Introduction: Elevate your lunch game with our Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries recipe, a delicious blend of tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this wholesome salad is perfect for satisfying your hunger and fueling your body with goodness. Whether enjoyed on its own, stuffed into a sandwich, or served over a bed of greens, this versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Follow along for detailed instructions and helpful tips to create this nutritious and delicious salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup chopped apple (about 1 large), peel on for added nutrients
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Hellmann’s light mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, chopped apple, and dried cranberries. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the nonfat plain Greek yogurt, Hellmann’s light mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- If desired, stir in chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Serve the Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later use. This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
Variations:
- Substitute leftover turkey, canned chicken, or canned tuna for the chopped cooked chicken.
- Adjust the ratio of Greek yogurt to mayonnaise based on your personal preference for creaminess.
- Experiment with different types of dried fruit, such as chopped apricots, raisins, or cherries, in place of the dried cranberries for added variety and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- *SmartPoints: 3
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Conclusion:
Experience the delightful flavors and wholesome goodness of our Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries recipe. With its perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, this nutritious salad is a satisfying option for any mealtime occasion. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nutritious snack, this versatile dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Try it today and treat yourself to a delicious and nourishing culinary experience!
Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries
Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries
Ingredients
▢ 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
▢ 3 stalks celery, chopped
▢ 1 cup chopped apple, about 1 large; I used a Pink Lady and kept the peel because it was organic
▢ ¼ cup dried cranberries
▢ ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
▢ 2 tablespoons Hellman’s light mayonnaise
▢ 2 teaspoons lemon juice
▢ 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
▢ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place the chicken, celery, apple and cranberries in a bowl and stir to combine and then set it aside.
In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice.
Add this to the chicken mixture and stir to mix well.
Stir in the parsley if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Variations:
No chicken? Substitute leftover turkey, canned chicken or canned tuna.
No mayonnaise? Use all plain Greek yogurt instead.
No yogurt? Use all light mayonnaise instead.
No dried cranberries? Most any chopped dried fruit would work.
Serving size: 1 cup
3 *SmartPoins
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
3 *SmartPoins
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples & Cranberries
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 220
Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g
8%
Carbohydrates 13g
4%
Fiber 2g
8%
Protein 28g