Recipes

5-Ingredient Healthy Chicken Salad

Recipe Image 3

This chicken salad is about to become your secret weapon for looking like you have your meal prep game completely figured out, even if you’re just winging it like the rest of us.

We’re talking creamy avocado mayo coating tender chicken breast, with the perfect crunch from fresh celery and toasted walnuts that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance.

The dried cherries add this amazing pop of sweetness that transforms ordinary chicken salad into something that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday lunch.

You literally just mix everything in one bowl and boom – you’ve got a protein-packed masterpiece that works on crackers, stuffed in lettuce cups, or piled high on your favorite sandwich bread.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people ask “Wait, you made this yourself?” and you get to casually say yes while secretly celebrating that it took you exactly 10 minutes.

Get ready for the ultimate meal prep win that tastes fresh for days and proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Ingredients

For the chicken salad base

3 cups chicken breast, cubed or shredded
1 cup celery, diced
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup walnuts, chopped

For the creamy dressing

½ cup avocado mayo
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

1 If using leftover chicken, ensure it’s completely cooled and either cube it into ½-inch pieces or shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. For the best texture, aim for uniform pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
2 Wash and trim the celery stalks, then dice them into ¼-inch pieces for the perfect crunch factor. The smaller dice ensures you get celery in every bite without overwhelming the other flavors.

Create the creamy base

3 In a large mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup avocado mayo with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk these together until completely smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy base that will coat every ingredient perfectly.

Assemble and combine

4 Add the prepared chicken to the mayo mixture and gently fold together using a large spoon or silicone spatula, ensuring every piece gets coated with the creamy dressing.
5 Fold in the diced celery and ½ cup dried cherries, mixing gently to distribute them evenly throughout the salad without breaking up the chicken pieces.
6 Finally, add the ½ cup chopped walnuts and give everything one final gentle stir. The walnuts should be added last to maintain their crunch and prevent them from getting too soggy from the dressing.

Serve and enjoy

7 Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately with crackers, lettuce cups, or on sandwich bread. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Large mixing bowl – A spacious bowl makes combining ingredients effortless and prevents spillage when folding everything together
Sharp chef’s knife – Critical for cleanly dicing celery and chopping walnuts to your preferred size
Cutting board – A stable surface for safe and efficient prep work
Silicone spatula or large spoon – Perfect for gently folding ingredients without breaking up the chicken

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements if you’re scaling the recipe up or down for meal prep
Food processor – Makes quick work of chopping walnuts to uniform size, though a knife works perfectly fine
Microplane grater – If you want to add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor

Nice-to-Have Options

Glass storage containers – Ideal for meal prep storage, keeping the salad fresh for up to 4 days
Small whisk – Helps create a perfectly smooth mayo base before adding other ingredients
Measuring spoons set – Ensures accurate seasoning ratios for consistent flavor every time

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Flavor Variations

Mediterranean twist – Replace dried cherries with sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts with toasted pine nuts
Tropical version – Swap cherries for dried pineapple and add toasted coconut flakes
Autumn harvest – Use dried cranberries and toasted pecans instead of cherries and walnuts
Savory herb blend – Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives for an herby flavor profile

Dairy-Free Modifications

The recipe is already dairy-free using avocado mayo
For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the dressing mixture
Ensure your mayo brand is certified dairy-free if you have severe allergies

Paleo and Whole30 Adaptations

Use compliant avocado mayo (check labels for added sugars)
Replace dried cherries with fresh grapes or apple chunks for natural sweetness
All other ingredients are naturally compliant with these eating styles

Low-Carb/Keto Modifications

Reduce dried cherries to 2 tablespoons or eliminate entirely
Increase walnuts to ¾ cup for added healthy fats
Serve exclusively in lettuce cups or with low-carb crackers

Nut-Free Version

Replace walnuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Add extra celery for maintained crunch factor
Consider adding diced apple for additional texture variety

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This recipe provides approximately 285 calories per serving with an excellent macronutrient balance. Each serving delivers roughly 28 grams of high-quality protein from the chicken breast, 18 grams of healthy fats primarily from the avocado mayo and walnuts, and 12 grams of carbohydrates mainly from the dried cherries. The combination provides 4 grams of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and helping you feel satisfied longer.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The chicken breast serves as a lean protein powerhouse, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and repair. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which supports heart health and brain function. The celery contributes vitamin K for bone health and antioxidants like flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Avocado mayo provides monounsaturated fats that help with nutrient absorption and heart health, while the dried cherries offer anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support recovery.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions. It’s rich in vitamin E from the walnuts and provides significant amounts of potassium and folate. The combination of protein and healthy fats makes it ideal for stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Protein Alternatives:

