Description
Homemade chicken salad brings quick comfort to hectic schedules, blending tender chicken with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing. Packed with protein and flavor, this simple dish delivers delicious satisfaction when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1/2 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 2 celery stems, thinly sliced
- 1 seedless mini cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for easy mixing and eating.
- Dice the apple and cucumber into small, consistent cubes to provide crisp texture and even distribution throughout the salad.
- Slice grapes in half to prevent them from rolling around and to create a more manageable bite.
- Finely chop celery to add a subtle crunch and fresh flavor to the chicken mixture.
- Create the creamy dressing by whisking yogurt and mayonnaise until smooth and fully integrated.
- Season the dressing with onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chicken and fruit mixture, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated.
- Add raisins for a sweet contrast and additional texture to the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes at 40°F to allow flavors to meld and develop a more cohesive taste.
- Serve chilled in crisp lettuce cups, between soft bread slices, or alongside crunchy crackers for a versatile and refreshing meal.
Notes
- Swap yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a tangier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Dice chicken into uniform small pieces to ensure every bite has balanced ingredients and smooth texture.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that adds deeper, more complex flavor without extra cooking time.
- Adapt for dietary needs by replacing mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like mashed avocado or cashew cream for dairy-free and plant-based versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg