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Crunchy Chicken Salad

Delicious Crunchy Chicken Salad You’ll Love for Meal Prep

This Crunchy Chicken Salad is a healthy and satisfying meal prep option that combines textures and flavors everyone will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base
  • 1.25 lb Chicken Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
For the Crunch
  • 1.25 cup Pecans Substitute with your favorite nuts or seeds if desired.
  • 0.75 cup Celery Diced cucumber or bell peppers can be great alternatives.
For the Aromatics
  • 0.25 cup Red Onion Use green onions or shallots for a milder note.
  • 0.25 cup Parsley Fresh dill or cilantro works well too.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt Fage Total 5% is recommended for best results.
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise Duke's is an excellent choice for a tangy kick.
  • 2.5 tsp Dijon Mustard Offers a nice tang that deepens flavor.
  • 1.5 tsp Vinegar Brightens the overall taste.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Enhances flavor of all components.
  • 0.125 tsp Garlic Powder Adds subtle aromatic notes.
  • Black Pepper Adjust to taste for warmth and spice.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by dicing ¾ cup of celery, finely chopping ¼ cup of red onion, and ¼ cup of fresh parsley. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a skillet over low-medium heat, add 1¼ cups of pecans to toast for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Chop coarsely and set aside.
  3. Fill a pot with salted water to submerge 1.25 lb of chicken breasts, bring to simmer over medium heat. Poach chicken for 12-15 minutes until it reaches 165°F. Shred using two forks.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2.5 tsp of Dijon mustard, and 1.5 tsp of vinegar. Add salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
  5. In the bowl with the vegetables, add the shredded chicken and toasted pecans. Pour dressing over and gently fold together.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve over mixed greens or in a sandwich. Consider chilling for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best freshness, store dressing separately until ready to serve. No need to reheat; best served chilled or at room temperature.

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