Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying, and light meal that fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers (WW) program, look no further than this WW Chicken Salad on Croissants. This recipe is a beautiful blend of tender, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all piled into a fluffy croissant. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a truly indulgent treat, while the carefully selected ingredients ensure that you’re staying within your SmartPoints budget.

What makes this chicken salad truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this recipe is easy to make and completely customizable. The creamy dressing gives the chicken salad its rich flavor without being too heavy, and using the right ingredients helps keep the SmartPoints low, so you can enjoy every bite guilt-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this flavorful chicken salad on croissants, from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions. We’ll also give you useful tips for making the recipe even healthier and more flexible. Whether you’re following the WW Green, Blue, or Purple plan, this meal can fit right into your meal prep.

Why This Chicken Salad on Croissants Is Perfect for WW

One of the biggest challenges when following a weight loss program like Weight Watchers is satisfying your cravings for comfort food while keeping your points in check. Chicken salad on croissants is a classic choice for many people who crave something light yet indulgent, but traditional recipes often come with a hefty serving of calories and fat. This WW-friendly version provides all the flavor and texture of the classic dish but with a fraction of the calories and SmartPoints.

The chicken salad filling is made with lean chicken breast, plenty of fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing made with light ingredients that don’t compromise on taste. The croissant, typically known for its buttery, flaky texture, is made WW-friendly by using a lighter version of the dough, ensuring you can still enjoy the experience without overdoing the SmartPoints. Whether you want to indulge for lunch, serve it as a crowd-pleasing dish, or even make it for meal prep, this recipe is a great choice.

Ingredients

This WW Chicken Salad on Croissants recipe is designed to serve 4 people. You’ll need the following ingredients for both the chicken salad filling and the croissant:

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) Chicken is a lean source of protein and forms the base of the salad.
  • 1/4 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture without adding extra calories and fat. It also adds a protein boost.
  • 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise The mayonnaise helps achieve a creamy consistency, but using light mayo keeps it lower in calories.
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the creaminess of the dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, zesty kick.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder Garlic powder adds depth of flavor without the overpowering taste of fresh garlic.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder Onion powder enhances the savory flavor of the chicken salad.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) Salt helps balance the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste) Pepper adds a mild heat and complements the other seasonings.
  • 1 cup of diced celery Celery adds crunch and freshness to the salad, along with a boost of fiber.
  • 1/2 cup of diced red grapes (optional) Red grapes provide a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken and dressing.
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley Fresh parsley adds a refreshing herbal note and color to the salad.

For the Croissants:

  • 4 reduced-fat croissants (choose WW-friendly croissants or a lower-calorie alternative) Croissants are a classic choice for chicken salad, but opting for a lighter version ensures the SmartPoints stay low.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 1 croissant sandwich with chicken salad):

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 26g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 500mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

  • Green Plan: 7 SmartPoints per serving
  • Blue Plan: 6 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 6 SmartPoints per serving

(Note: SmartPoints values are based on specific brands and ingredient choices. If you use a different brand or substitute ingredients, be sure to check the points again.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To start, season your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray or use a teaspoon of olive oil for added flavor. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. You can also bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if preferred.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist and tender. After resting, chop or shred the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside in a large bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Salad Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Add the diced celery, red grapes (if using), and fresh parsley to the bowl with the chopped chicken. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that the vegetables and fruit are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.

Step 4: Mix in the Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the chicken pieces to stay intact rather than becoming too shredded. Taste the mixture one last time and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Croissants

While the chicken salad is resting in the fridge, cut your reduced-fat croissants in half lengthwise. You can either leave the croissants cold or lightly toast them for a warm, crispy texture. If you prefer a softer sandwich, you can skip the toasting.

If you’re using store-bought croissants, look for ones that are lower in calories and fat to keep the SmartPoints count down. You could also swap out the croissants for whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter alternative.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once your chicken salad is ready and your croissants are prepared, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Generously spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the bottom half of each croissant. Top with the other half of the croissant and gently press down to help everything stick together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

These sandwiches are best served immediately, but if you’re meal prepping, you can store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The croissants should be assembled just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp. If you plan to serve them at a later time, you can store the croissants and chicken salad separately, then assemble them when you’re ready.

These sandwiches make a great lunch, dinner, or even a light meal for picnics and gatherings. If you’d like to serve a side with them, consider pairing them with a side salad, steamed veggies, or a light fruit salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

  • Make It Veggie-Packed: Add additional vegetables like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or red onion to the chicken salad to boost the fiber and nutrients.
  • Flavor Boost: If you want more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of fresh dill or tarragon to the dressing for a herby note.
  • Swap the Bread: If you prefer a low-carb option, swap out the croissants for lettuce leaves or a whole-grain wrap.
  • Substitute Protein: For a variation, try using rotisserie chicken, turkey breast, or even tofu as a protein substitute in the salad.
  • Add Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your salad, toss in a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.

Storing and Meal Prep:

If you want to meal prep these sandwiches, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the croissants or wraps separately and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. This will ensure that the croissants remain fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

This WW Chicken Salad on Croissants recipe is a perfect blend of satisfying, healthy ingredients that taste as indulgent as they are good for you. Whether you’re following the WW program or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal that’s light yet filling, this recipe checks all the boxes. With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, a creamy dressing, and a reduced-fat croissant, you can enjoy a classic sandwich without overdoing the calories or SmartPoints.