Classic Healthy Chicken Salad

My healthy take on the classic chicken salad is loaded with nutrient dense fruits and veggies as well as healthy fats that will keep you full all day long without weighing you down! 

Make your busy life manageable with this quick and healthy classic chicken salad that is sure to fill you up and save you time and money!When I worked at a spa in West Georgia, I would grab lunch at Chicken Salad Chick and get their amazing chicken salad that was quick and super refreshing. Sometimes, I would indulge and get the not-so-healthy chicken salad options. Nonetheless, everything was amazing and I miss it dearly! Now that I live in Kentucky where unfortunately Chicken Salad Chicken does not exist, I make my own chicken salad at home, saving time and money. With this recipe, all is good in the world!

My healthy take on the classic chicken salad is loaded with nutrient dense fruits and veggies as well as healthy fats that will keep you full all day long without weighing you down!There are many ways to prepare chicken salad, but for this recipe, I have found that red onions, carrots, granny smith apples, sunflower seeds, and grapes are the perfect classic combination. As far as seasonings go, I keep it simple but use fresh herbs like dill and smoked paprika which I believe separates my classic chicken salad from the rest!

You can use whatever creamy component you prefer depending on your allergies/preferences. I have tested this recipe with avocados, vegan mayonnaise, and greek yogurt, so you are good on all fronts if you would like to change things up. Additionally, you can either shred the chicken or dice them. I prefer dicing as it saves a little bit of time and I appreciate the texture. Now, onto the recipe!

This recipe makes 4-6 servings and is a good choice if you want to meal prep it for the week. I like to use chicken salad for sandwiches, pairing it with tomato slices, mixed greens, alfalfa sprouts, and pickles on 100% whole grain bread.  You can also add it to a salad or even have it as a snack with crackers!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo with #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

---

My healthy take on the classic chicken salad is loaded with nutrient dense fruits and veggies as well as healthy fats that will keep you full all day long without weighing you down! 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

• 1 Tbsp poultry and citrus seasoning

• 1/2 lemon with zest

• 1/2 small red onion (diced)

• 1/2 granny smith apple (diced)

• 1 cup fresh dill (chopped) (less or more depending on preference)

• 2 carrots (shredded)

• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup grapes (halved)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (I use Primal Kitchen or Just Mayo) (or use greek yogurt or ripe avocado)

Garnish

Micro greens, pickles, alfalfa sprouts, mixed greens, slices of tomato

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Prep chicken by seasoning with poultry and citrus seasoning and s&p.

2. Grill chicken on both sides for about 3-5 minutes or until brown and completely cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet; let chicken rest and cool.

3. Add the remainder of the ingredients to a large bowl.

4. Dice chicken after it has cooled (or shred with two forks if you prefer!)

5. Add chicken to large bowl with the rest of the ingredients and mix until fully combined.

6. Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to one week.

NOTES

1. If you are using avocados in place of mayonnaise, the fridge life will be shorter as avocados brown in the fridge.

2. You can cut down the time to make this salad even faster by using rotisserie chicken instead of grilling chicken as well as purchase pre-shredded carrots instead of shredding by hand.

3. I have recently noticed that Walmart does not carry the organic poultry and citrus seasoning anymore so I have used this brand instead.