Zoe’s Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zoe’s Chicken Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of grilled or poached chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing creates the perfect balance of flavors without being overly heavy. Whether you serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a wrap, it’s versatile and can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences. It’s a great dish to make ahead for meal prep, and it’s also an ideal option for anyone looking for a healthy and filling meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken (grilled, poached, or rotisserie), shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If you’re using raw chicken, cook the chicken by grilling, poaching, or baking it until fully cooked (about 165°F or 74°C internally). Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chopped celery, red onion, grapes (or dried cranberries), and nuts (if using). Mix gently to combine.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Chicken and Dressing:
   • Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve and Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, in a wrap, or with crackers. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total cook time: 15-20 minutes (if cooking chicken)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10-15 minutes (if cooking chicken)

Variations

• Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, add diced avocado to the salad.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based yogurt and chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
• Add Apples: For a fruity twist, add diced apples for sweetness and crunch.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a warm chicken salad, you can gently heat it in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this chicken salad a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more after sitting for a few hours.

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use any cooked chicken for this recipe, whether it’s grilled, poached, or from a rotisserie chicken. Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor, while poached chicken keeps the salad tender and juicy.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise if you prefer a richer dressing. Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and is a bit lighter than mayonnaise, so choose based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, make sure to check the labels on any store-bought ingredients (like mayonnaise) to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.

Is this chicken salad low-carb?

Yes, this recipe is low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, especially when served in lettuce wraps instead of bread.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you want to add some heat, you can mix in a bit of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the salad for a spicy kick.

Can I use dried fruit instead of grapes?

Yes, dried cranberries or raisins can be used as a substitute for grapes. Dried fruit adds sweetness and texture to the salad.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken separately, the salad itself doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and the texture of fresh vegetables. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Can I add cheese to the chicken salad?

Yes, you can add cheese if you like! Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or goat cheese would be excellent additions.

Conclusion

Zoe’s Chicken Salad is a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a satisfying and delicious meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, a wrap, or just on its own, this chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Zoe’s Chicken Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Zoe’s Chicken Salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish made with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make recipe is full of flavor and easily customizable.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (if cooking chicken)
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Mixing, Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 3 cups cooked chicken (grilled, poached, or rotisserie), shredded or diced
2. 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
4. 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
5. 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
6. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
7. For the dressing:
   • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer version)
   • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
   • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
If you’re using raw chicken, cook it by grilling, poaching, or baking until fully cooked (about 165°F or 74°C). Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, grapes (or dried cranberries), and nuts (if using). Mix gently.
2. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine the Chicken and Dressing:
   Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Serve and Garnish:
   Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired). Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, in a wrap, or with crackers.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, add diced avocado to the salad.
• For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg