The first time I made chicken salad was when I created this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe. Growing up, I always thought I didn’t like chicken salad… yet I had never tried it. It’s funny how we can miss out on delicious dishes just because we assume we won’t like them. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Give this flavorful and nutritious meal a try! Packed with protein and delicious flavors, this recipes will leave your body and taste buds feeling satisfied. Follow along in this blog post as I guide you through making this recipe using basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
Ingredients Needed to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
- 12 oz Shredded Chicken
- 1/3 cup Avocado Mayo
- 2 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Fruit
How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad
Now that we’ve covered what ingredients you’ll need, let’s talk about how to cook the chicken for chicken salad. There are several methods you can use, depending on your preference and time constraints.
One popular method is to boil the chicken in water for 20 minutes and then shred it using a kitchen aid stand mixer. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and tender. However, if you’re short on time, you can also use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for this recipe.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
Now that we’ve covered how to cook your chicken, let’s move on to making it. To begin, gather all of your ingredients and a large mixing bowl.
Add the shredded chicken, avocado mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, chopped pecans, and salt to the mixing bowl. Mix everything together until all of the ingredients are well incorporated. The combination of flavors will create a mouthwatering dressing for your chicken salad.
Fruit Combos to Complete the Recipe
Now that you have you’ve mixed the main ingredients together, it’s time to add some fruity goodness. Adding fruits to your dish not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits. Here are a few fruit combos that I personally enjoy:
- Chicken Salad with Grapes: Slice about 1 cup of grapes and add them to your salad. For an extra burst of flavor, throw in 1/4 cup dried fruit like cranberries.
- Chicken Salad with Dried Fruit: Use 1/2 cup of your favorite dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries. You can also experiment with goji berries, apricots, or prunes for a unique twist.
- Chicken Salad with Apples: Dice one whole apple and mix it into your salad. I like to add in 1/4 cup raisins when I use apples.
Feel free to get creative and try different fruit combinations to find your favorite. The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and adds a delightful contrast of flavors.
How Long is Chicken Salad Good For
Once you’ve made this healthy chicken salad recipe, you might be wondering how long it will stay fresh. Typically, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Boosting the Health Benefits
Chicken salad is already a healthy choice, but there are a few additional things you can do to make it even better for you. One simple trick is to add mixed greens to your salad. Chop them up finely and incorporate them well into the dressing. The greens are hardly noticeable, but they add vibrant colors and provide extra nutrients.
By adding fruits and greens to your meal, you’re not only enhancing the taste but also boosting your phytonutrient intake. Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants that have numerous health benefits. They help support your overall well-being and can even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
As you can see, this healthy chicken salad recipe a delicious and nutritious meal option. By following this recipe and incorporating fruits and greens, you’ll create a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with essential nutrients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a healthy chicken salad today!
For more easy recipe ideas, browse all of The Mediocre Cook Recipes! Print
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor. Made with tender chicken breast and flavorful fruit, this salad is the perfect choice for a satisfying meal or snack.
Recipe Inspiration: Little Bit’s of Real Food’s Sonoma Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz Shredded Chicken
- 1/3 cup Avocado Mayo
- 2 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Cook the chicken by boiling it for 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Shred the chicken using a stand mixer, hand mixer or fork.
- Put the chicken in the fridge to cool for 1 hour prior to making the chicken salad. (See notes for other options)
- Add the shredded chicken, avocado mayo, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, chopped pecans, and salt to the mixing bowl.
- Pick a fruit combo from the notes below and add to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Serve over gluten free tortillas or bread and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
Fruit Combos:
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Cranberries: 1 cup of sliced grapes + 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or any dried fruit)
- Chicken Salad with Dried Fruit: Use 1/2 cup of your favorite dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries or a combination of both. You can also experiment with goji berries, apricots, or prunes. Really any dried fruit will work. I recommend using two different types and doing 1/4 cup of each.
- Chicken Salad with Apples: 1 apple (diced) + 1/4 cup raisins (or any dried fruit).
You can use baked, boiled, grilled, rotisserie or canned chicken for this recipe. I personally use boiled because it’s easiest for me.
If using anything other than canned chicken, add an hour to the prep time to allow the chicken to cool down. I always cook my chicken one day in advance because I like my chicken salad very cold.
The calories listed are without the inclusion of any fruit.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 332
