Creamy, satisfying chicken salad can be nutritious and low in calories, too. This recipe uses plain, non-fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With ingredients like apple, celery, onion, lemon juice, and walnuts, the salad has a blend of sweet and savory flavors, as well as crunchy, creamy, and chewy textures.
As the salad marinates, the flavors blend together and improve. That makes it a great choice for a healthy lunch the next day. Keep the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Try swapping 3 cans of tuna, drained, for the chicken. For a meatless option, use cooked egg whites instead of chicken breast
- Slivered almonds or sunflower seeds can sub for the walnuts
- You can use lime juice or white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice
- For a thicker dressing, try Greek yogurt instead of regular. Another option is to use ½ cup of yogurt and ½ cup of pureed avocado
- For a more filling meal, serve the chicken salad on a bed of spinach or spring greens or as a sandwich in a whole-grain pita pocket or on whole-wheat bread
- It’s also good alongside fresh fruit like watermelon or tangerines
- Try adding ingredients like chopped tomatoes, freshly chopped parsley, and shredded cabbage for different flavors and textures with additional nutrients
Recipe for Skinny Creamy Chicken Salad with Yogurt
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of cooked skinless chicken
- 1 medium apple, diced
- ½ cup of diced celery
- ¼ cup of minced onion
- ¾ cup of fat-free plain yogurt
- ¼ cup of chopped walnuts
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least two hours.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition information per serving: calories: 230 kcal; total fat: 9 g; total carbohydrates: 17 g; sugar: 10 g; fiber: 3 g; protein: 22 g; sodium: 60 mg; cholesterol: 55 mg