Best 2 Lighter Chicken Salad Recipes

In the realm of healthy and flavorful meals, lighter chicken salad stands tall as a delectable dish that combines the essence of lean protein with a symphony of fresh ingredients. Renowned for its versatility, this culinary creation offers a delightful balance of flavors that caters to a wide range of palates. Whether you seek a light lunch option, a vibrant side dish, or a satisfying snack, lighter chicken salad emerges as a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and nourishes the body.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHTER CHICKEN SALAD

Lighter Chicken Salad image

Try our creamy, not-too-heavy rendition of an American lunch standby.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6 to 8 ounces each)
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Bring 1 inch salted water to a boil in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add chicken, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 5 minutes. Off heat, let chicken (still covered) steam until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from skillet; when cool enough, cut into chunks or shred with 2 forks.
In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir in chicken, celery, onion, and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Serve on bread or over greens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 g, Fat 5 g, Protein 31 g

FRUITED CHICKEN SALAD (LIGHTER RECIPE)

Fruited Chicken Salad (lighter recipe) image

Chicken salad goes tropical with dried fruit and macadamia nuts!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup pitted prune, cut in half
2 tablespoons chopped macadamia nuts or sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

Mix mayonnaise, tarragon and lemon juice in medium bowl.
Add remaining ingredients except nuts; toss. Sprinkle with nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 210 mg

Tips and Conclusion

Tips

For a lighter chicken salad, use cooked chicken breast that has been skinless and boneless. This will help to reduce the overall fat content of the salad.
Use Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. This will also help to reduce the fat content and add protein to the salad.
Add plenty of fresh vegetables to the salad, such as celery, carrots, onions, and cucumbers. This will add crunch, flavor, and nutrients to the salad.
Use light seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and herbs, to flavor the salad. Avoid using heavy dressings or sauces, as these will add unnecessary calories.
Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce or whole-grain bread for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following the tips above, you can make a lighter chicken salad that is still full of flavor and nutrients. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this lighter chicken salad a try!

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