This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or simply served on a bed of greens, this recipe combines the creamy goodness of ranch with wholesome, lean chicken and fresh veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Healthy: Made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, it’s lighter and packed with protein.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite vegetables or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a salad, sandwich filling, or a dip for crackers and veggies.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stays fresh for several days, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Celery, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well blended.
- Add the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add more veggies: Include diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for added crunch.
- Swap the protein: Use canned tuna, shredded turkey, or cooked chickpeas for a different twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and ensure the ranch seasoning is dairy-free.
- Low-carb option: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps or on cucumber slices.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: This dish is typically served cold, but if you’d like to enjoy it warm, gently reheat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe for added convenience.
2. How do I make homemade ranch seasoning?
Combine dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a quick homemade version.
3. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the yogurt and veggies may change upon thawing.
4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs and high in protein, making it keto-friendly.
5. What can I serve with this chicken salad?
Try serving it with crackers, in a wrap, on whole-grain bread, or over a salad.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
7. What type of yogurt should I use?
Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.
8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the ranch seasoning you use is labeled gluten-free.
9. Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
10. How do I reduce the sodium content?
Use a low-sodium ranch seasoning mix or make your own, and adjust the salt to taste.
Conclusion
This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, meal prep solution, or a versatile dish to enjoy in various ways, this recipe delivers. Customize it to suit your preferences, and enjoy a wholesome, protein-packed meal!
Print
Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing salad combines tender chicken breast with fresh greens, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a lighter homemade ranch dressing. It’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups mixed greens of your choice
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small jar, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour about one-third of the prepared dressing over them. Mix to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Reserve the remaining dressing for later use.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Top with the cooked chicken, red onion slices, halved tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado, and corn kernels.
- Dress the Salad:
- Just before serving, drizzle the reserved ranch dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and ensure even dressing distribution.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider grilling the corn before adding it to the salad.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time. Store the salad components and dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
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