Best 2 Lighter Chicken Salad Recipes

Craving a lighter, healthier twist on the classic chicken salad? Look no further! Our collection of recipes offers a variety of delicious and nutritious options that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. From a classic chicken salad with a tangy twist to a refreshing Asian-inspired version, our recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized. Whether you prefer a creamy, mayonnaise-based dressing or a lighter, vinaigrette-based option, we have a recipe that will hit the spot. And with the addition of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful spices, our chicken salads are packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. So, get ready to elevate your lunch game and explore the world of lighter chicken salads with our curated collection of recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your chicken salad. Look for organic, free-range chicken and fresh, crisp vegetables.
Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Shred the chicken by hand: Shredding the chicken by hand gives it a more tender and flavorful texture than if you use a food processor.
Use a variety of vegetables: Adding a variety of vegetables to your chicken salad will give it more flavor, texture, and nutrients. Some good options include celery, onion, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
Use a light mayonnaise or yogurt dressing: A heavy mayonnaise dressing can weigh down your chicken salad and make it too rich. Use a light mayonnaise or yogurt dressing instead to keep the salad light and refreshing.
Season the salad to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served on a sandwich, in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce. It can also be used as a filling for deviled eggs or stuffed tomatoes. No matter how you choose to serve it, chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.