Lightened-Up Chicken Salad

Savor the Fresh Simplicity of Lightened-Up Chicken Salad

Treat yourself to a wholesome twist on a classic dish with this Lightened-Up Chicken Salad recipe. This creamy, crunchy, and refreshing salad blends lean protein with vibrant, zesty ingredients—all while keeping things light and guilt-free.

Whether you’re packing a healthy lunch, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or planning a sunny picnic, this chicken salad delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in just minutes, making it an easy favorite for busy days.

Ideal for wellness-focused meals or balanced bites, this dish is a lighter take on traditional chicken salad without losing any of its satisfying texture or taste. Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that fits your lifestyle and your cravings.

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Lightened-Up Chicken Salad: Creamy, Healthy, and Flavor-Packed

This Lightened-Up Chicken Salad offers the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. It replaces heavy dressings with a mix of Greek yogurt and light mayo for a healthier bite without sacrificing flavor. With Dijon mustard and lemon juice adding a tangy twist, every forkful bursts with freshness.

Not only is it rich in protein, but it’s also flexible. You can enjoy it on lettuce wraps, in sandwiches, or even scooped over a bed of greens. Plus, with easy substitutions and optional add-ins, this chicken salad adapts to your personal taste and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• Spread it on whole grain toast or wrap it in a tortilla.
• Serve it with crackers, cucumber slices, or over mixed greens.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Lightened-Up Chicken Salad

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with cooked chicken breast that’s freshly shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken also works well.
2. Balance the Creaminess: Greek yogurt gives protein and tang, while a bit of light mayo adds smoothness. Together, they create a lighter but rich base.
3. Chop for Texture: Finely chop the celery and onion for a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken.
4. Customize Freely: For a twist, try adding apple, cucumber, grapes, or even chopped nuts for sweetness or texture.
5. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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Lightened-Up Chicken Salad Recipe: A Healthy Classic

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Servings: 4
• Equipment: Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, knife and cutting board

Get ready to enjoy a clean, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners. This Lightened-Up Chicken Salad is one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup diced cucumber or apple (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: lettuce leaves or whole grain bread for serving

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Directions:

1. Create the Creamy Base:
   In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
2. Add the Fresh Ingredients:
   Toss in the diced chicken, chopped celery, red onion, cucumber or apple if using, and parsley. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is fully coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
3. Taste and Adjust:
   Give your salad a taste. Add more lemon juice or mustard if you want extra tang, or more salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
4. Chill and Serve:
   For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then, serve chilled in lettuce cups, on toasted bread, or over a fresh salad.

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Ready to Relish!

This Lightened-Up Chicken Salad brings comfort food to your table without the heaviness. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh, bright flavors that make every bite feel like a treat.

Great for meal prepping or quick entertaining, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s proof that lighter meals can be satisfying, hearty, and full of personality.

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Storage Solutions:

Storing your Lightened-Up Chicken Salad is a breeze. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

If preparing in advance, keep the salad dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain crispness. Avoid freezing, as the yogurt-based dressing may separate and become watery.

Whether you enjoy it today or the next, this chicken salad remains delicious, wholesome, and ready when you are.

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Lightened-Up Chicken Salad proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. With a short ingredient list and plenty of flavor, it’s the perfect recipe to keep in your weekly rotation.

This fresh take on a classic favorite delivers taste, nutrition, and convenience all in one bowl—ready to satisfy your cravings with every healthy bite.

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