Chicken breast → Rotisserie chicken (remove skin), leftover turkey, or canned chicken (drained)
For plant-based option → Chickpeas (mashed slightly) or cubed extra-firm tofu

Mayo Substitutions:

Avocado mayo → Regular mayo, Greek yogurt (for tangier flavor), or mashed avocado mixed with lemon juice
For lighter version → Half mayo, half Greek yogurt combination

Nut and Fruit Swaps:

Walnuts → Toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for nut-free option
Dried cherries → Dried cranberries, raisins, fresh grapes (halved), or diced apple

Vegetable Variations:

Celery → Diced cucumber for different crunch, water chestnuts for Asian flair, or bell peppers for color
Add diced red onion for extra bite or scallions for mild onion flavor

Seasoning Adjustments:

Garlic powder → Fresh minced garlic (1 clove), garlic salt (reduce regular salt), or onion powder
Boost flavor with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Use rotisserie chicken when it’s on sale and freeze portions for future batches
Buy walnuts in bulk and store in freezer to maintain freshness and save money

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Reduce dried cherries from ½ cup to 2 tablespoons to cut approximately 20 grams of carbs per batch
Replace dried fruit entirely with fresh cucumber or bell pepper dice for crunch without added sugars
Increase protein portion slightly to maintain satiety while reducing overall carb impact

Smart Serving Suggestions:

Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread to eliminate 15-20g carbs per serving
Pair with raw vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks
Use seed crackers or low-carb alternatives if you prefer crackers

Portion Control Tips:

Stick to ¾ cup serving size which provides approximately 8-10 grams of carbs with modifications
Add extra non-starchy vegetables like diced cucumber or radishes to increase volume without carbs
Include healthy fats from additional nuts or avocado to promote stable blood sugar

Blood Sugar Management:

Eat with fiber-rich vegetables to slow carbohydrate absorption
Time portions appropriately within your meal planning strategy
Monitor individual response as dried fruit tolerance varies among individuals

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 6-8 grams of carbs per serving compared to 12 grams in original recipe

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy texture while the acidity cuts through the richness of the avocado mayo. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint. The light, refreshing qualities balance the rich, nutty flavors perfectly. Cold brew coffee works surprisingly well for lunch pairings, especially if you’re adding this to a grain bowl.

Side Dish Recommendations

Fresh fruit salad with berries and melon provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory chicken salad. Roasted sweet potato wedges offer a warm, slightly sweet complement that plays beautifully with the dried cherries. Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and helps create a complete, balanced meal. Cucumber tomato salad with herbs brings brightness and additional vegetables to round out the nutritional profile.

Complete Meal Ideas

Transform this into a grain bowl by serving over quinoa or brown rice with roasted vegetables. Create an elegant lunch spread by pairing with artisanal crackers, fresh fruit, and cheese for guests. For casual family meals, serve alongside baked sweet potato chips and fresh vegetables with hummus. Picnic perfection comes from pairing with pasta salad, fresh fruit, and sparkling beverages.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions

Summer gatherings call for serving in butter lettuce cups with fresh berries on the side. Fall entertaining pairs beautifully with apple slices and warm butternut squash soup. Spring meals shine when served with asparagus salad and fresh strawberries.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Preparation Secrets

Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to intensify their flavor and create even better texture contrast. This small step elevates the entire dish and prevents soggy nuts. When dicing celery, cut against the grain to minimize stringiness and create the perfect crunch that won’t get caught in your teeth.

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

This chicken salad actually improves after 2-4 hours in the refrigerator as flavors meld together. Store in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Add walnuts just before serving if making more than 24 hours ahead to maintain maximum crunchiness. Never freeze this salad as the mayo will separate and the texture will become unappetizing.

Common Mistake Prevention

Don’t overmix the ingredients – gentle folding prevents the chicken from breaking apart and maintains the best texture. If your chicken seems dry, add mayo 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach desired creaminess. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning, as chicken can absorb flavors and may need additional salt or garlic powder.

Scaling and Presentation Tips

This recipe doubles or triples perfectly for meal prep or entertaining. When serving for guests, present in a beautiful bowl garnished with extra chopped walnuts and a few whole dried cherries. For elegant presentation, use an ice cream scoop to portion onto individual plates or into lettuce cups for a restaurant-quality appearance.

This 5-ingredient healthy chicken salad proves that simple doesn’t mean boring, and quick doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements, it’s destined to become your go-to recipe for everything from quick lunches to impressive entertaining. The beauty lies in its versatility – serve it however makes you happiest, knowing you’ve created something both delicious and nutritious in just 10 minutes.