If you’re tired of the lush green salads for lunch, these five iconic chicken salad recipes will inspire you for a quick lunch from the Southwest to fruity!
I eat a lot of tuna and salmon salads, but chicken salad is another great way to turn one of the most common ingredients into a high protein lunch!
What I like most about this kind of mixed “salad” is their simplicity and versatility. When coming up with a new recipe, I consider the big macro group (complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats) and find a new way to squeeze it with all three (I’ll go into this in the salad at the Lunch Post).
Today I share some of my favorite wireless Mayo chicken salad recipes. Each is made from five ingredients. Whether you start with the grocery store Rotisserie chicken to add dark meat or leave chicken breasts behind, you’ll be amazed at how flavorful each recipe is with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for a quick lunch, a quick dinner or a protein-filled snack.
5-ingRedient Chicken Salad Recipe
My go-to philosophy when it comes to food? There are always ways to tweak your recipes to make them a little healthier. These chicken salad recipes are classic favorites refreshed with healthy ingredients I love, and have ruled out the things I don’t (ahem, onions).
Is chicken salad healthy?
of course! However, as most recipe styles progress, some recipes are lighter and healthier than others, based on the ingredients served with chicken. Are you adding lots of mayo and oil, or adding vegetables or Greek yogurt (I know I like to add anything that can Greek yogurt. Chicken is a great source of protein, so of course it’s a sparkling macro to fill you up.
And even if you are facing a very dense store-bought chicken salad, it will satisfy you just a little, so add some light complementary food to bring nutrition along with them.
That said, here is what I like about chicken salad from a nutritional perspective:
Lots of lean proteins: I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s worth repeating – proteins are important. It helps build and maintain muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps you feeling satisfied for hours. Chicken is a solid source of lean protein and is also a protein most people like.
Low refined carbs: depending on how you serve it – perhaps for a chicken salad sandwich, wrapped in whole grain toast, crunchy lettuce or eat straight out of the bowl – chicken salad can be low-carb. In other words, it is a satisfying blood sugar-friendly option.
Healthy Fats Work For You: Lighting Mayo and not meant the flavor or creaminess of the groove. I love using Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed avocado, or drizzle of olive oil. These add richness and nutrient fats to support brain and heart health.
Balance and Filling: A great chicken salad has a triple device of protein, healthy fats and fiber.
Let’s be honest: one bowl, some simple ingredients, quick mix? It’s like my loud, healthy meal preparation.
How to Make a Chicken Salad with 5 Ingredients: Recipe Ideas
Avocad lime chicken salad recipe
If you’re looking for something in the Southwest, this avocad lime chicken salad checks out every box. It’s very simple, crazy and satisfying, and has the right amount of heat with each bite. Scoop it up with whole grain crackers or crispy tortilla chips for great texture contrast! If necessary, add a little salsa for your kick.
Ingredients 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded or diced ½ ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of lime mashed juice, 1 tablespoon of coriander pinch of sea salt instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mash avocado with lime juice and salt until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the chicken and cilantro until well mixed.
Step 3: Serve in a refreshing lettuce cup or with whole grain crackers or chips.
Chicken salad cabbage cup
Scream at this classic blog recipe! I’m a big fan of salads that I’m a bit unexpected. And the combination of delicious grilled chicken and sweet fruit gives a wonderful sweet-flavored combo. (I know, salad fruits can be controversial!). Add a little crunch from the chopped celery and walnuts and it’s light and satisfying.
Ingredients ½ Grilled chicken breast, large standing apple, diced 1 stalk celery, diced 1/3 cup blackberries chopped 2 tablespoons walnuts
For dressing:
2 cups of Dijon Mustard ¼ cup Greek yogurt (Fage is my go-to!)
Step 1: Throw everything into a mixing bowl until it is neatly coated and combined.
Step 2: Steam the four cabbage leaves until softened and allow to cool slightly. Scoop the chicken salad into each leaf and enjoy a cup of mayo cabbage!
Classic cottage cheese chicken salad recipe
Don’t be scared of cottage cheese! Cottage cheese with protein, calcium, potassium and vitamins is a nutritious powerhouse. And if you’re craving the vibe of a classic chicken salad, but don’t want to consume mayonnaise vat, this is the perfect alternative. It’s creamy and crunchy and honestly, you can’t taste the big difference. If you get odd about cottage cheese tofu, you can find a very small variety of tofu or blend it quickly first.
Ingredients 1 cup cooked or diced chicken breast ½ cup cottage cheese (I always reach for a good culture brand – the texture is perfect) ¼ cup chopped celery (adds quite a crunch)
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with salt, pepper and any spices of your choice.
Step 2: Add the chicken, celery, and pickles (or onions) and stir until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes and combine the flavors together.
Step 4: Serve with whole grain toast, lettuce wrap or grab a fork and eat straight out of the bowl. There is no judgment.
Mediterranean Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re feeling something light, crunchy and summery, this flavour combo is right for you. The cucumber gives it a satisfying crunch, and of course the feta makes it very good. Pop into the fridge and marinate. It’s like the flavor gets even better as you sit down.
Ingredients 1 cup cooked ½ cup chopped cucumber ¼ cup crushed feta cheese 1½ lemon olive oil juice
Step 1: Put everything in a bowl and give it a good mix.
Step 2: Season and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Serve it on a lush green bed or push it into a warm pita (very good!).
Bonus Ideas: Swap your chicken for tuna or salmon with any of these recipes!
If you’re tired of a lush green salad every day for lunch, then the simple five iconic homemade chicken salads have just the same nutritional value as well as a good change in pace.
You can also make large batches at the beginning of the week, making it easy to prepare a protein-filled lunch or snack when things get busy.
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