A Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is a perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of ranch dressing without the heavy calories. You can make it lighter by using a healthier dressing option and loading up on fresh, crunchy veggies. Here’s a delicious and nutritious recipe for you:
Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled, baked, or pan-seared)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Healthy Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise (or use more Greek yogurt if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin, if needed
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook them on medium heat in a skillet or grill them for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Make the Healthy Ranch Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayo, lemon juice (or vinegar), garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add water a little at a time if you’d like a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, and celery.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds or sunflower seeds over the salad for a little crunch, and add shredded cheese if using.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together gently, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Meal Prep: This salad can easily be prepped in advance. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the salad greens and dressing to keep everything fresh.
- Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, you can use grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken.
- Customize it: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or even a boiled egg for extra protein.
- For a dairy-free version: You can substitute the Greek yogurt and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, like cashew-based cheese or coconut yogurt.
This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad is fresh, flavorful, and light but still satisfying! The homemade ranch dressing is creamy and flavorful, without being heavy or high in calories. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a meal prep option throughout the week. Would you tweak it with any different ingredients?