Healthy Chicken Salad {Whole30}
This quick and easy healthy chicken salad recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Equal parts crunchy, creamy, and satisfying. it has no added sugar, gluten or dairy and is Whole30 friendly! It can easily be made keto as well.
If you’re anything like me, chicken makes a regular appearance on your table. It is so easy to make and is able to soak up any flavor you give it.
This classic and healthy chicken salad is no exception. It is perfect to use up your leftover chicken. Moreover, it is packed with sweet and savory flavors, crunchy and creamy textures.
For more easy and delicious chicken recipes I know you will love:
- Masala Crockpot Pulled Chicken (Whole 30)
- Whole 30 Cauliflower Fried Rice with Chicken
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (Whole 30)
Why I Love this Chicken Salad Recipe
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy leftover chicken. Because it elevates my lunch in a tasty way without a lot of time or effort.
Not to mention, I get to enjoy a chicken salad without any weird ingredients or added sugar. Instead, I only used a handful of simple fresh vegetables and Whole30 friendly condiments.
Two of my Favorites Whole30 Approved Mayo are:
When you make this dish at home instead of buying it from the deli, you can adjust it to suit your own unique preferences.
Tweak it by increasing the flavors you love the most, making it your own creation. Therefore, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free, sugar-free and keto-friendly.
This chicken salad is packed with healthy ingredients.
The chicken provides high-quality protein. Walnuts are full of protein as well as heart-healthy omega 3 fats. Apples, grapes, and celery are great sources of fiber. Healthy, tasty, and quick to make, what’s not to love?
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
You can make this chicken salad using whatever leftover chicken you like. Try using my oven-baked chicken breast, slow cooker whole chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin, and then shred with a fork or chop your chicken of choice.
Combine chicken with the other ingredients. Adjust seasonings to taste. And you’re done!
Optional Add-Ins to “Dress Up” the Chicken Salad
Personally, I love adding dried cranberries, tart apples, shredded carrots, golden raisins, sunflower seeds. Because the sweet and crunchy add-ins create the perfect contrast with the creamy mayo and savory chicken.
Moreover, play up your favorite flavors by adding curry powder, Chinese 5 spice, or even Jamaican jerk seasoning.
Besides all the fun add-ins, make sure to choose no sugar added and preservative-free options to keep this recipe Whole30. Additionally, in order to make this chicken salad recipe Keto-friendly, omit the dried fruits.
With endless combinations and possibilities, this chicken salad never gets old!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad
How will you enjoy your chicken salad? Here are a few options:
- Lettuce wrap or over salad greens
- Sweet potato toast
- On top of Crackers.
- Use your favorite toasted bread (for those not following Whole30) with lettuce tomato and avocado – Classic!
- Chicken Salad Buddha Bowl
- Chicken Salad Tacos
When it comes to ways to serve this healthy chicken salad, the sky is the limit! Comment below to share your favorite ways with me!
More Whole30 Friendly Recipes You may like:
1. Healthy Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Paleo, GF)
2. White Bean Chicken Chili
3. Thai Coconut Curry Meatballs (Whole 30)
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
Get the recipe:Healthy Chicken Salad {Whole30}
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chicken *
- 1/4 cup Mayo**
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped apples
- 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- Salt Pepper to Taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 – 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp chopped dill, optional
- 1/2 lemon juiced
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breast in the oven using my favorite oven-roasted chicken recipe, or use a leftover rotisserie chicken (take out the bone). Pull the chicken into thick pieces or roughly chop into cubes.
- In a big mixing bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined and lightly covered by the mayo.
- For best results, cover and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours to ensure the flavor soak in.
- Serve with tomato, avocado, and lettuce on your favorite toasted bread or crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
- * You can use chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken (my favorite)
- ** For a Whole30 Friendly chicken salad recipe, I used Primal Kitchen or Chosen Food Avocado Mayo.
- ***Nutrition facts below may vary depending on the mayo brands.
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
I can’t believe how delicious this dish is- and how my husband is asking for me to make it again! Wish I could give this 20 stars!!
All I can say is WOW!!
This is the perfect summertime.. or really ANY TIME sandwich! It is hearty, creamy, and delicious… with the perfect crunch- and the apples are the perfect addition!
Totally making this again for meal preps!!
Hi Christine!
We are so happy you enjoyed this recipe; it is one of our favorites also!
Happy cooking, and continue to enjoy 🙂
-Constance