If you're looking for a lighter and healthier version of a classic favorite, the Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. This recipe combines all the delicious elements you love about a traditional ranch chicken salad but with a healthier twist. Packed with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy yet lightened-up ranch dressing, this salad makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner option without the extra calories.

Whether you enjoy it as a hearty meal or a refreshing side dish, this salad is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken!

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad

✔ High in Protein – Grilled chicken provides a hearty protein boost to keep you full and satisfied.
✔ Fresh & Crisp – A variety of crunchy vegetables adds both texture and flavor.
✔ Lightened-Up Dressing – A healthier take on the traditional ranch dressing that’s creamy without being overly rich.
✔ Easy to Make – Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite veggies, nuts, or cheese to make this salad your own!

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salad:

• Grilled chicken breast – 2 large (about 500g), cooked and sliced
• Mixed greens – 4 cups (such as arugula, spinach, or Romaine lettuce)
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
• Cucumber – 1 medium, sliced
• Red bell pepper – 1, sliced
• Red onion – ¼ small, thinly sliced
• Avocado – 1, diced
• Shredded cheddar cheese – ¼ cup (optional for added flavor)
• Bacon bits – 2 tablespoon (optional for crunch)

For the Lightened-Up Ranch Dressing:

• Greek yogurt – ½ cup (for creaminess)
• Low-fat buttermilk – ¼ cup
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Dried dill – 1 tsp
• Onion powder – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra richness)

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How to Make Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side), and juices run clear.
2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the chicken is cooking, wash and prep the vegetables.
2. Slice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into thin strips.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado.

Step 3: Make the Light Ranch Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. If you like your dressing a bit creamier, drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
2. Add the grilled chicken, avocado, and shredded cheddar (if using).
3. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad, then toss gently to combine.
4. Optionally, sprinkle with bacon bits for added flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve immediately as a light meal or store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days in the fridge.

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Serving Suggestions

🍽️ As a Light Lunch: This salad is filling enough to serve as a standalone meal for lunch. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
🍴 Side Dish for Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a well-rounded dinner.
🍞 With Bread: For a heartier meal, serve it with a slice of whole grain bread or toasted baguette.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g

(Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient choices.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad

🥑 Add Extra Healthy Fats: Boost the nutritional value by adding more avocado or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
🧀 Cheese: If you love cheese, add a handful of crumbled feta or parmesan for a burst of flavor.
🥒 Veggie Variations: You can swap in other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or celery for added crunch and nutrition.
🍗 Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
🌿 Herb-Infused Ranch: Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives to the ranch dressing for extra flavor.

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How to Store & Make Ahead

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens.