Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad – Easy & Delicious Recipe
Are you searching for a Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients? This easy and flavorful salad is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a light dinner.
Made with lean chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing, this recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love without the extra calories. Let’s explore how to create this healthy chicken salad in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love this Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe?
- High Protein: Lean chicken breast helps keep you full longer.
- Low in Calories: Using Greek yogurt in the ranch dressing lightens up the dish.
- Rich in Fiber: Plenty of vegetables add crunch and nutrients.
- Customizable: Swap veggies or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
Before you start, gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients:
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh corn (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Healthy Ranch Dressing
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise (or avocado mayo)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or almond milk, to thin if needed)
How to Make Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
This salad comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
You can use leftover grilled chicken breast, baked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken (choose skinless and remove excess fat). For meal prep, grilling or poaching chicken breast works best. Let the chicken cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Wash and chop all your fresh vegetables. Aim for even pieces so every bite has a mix of flavors and textures. If you love extra crunch, add more cucumbers or bell peppers.
Step 3: Make the Healthy Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the lettuce or mixed greens. Top with the shredded chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, carrots, corn, and olives. Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy on its own, with whole-grain crackers, or wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla for a healthy chicken salad wrap.
Tips for the Best Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley give the ranch dressing a bright flavor.
- Lighten Up Further: Use only Greek yogurt for the dressing if you want to cut more calories.
- Add More Protein: Include boiled eggs or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store the salad and dressing separately to keep the salad fresh for up to 3 days.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond yogurt and vegan mayo in the dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
Every kitchen has its own favorites, so feel free to make this salad your own:
Swap the Protein
- Turkey breast or rotisserie turkey for a different flavor.
- Grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Change the Greens
- Use baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix for a different base.
Add Extra Crunch
- Top with toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
- Add a handful of crunchy chickpeas.
Spice It Up
- Stir in a little hot sauce or sriracha to the ranch dressing.
- Add jalapeño slices for extra heat.
How to Store Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
For best results, keep the salad and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator. Combine just before eating to keep the greens crisp.
If you’ve already mixed everything, store it in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ranch chicken salad healthy?
Yes, this version uses lean chicken breast, lots of vegetables, and a lighter homemade ranch dressing. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or full-fat mayo cuts calories and boosts protein.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
You can, but many store-bought dressings are high in fat, calories, and preservatives. Making your own is healthier and allows you to control the ingredients.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add avocado, broccoli florets, snap peas, or radishes. Just about any crunchy vegetable works well.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. For best results, store the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise in the ranch dressing. Choose a non-dairy milk to thin the dressing.
Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
A fresh, high-protein chicken salad tossed with crunchy veggies and a creamy homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a light dinner! Uses Greek yogurt for a lighter, nutrient-packed dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh corn (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the Healthy Ranch Dressing
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise (or avocado mayo)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (dairy or almond milk, to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding or dicing cooked, cooled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Use grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken (skinless and excess fat removed).
- Wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Make sure pieces are similar in size for even texture and flavor in each bite.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the lettuce or mixed greens. Top with shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, carrots, corn, and black olives.
- Drizzle the healthy ranch dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine all ingredients and evenly coat with dressing.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy as is, with whole-grain crackers, or in a whole wheat wrap.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 217Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 347mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 28g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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