If you’re looking for a light, nutritious, and delicious meal, this Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy ranch dressing made with Greek yogurt, this salad is both satisfying and guilt-free. The addition of crunchy celery, sweet cherry tomatoes, and optional nuts gives the salad great texture and flavor, making it a wonderful option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Best of all, it’s super easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (as a healthy substitute for mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook and shred or dice the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts until fully done (you can boil, bake, or grill them). Let them cool slightly before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ranch Dressing
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the seasoning is well incorporated, creating a creamy ranch-style dressing.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Add the veggies: To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded or diced chicken, diced celery, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Mix in fresh herbs: Toss in the chopped parsley or chives for added freshness and flavor.
Step 4: Season and Add Crunch
- Season: Taste the salad and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Optional nuts: If desired, sprinkle in the sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for an extra layer of texture and crunch.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve chilled: Enjoy this Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad on its own, or serve it in lettuce wraps, over a bed of greens, or on whole-grain toast or crackers. It’s also great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Conclusion:
This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is a delicious, high-protein dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. By using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise, this salad is lighter and packed with protein, while the ranch seasoning gives it that classic, comforting flavor. Loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and an optional crunch from nuts, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Quick to prepare and full of satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite!