Indulge in this refreshing chicken salad, packed with lean protein and crunchy vegetables. This recipe is ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. High in nutrients and low in calories, it’s a healthy option for maintaining a balanced diet. Looking for more salad recipes? Check out our recipes page.
Chicken, as highlighted in this article, is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins, making it a perfect ingredient for a nutritious meal.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (if using fresh chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Slice the vegetables and shred or dice the cooked chicken.
2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cooked chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts over the salad if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds.
- Experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.
- Keep the salad dressing separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.
Feel free to add or remove ingredients according to your taste.
