Looking for a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad! Packed with flavor, easy to make, and great for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and homemade ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this salad can be ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy this salad throughout the week for quick and convenient meals.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Breast: Adds protein and a hearty texture to the salad.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding flavor.
- Greens of choice: Choose your favorite greens for the base of the salad.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Provide a burst of freshness.
- English Cucumber: Adds crunch and hydration to the salad.
- Avocado: Creamy and nutritious addition.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, onion, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine the greens, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and corn.
- Add the cooked chicken to the salad.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients for the ranch dressing until well combined.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the ranch dressing before cooking.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu.
- Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh herbs for the ranch dressing for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for a satisfying and delicious lunch or dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. When reheating, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of homemade? Yes, you can use store-bought dressing, but homemade gives a fresher flavor.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.
- Can I add other veggies to this salad? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for this delicious and nutritious Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad, give it a try and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any variations you try – happy cooking!
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Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious meal packed with protein and fresh veggies, all topped with a homemade ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 cups Packed Greens of choice
- 1/4 Small Red Onion, sliced
- 3/4 cup Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English Cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 Avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup Corn, Fresh or canned
Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2–3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, finely chopped
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken pieces in olive oil until fully cooked.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, greens, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and corn.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, onion, mustard, chives, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Serve: Divide the salad into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding other veggies or toppings of your choice.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg