Versatile & Tasty Chicken Salad
I know we are all looking for an easy, affordable, and healthy recipe that the whole family will love and that tastes delicious! Well, you are in luck today! This is a simple high protein chicken salad recipe, packed with over 30 grams of protein per serving, perfect for a quick meal option! Chicken salad is so versatile and is a great option for meal prepping. You can enjoy this recipe with crackers, fresh cut veggies, on a bed of lettuce, or as a sandwich on whole wheat bread.
Whether you need a satisfying dish to take for a brunch or shower, or just need a quick and healthy lunch at home for the week, this is the BEST go-to recipe for you!
A great thing about this recipe is that you can swap most of the ingredients for a different version that works better for you! I have included swap suggestions in the ingredients list below for you.
Versatile & Tasty Chicken Salad Recipe:
Ingredients
4 cups canned chicken (or 1 pound shredded cooked chicken breasts, shredded rotisserie chicken)
1 cup red grapes, halved (or green grapes, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds)
1 cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup diced pecans (or sliced almonds, chopped walnuts)
1 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt (or avocado mayonnaise, add lemon juice or dijon for a tangy dressing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, shred your chicken (if you use canned chicken, make sure to drain it well before placing it in the bowl). Add in chopped grapes, celery, and nuts. Mix well.
Add in a cup of greek yogurt. Pinch in some salt and pepper, then mix well.
Taste test and add more salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy!
Health Hacks:
Why Swap Mayonnaise for Yogurt?
Plain greek yogurt is an easy and affordable way to increase your protein intake. 1 cup of greek yogurt provides about 23 grams of protein! Yogurt is also packed with probiotics which help support a healthy gut.
How to Pair/Serve Chicken Salad
Scoop a large dollop of chicken salad on a bed of chopped lettuce to enjoy as a salad
Scoop chicken salad into lettuce boats (washed romaine lettuce leaves)for simple lettuce wraps
Fill a croissant or slices of whole wheat toast with chicken salad for a delicious and satisfying sandwich
Place a serving of chicken salad in a bowl and use your favorite cracker (Triscuits, Wheat Thins, etc) or fresh cut veggies (bell peppers, cucumber, etc) to munch on the chicken salad as a snack
How to Store it?
This recipe makes roughly 6 servings, and will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This recipe is great to portion out into separate containers with lettuce or veggies as a meal prep for the week.
Written By: Madalyn Roehrig, TWU Dietetic Intern
Hi! My name is Madalyn Roehrig, I am a current dietetic intern and master’s student at Texas Woman’s University. I have lived in North Texas my entire life, but take every chance I can to travel! I enjoy baking and cooking new recipes, going rock climbing, or relaxing by the side of a pool. I am passionate about providing evidence based nutrition education to help all people learn how to prevent disease and support personal health goals through diet.