Lite Chicken Salad
A light, flavorful chicken salad with crisp celery, onions, relish, and a tangy mustard-mayo dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or healthy snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked, deboned chicken, chopped celery, chopped onions, and relish in a bowl.
- Blend well with low-fat or no-fat mayonnaise and prepared yellow mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. If you want a bit of crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or sliced almonds. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the taste as well. Adjust the mustard to your liking, and remember that using leftover rotisserie chicken makes preparation quicker and easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lite Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a light meal, or use it as a filling for whole-grain wraps. It pairs wonderfully with Garden Good Green Beans for a refreshing side. For a heartier option, consider serving it with whole-grain crackers or alongside a fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. If reheating, consider warming it gently in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken, but it's often best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Chicken Salad contains roughly 86 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2059mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be a convenient substitute. Just drain and rinse it well to remove excess sodium. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well in this salad.
How can I make this salad more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill or tarragon. A splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the taste. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of relish to find your preferred flavor profile.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).