Description
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a bright, refreshing, and nutrient-packed dish combining tender chicken breast with zesty lemon juice, fresh mixed herbs, crunchy celery, and a creamy Greek yogurt or light mayo dressing. This easy-to-make, protein-rich salad is perfect for a light lunch or entertaining, offering vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that keep you energized and satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil), minced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts by poaching or grilling until fully cooked. Let them cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy protein.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice crunchy celery, mince fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and slice optional add-ins such as cherry tomatoes or avocado to keep textures crisp and vibrant.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt (or mayo), salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy, balancing acidity and richness.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled with optional garnishes such as freshly chopped herbs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or lemon zest curls.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks freshness.
- Gently toss the salad to keep textures intact and prevent mushiness.
- Chill the salad before serving to deepen flavors and improve consistency.
- Cook chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to preserve juiciness.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts to enhance crunch and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Poaching, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: lemon herb chicken salad, chicken salad, healthy lunch, protein packed salad, gluten free salad, light chicken recipe
