Lo-Cal Hot Apple Chicken Salad
A light, flavorful chicken salad featuring crisp apple, celery, and a hint of sage, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner that appeals to those seeking low-calorie options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, apple, celery, and onion in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sage (if using), salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish and stir to combine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm or chilled as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a low-fat alternative. You can also use grilled chicken for a smoky taste. If you're looking to reduce carbs, swap out the apples for diced pears or even a mix of both. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace sage for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This warm chicken salad is perfect on its own or served over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal. Pair it with whole-grain crackers or a slice of crusty bread for added texture. It also pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Turkey And Cornbread Dressing for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. If you prefer, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Hot Apple Chicken Salad contains roughly 182 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2982mg per serving (130% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this dish. Just ensure it's diced into bite-sized pieces for even heating and flavor distribution.
What if I want to make it vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu. Use a vegetable-based cream soup or a homemade cream sauce to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the cream of chicken soup mixture. You can also add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce to the salad for an extra kick.
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).