Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you sometimes crave something that feels indulgent but also keeps things on the healthier side. That’s why I’m super excited to share my lightened up chicken salad recipe with you! It’s packed with flavor and texture, yet it’s a much healthier twist on the classic chicken salad we all know and love. Trust me, once you give this a try, it might just become your go-to dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner!

Growing up, chicken salad was a staple in our house, especially during the summer months. But as I started focusing on healthier eating, I knew I had to recreate that comforting dish without all the extra calories. So, I swapped out some heavy ingredients for lighter versions and added a bit of crunch and sweetness. The result? A delicious, refreshing salad that’s perfect on its own or served in a wrap. I promise you won’t miss the traditional version one bit!

Ingredients List

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup halved grapes
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare the Lightened Up Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious lightened up chicken salad! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the time you’re done. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get mixing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, let’s get a large mixing bowl ready. In this bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This creamy base is where all the magic starts! Stir these together until they’re well blended. Trust me, the tanginess of the Greek yogurt paired with the mustard is oh-so-delicious!
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but feel free to cook up some chicken breasts if you prefer. Next, add 1 cup of diced celery for that satisfying crunch!
Don’t forget the sweetness! Add in 1/2 cup of halved grapes. They add such a lovely pop of flavor! Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of sliced almonds to bring in that nutty goodness. Seriously, the combination of all these textures is heavenly!
Now, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle beautifully. It’s like a little dance party in your bowl!
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to season! Add *salt and pepper to taste*. I usually go a bit light on the salt since the chicken can be seasoned already, but definitely adjust it to your liking.
Here comes the hardest part—patience! Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least *30 minutes*. This allows all those fabulous flavors to develop and really come together. You can even make it a few hours ahead of time, and it’ll be even better!

And voilà! You’ve just made a delicious lightened up chicken salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or however your heart desires! Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
Healthier ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, plus the crunch of fresh veggies and nuts, you can enjoy every bite without the guilt!
Delicious flavor: The combination of tangy yogurt, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a tasty, nutritious option ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
Versatile serving options: Whether you enjoy it on whole grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl, this salad is as flexible as your cravings!

Tips for Success

Alright, my friend, let’s ensure your lightened up chicken salad turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips I’ve picked up along the way that will take your salad to the next level:

Use juicy chicken: If you can, opt for juicy rotisserie chicken. It adds so much flavor and makes the salad extra tender. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, don’t forget to season it well while cooking!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix in different ingredients! For a bit of zing, try adding chopped green onions or a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. You could even fold in some diced apples for an extra crunch and sweetness!
Texture is key: For that perfect crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their nutty flavor and gives a delightful crunch.
Make it dairy-free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, swap the Greek yogurt and mayo with a dairy-free yogurt or a creamy avocado mash. It’ll still be rich and delicious!
Chill longer for better flavor: While 30 minutes is great, if you can let it chill for a couple of hours or even overnight, do it! The flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even tastier.
Get creative with add-ins: Don’t be afraid to throw in some dried cranberries or chopped herbs like dill or parsley. They can give your salad a fresh twist that’s simply delightful!

These little tweaks and tips can make a world of difference! So don’t hesitate to play around with your lightened up chicken salad and make it your very own delicious masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up your fabulous lightened up chicken salad, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! One of the best things about this salad is its versatility—there are so many delicious ways to serve it!

Whole grain bread: Slap that chicken salad between two slices of hearty whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich. Add a few leafy greens or slices of tomato for an extra layer of freshness. Yum!
Lettuce wraps: If you’re looking for something lighter, scoop the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves. I love using romaine or butter lettuce—they add a nice crunch and make it feel like a fun finger food!
On a bed of greens: Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful salad presentation. Drizzle a little balsamic vinaigrette on top to tie all those flavors together.
With fruit: Pair your chicken salad with a side of fresh fruit, like juicy watermelon or a medley of berries. It’s a refreshing contrast that balances the savory flavors perfectly!
As a dip: Enjoy it as a dip with whole grain crackers or veggie sticks. It makes for a great appetizer or a fun snack while you’re lounging at home!
Stuffed avocados: For a twist, try stuffing halved avocados with the chicken salad. The creamy avocado complements the salad beautifully and makes for a gorgeous presentation!

Whatever way you choose to serve it, I promise this lightened up chicken salad is going to steal the show. So dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made your scrumptious lightened up chicken salad, and now you’re wondering how to keep those delicious leftovers fresh, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered! The key to preserving this tasty dish is to store it properly.

First off, let it cool down to room temperature if you’ve just made it. Then, transfer your chicken salad to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from sneaking in from the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the flavors might start to fade a bit, and we definitely want you to enjoy it at its best!

Now, if you want to enjoy your chicken salad at its peak, it’s best served cold straight from the fridge. However, if you prefer it a little warmer, you can do a quick reheating. Just be cautious—microwaving can sometimes change the texture a bit. If you do decide to warm it up, use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to prevent splattering, and heat it for about 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s just warmed through. But honestly, I think it’s best enjoyed cold!

Remember, if you notice any off smells or changes in texture after a few days, it’s better to be safe and toss it out. Enjoy your lightened up chicken salad while it’s fresh, and trust me, it won’t last long anyway!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers for a second! I know many of us are curious about what’s packed into our delicious lightened up chicken salad. So here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (which is about 1 cup):

Calories: 250
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For instance, using low-fat mayonnaise or adding more veggies can change the calorie count a bit! But overall, this salad is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something nutritious yet satisfying.

So, go ahead and enjoy every bite, knowing you’re fueling your body with a tasty, healthy meal! You’re making a great choice with this lightened up chicken salad, and your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my lightened up chicken salad? No problem! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out:

Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make it dairy-free, simply swap out the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or even mashed avocado. Both options will keep it creamy and delicious without the dairy!

What can I use instead of grapes?

If grapes aren’t your thing, no worries at all! You can use diced apples for a bit of crunch and sweetness, or toss in some dried cranberries for a chewy texture. Both will add a lovely touch to your salad!

How can I serve this to kids?

Kids love fun presentations, so try serving it in cute lettuce wraps or in whole grain pita pockets. You can even let them make their own wraps, adding whatever toppings they like! It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You bet! This salad actually tastes even better after chilling for a while as the flavors meld together. Just make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge. It’ll be ready when you are!

Is this chicken salad good for meal prep?

Definitely! This lightened up chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the start of the week and portion it out for quick lunches or snacks. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge, and it’ll last for up to three days!

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need additional tips. I’m here to help you enjoy this delightful salad to the fullest!

Lightened Up Chicken Salad: A Comforting 30-Minute Delight

Author: Louna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A healthier version of chicken salad packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup grapes, halved
1/4 cup almonds, sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
Add shredded chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds to the bowl.
Mix until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on whole grain bread or lettuce wraps.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lightened up chicken salad

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