Are you looking for a healthy and delicious lunch option? Look no further than homemade chicken salad. Made with fresh ingredients and packed with protein, this 1/2 portion (88 g) serving is sure to satisfy your midday hunger. And the best part? It's only 155 calories!

Not only is this recipe low in calories, but it's also high in nutrients. Homemade chicken salad is a great source of protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Plus, by making it yourself, you can control exactly what goes into your meal and avoid processed ingredients and excess sodium.

In this article, we'll share everything you need to know to make homemade chicken salad a staple in your lunch rotation. From ingredients to nutritional facts to storage tips, we've got you covered.

Healthy ingredients to make homemade chicken salad

To make a delicious and nutritious homemade chicken salad, start with high-quality ingredients. Some healthy options to include are:

• Grilled or roasted chicken breasts, shredded or diced
• Plain Greek yogurt or light mayo as a base instead of traditional mayo
• Celery, apple or grapes for crunch and sweetness
• Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added protein and texture.

With these ingredients, you'll have a flavorful and filling salad that's sure to please.

How to make homemade chicken salad

Making homemade chicken salad is easier than you might think. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

• 1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped apple
• 1/4 cup chopped grapes
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and enjoy on its own, with crackers, or on a sandwich.

Ways to serve homemade chicken salad

One of the great things about homemade chicken salad is its versatility. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• On a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing salad
• On a sandwich with whole wheat bread, lettuce, and tomato
• As a dip with crackers or raw vegetables

No matter how you choose to serve it, homemade chicken salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional facts of homemade chicken salad

One serving (88 g) of homemade chicken salad contains approximately:

• 155 calories
• 16 grams of protein
• 6 grams of fat
• 7 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of fiber
• 80 milligrams of cholesterol
• 226 milligrams of sodium

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe used.

How to store leftover homemade chicken salad

If you have leftovers, you can store homemade chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. However, it's important to note that the texture and flavor may change slightly due to the moisture from the ingredients. To refresh the salad, stir in more Greek yogurt or mayo and adjust seasonings as needed.

Variations of homemade chicken salad recipe

Homemade chicken salad is a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Swap the Greek yogurt for hummus or avocado for a creamy twist
• Add in chopped herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor
• Use different fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges for a unique twist
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for a different texture

The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative!

Why homemade chicken salad is a healthy choice

Homemade chicken salad is a healthy choice for several reasons. First, it's packed with protein from the chicken and nuts. This protein helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. Second, by making the salad yourself, you can control the amount of added sugars, sodium, and processed ingredients. This makes it a great option for those watching their intake of these nutrients.

Benefits of consuming chicken salad

In addition to being a healthy lunch option, consuming chicken salad can have other benefits as well. Here are a few:

• May aid in weight loss due to the high protein content
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels due to the low glycemic index of the chicken and nuts
• May improve heart health due to the unsaturated fats from the nuts and olive oil
• Can help support healthy skin and eyes due to the vitamin A content

Make-ahead homemade chicken salad recipe

If you want to save time during the week, try making a big batch of homemade chicken salad on Sunday and portioning it out for the week ahead. To make the salad last longer, consider leaving out any ingredients that might get soggy (like the nuts or fruits) and adding them in right before eating.

Quick lunch idea with homemade chicken salad

Need a quick lunch idea? Try whipping up a chicken salad sandwich! Simply toast two slices of whole wheat bread and spread a generous amount of homemade chicken salad in between. Add a slice of tomato, some lettuce or spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil for a tasty and filling meal.