Chicken Salad with 5-Ingredient

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (skinless)
2. 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4. 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
5. 1/4 cup diced celery

Preparation:

This simple chicken salad is quick, nutritious, and perfect for a healthy meal. With just five ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s high in protein and light on calories. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Chicken: Start by boiling or baking one chicken breast, ensuring it’s fully cooked through. If you already have leftover cooked chicken, that works just as well. Once it’s cooked, allow it to cool before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Shredding chicken is better than chopping for this dish, as it helps absorb the dressing evenly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cools, finely chop the celery and green onions. These vegetables provide a great crunch, flavor, and extra fiber. The celery will add a refreshing, crisp texture, while the green onions contribute a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
3. Mix the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard. The yogurt serves as a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise, keeping the calories low while still offering a creamy consistency. It also adds protein and probiotics, which support gut health. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
4. Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken to the dressing mixture, followed by the diced celery and green onions. Toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and the vegetables are well distributed. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken salad immediately, or refrigerate it for later. This recipe is versatile—you can enjoy it on its own, spoon it over a bed of leafy greens for a light salad, or spread it between two slices of whole-grain bread for a balanced sandwich.

Benefits of Eating Chicken Salad:

Eating chicken salad offers numerous health benefits, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients like lean chicken breast and Greek yogurt. Here are some key benefits:

1. High in Protein: With 26 grams of protein per serving, this chicken salad provides the protein needed to support muscle repair and growth. Protein also promotes satiety, keeping you full for longer and helping with weight management.
2. Low in Calories: At just 310 calories per serving, this chicken salad is a light but filling meal option. It’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain a calorie deficit while ensuring they still get essential nutrients.
3. Rich in Nutrients: The use of Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise not only lowers fat content but also adds valuable nutrients like calcium, potassium, and probiotics. Probiotics support gut health, which is crucial for overall well-being and immune function.
4. Easy to Digest: Chicken breast is a lean, easily digestible source of protein, making this meal ideal for those with sensitive stomachs or after a workout when quick protein absorption is needed.
5. Customizable and Versatile: While this recipe is simple, it’s highly customizable. You can easily add more veggies, swap ingredients like yogurt for light mayo, or add healthy fats like avocado. You can even use the chicken salad in wraps, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads.

By keeping the recipe clean and simple, you’ll have a nutritious, easy-to-make dish that can be part of a balanced diet. This chicken salad is ideal for meal prepping or a quick lunch, and it offers a great blend of flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. This salad has a good amount of protein and is pretty easy to make.