Chicken Salad Recipe With Greek Yogurt Instead Of Mayo
Chicken salad is a classic dish that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. However, the traditional recipe calls for mayonnaise, which is high in calories and fat. Fortunately, there is a healthier alternative that still tastes delicious - Greek yogurt! In this article, we will show you how to make a chicken salad recipe with Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional ingredients:
- 1/4 cup diced apple
- 1/4 cup diced grapes
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
These ingredients should be easy to find at your local grocery store. If you are unable to find some of them, feel free to substitute with your favorite ingredients.
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Mix well.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix well.
- If you are using any of the optional ingredients, add them to the mixture now. Mix well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Variations
This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to make it your own by adding or subtracting ingredients. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Replace the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apricots.
- Add some curry powder or cumin for a spicier flavor.
- Replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Benefits of Using Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo
Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo in your chicken salad recipe has many benefits:
- Lower in calories and fat - Greek yogurt has about half the calories and fat of mayonnaise.
- Higher in protein - Greek yogurt has about three times the amount of protein as mayonnaise.
- Rich in nutrients - Greek yogurt is a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12.
- Helps with digestion - Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which can improve digestive health.
Conclusion
Chicken salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed anytime. By using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, you can create a healthier version of this classic recipe without sacrificing flavor. So, give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be!