🧾 Ingredient Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an intentional role in flavor, texture, and balance:

  • Skinless, boneless chicken breast (cooked and diced)
  • Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • Fresh cucumber, diced
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Optional fresh herbs such as dill or parsley

🍗 Choosing the Right Chicken

Chicken breast is the foundation of this salad. Baking, grilling, or boiling are all excellent cooking methods. The key is to keep the seasoning light so the chicken complements the other ingredients rather than overpowering them.

Cooking the Chicken Properly

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow it to cool completely before dicing. Cooling prevents excess moisture from thinning the dressing and helps the salad maintain its structure.

The Role of Chickpeas

Chickpeas add texture, volume, and a subtle nutty flavor. They also help make the salad more filling without changing the overall balance of the recipe.

🥒 Fresh Vegetables Matter

Cucumber brings a crisp, refreshing bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Tomatoes add brightness and natural juiciness, enhancing both flavor and appearance.

Knife Skills for Best Texture

Dice the vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad. This also helps the ingredients blend evenly when mixed.

🥣 Creating the Creamy Dressing

The dressing is made using nonfat Greek yogurt, which provides creaminess and tang without heaviness. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth, while black pepper enhances overall flavor.

Seasoning with Intention

Start with small amounts of seasoning and adjust gradually. This approach ensures balance and prevents overpowering any single ingredient.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cook, cool, and dice the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes.

2. Rinse the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.

3. Chop the Vegetables

Dice cucumber and halve tomatoes. Pat dry if needed to avoid excess moisture.

4. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, and tomatoes.

5. Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Combine Gently

Fold the dressing into the salad mixture until evenly coated.

7. Taste and Adjust

Adjust seasoning as needed and add fresh herbs if desired.

🧊 Resting for Best Flavor

Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

This Zero Point Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it on its own, over leafy greens, in lettuce wraps, or as a filling for whole-grain wraps or pita pockets.

Ideal for Meal Prep

This recipe holds up well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.