Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Beautiful chicken salad in a rustic bowl

The Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh, Healthy & Delicious


  • Author: N. Zakariya
  • Total Time: PT35M
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This fresh and healthy chicken salad features lean, tender chicken combined with crisp mixed greens, juicy grapes, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb)
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced (to be added just before serving)

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and (optional) paprika.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
  • Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables & Fruits

  • Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
  • Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and julienne the red bell pepper.
  • Thinly slice the red onion and chop the celery.
  • Halve the red grapes.
  • Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

  • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
  • Transfer to a cutting board, coarsely chop, and let cool.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, celery, grapes, and sliced chicken.
  • Drizzle the dressing evenly over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
  • Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top and give a final gentle toss.
  • Add the diced avocado immediately before serving.

Notes

  • Variations: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Tips: For an extra creamy dressing, add a little more sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a crunchier texture, increase the amount of toasted nuts.
  • Allergies: If you have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans or substitute with roasted chickpeas.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over additional fresh greens or alongside gluten-free crackers for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 438 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 400 g
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg

Keywords: chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, nutritious lunch recipe, fresh salad, protein salad