Chicken salad has always been a go-to meal for me. After embarking on my Weight Watchers journey, I was determined to find a delicious and nutritious chicken apple salad recipe that would fit perfectly into my new lifestyle. After some searching, I discovered a fantastic recipe that checked all the boxes. This healthy chicken salad is good for you and incredibly tasty, making it a new favorite in my meal rotation.

The combination of tender chicken, crisp apples, and a delightful mix of flavors makes every bite a satisfying experience. It’s fantastic and keeps me on track with my weight loss goals! The dressing for the salad is simple. As I have said before, nonfat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative to sour cream when watching your diet. That is the main ingredient for this dressing. Then, a little light mayo was used. It adds flavor and creaminess to the dressing. You also add in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. The lemon adds a nice fresh flavor and keeps the apple from going brown.

The healthy chicken salad itself consists of 4 ingredients. There is chicken, celery, apples, and dried cranberries. I love this combination. If you aren’t a fan of apples or cranberries in your chicken salad or just want to change things up feel free to change up the fruit. Grapes and pineapple are also great choices.

Healthy Chicken Salad Ingredients

• NONFAT PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
• LIGHT MAYONNAISE
• LEMON JUICE
• PARSLEY
• COOKED CHICKEN
• CELERY
• APPLE
• DRIED CRANBERRIES
• SALT AND BLACK PEPPER

To keep this low calorie, I served my salad as a lettuce wrap in mini romaine lettuce leaves that I bought from Costco. If you eat it on lettuce or just as is, this recipe is 2 WW personal Points for me.

My husband and daughter enjoyed their salad on regular white bread. If you want bread but want a healthier option, Sara Lee has a “Delightful” bread that is only 45 calories a slice. They have white, honey whole wheat, multi-grain, or soft and smooth wheat. You can serve this salad with crackers or as a sandwich on a croissant if you aren’t worried about keeping things super low in calories.

Instructions for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

First, in the large bowl, Greek yogurt with the light mayonnaise. These two ingredients form the creamy base of your dressing, balancing tanginess and creaminess perfectly. Next, add the lemon juice to the mixture. This will add a bright flavor and help keep the apples from browning. For a burst of freshness, mix in finely chopped fresh parsley. Stir these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, well-blended dressing.

Once your dressing is ready, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Gently fold in the cooked, shredded chicken breast, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the dressing. The chicken will absorb the flavors, making each bite delicious. Then, finely chopped celery for crunch, apple (cored and diced) for sweetness, and dried cranberries for a tart contrast.

Using a spatula or large spoon, stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and well-coated with the dressing. Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your personal preference. Give it one last gentle stir to ensure all the flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, you can use any type of yogurt you prefer. Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick and creamy texture, but you can use plain regular yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This chicken apple salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lemon juice in the dressing will help prevent the apples from browning.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
Yes, feel free to get creative with the fruit! Pears, grapes, or even strawberries can be great substitutes for apples. Just keep in mind that the nutritional values may change with different fruits.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped dates. Any of these options will add a lovely sweetness and chewy texture to the salad. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans are another option.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient and time-saving option. Just shred the chicken and remove any skin before mixing it into the salad.

How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?
The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, consume it within this time frame.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This chicken apple salad recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free Greek yogurt and mayonnaise if you have any concerns about cross-contamination. Always check the labels on packaged ingredients like dried cranberries to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Classic Chicken Salad
• Quick Chicken Salad
• Herbed Chicken Salad
• Chow Mein Chicken Salad

This recipe is adapted from Simple Nourished Living.