan before adding to enhance flavor.
- Use dried fruits without added sugar to keep the salad healthy and balanced.
- This chicken salad is great served on its own, with crackers, or inside a sandwich or wrap.
