Craving a creamy, satisfying chicken salad but trying to keep things light and nourishing? This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is your answer. Packed with lean protein, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy homemade Greek yogurt ranch dressing, this salad is both comforting and wholesome.
Perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep, or a quick, no-fuss dinner, this salad skips the heavy mayo without sacrificing creaminess or flavor. Whether tucked into lettuce wraps, served over greens, or piled high on whole grain toast, this is the chicken salad you’ll keep coming back to.
📝 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements – Serves 4)
For the salad:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (from rotisserie or poached chicken)
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill (or both)
- Optional add-ins: sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, diced cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes
For the healthy ranch dressing:
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Water or milk, as needed, to thin the dressing
🥗 Instructions
1. Make the ranch dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil (if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
2. Prepare the chicken salad:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, red bell pepper, carrots, green onions, and fresh herbs.
3. Mix it up:
Pour the ranch dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
4. Chill and serve:
Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve in lettuce cups, on whole grain toast, wrapped in a tortilla, or over a fresh green salad.
🔍 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
Low-carb, high-protein, and full of flavor with zero mayo guilt!
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut — just remove the skin and shred.
- Customize the veggies: Add cucumbers, radishes, chopped apples, or even sweet corn.
- Turn it into wraps: Spoon into lettuce leaves, whole grain tortillas, or collard green wraps for a portable lunch.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Meal prep friendly: This salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually gets better as it sits!
🌟 Something Extra From Me to You
Want to make this salad even more exciting? Try layering it in mason jars for a beautiful grab-and-go lunch — chicken salad at the bottom, then greens, then toppings like cherry tomatoes or nuts. Or serve it on a platter with whole grain crackers and fresh veggies as a stunning protein-packed appetizer for guests.
Looking to bulk it up for a dinner option? Add some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes to make it heartier while staying wholesome.
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