If you happen to’re bored with leafy inexperienced salads for lunch, these 5-ingredient hen salad recipes gives you some straightforward lunch inspiration from Southwestern to fruity!
I eat quite a lot of tuna salad and salmon salad, however hen salad is one other nice technique to flip some of the frequent components right into a high-protein lunch!
What I like most about these sorts of combined “salads” is their simplicity and flexibility. When developing with a brand new recipe, I contemplate the large macro teams – advanced carbohydrates, protein, and wholesome fat – and discover new methods to squeeze in all three (I speak extra about this in my filling salads for lunch publish).
As we speak, I’m sharing a number of of my favourite no-or-light mayo hen salad recipes – every made with simply 5 components. Whether or not you’re beginning with rotisserie hen from the grocery retailer for added darkish meat or leftover hen breast, you’ll be shocked at how flavorful every recipe is with minimal effort. They’re additionally nice for simple lunches, fast dinners, or a protein-packed snack.
5-Ingredient Hen Salad Recipes
My go-to philosophy in the case of meals? There’s all the time a technique to tweak a recipe to make it a little bit more healthy – and much more your model. These hen salad recipes are basic favorites refreshed with wholesome components I like, and neglected those I don’t (ahem, onions).
Is Hen Salad Wholesome?
After all! However as most recipe kinds go, some recipes are lighter and more healthy than others primarily based on what components are served with the hen. Are you placing in tons of mayo or oil or including veggies and Greek yogurt (Y’all know the way a lot I like including Greek yogurt to something I can, and that doesn’t cease now!)? Hen is a superb supply of protein, so in fact that’s the shining macro to maintain you full.
And even if you’re confronted with a really dense store-bought hen salad, just a bit might be going to fill you up, so serve it with complementary meals which might be lighter and produce diet together with them.
That mentioned, right here’s what I like about hen salad from a dietary standpoint:
Excessive in Lean Protein: I do know you’ve heard this earlier than, however it’s price repeating – protein issues. It helps construct and keep muscle, helps metabolism, and retains you feeling happy for hours. Hen is such a stable supply of lean protein, and it’s additionally a protein that most individuals like.
Low in Refined Carbs: Relying on the way you serve it – possibly on complete grain toast for a hen salad sandwich, wrapped in crisp lettuce, or eaten straight from the bowl – hen salad may be low-carb. Meaning it’s a blood sugar-friendly choice that’s satisfying.
Wholesome Fat That Work for You: Lightening up the mayo doesn’t imply ditching taste or creaminess. I like utilizing Greek yogurt, cottage cheesemashed avocado, or perhaps a drizzle of olive oil. These add richness and nourishing fat that assist mind and coronary heart well being.
Balanced and Filling: A superb hen salad has the trifecta – protein, wholesome fats, and fiber.
And let’s be sincere: one bowl, a number of easy components, and a fast combine? That’s my sort of no-fuss, wholesome meal prep.
How one can Make Hen Salad With 5 Substances: Recipe Concepts
Avocado Lime Hen Salad Recipe
If you happen to’re within the temper for one thing Southwestern, this Avocado Lime Hen Salad checks all of the bins. It’s tremendous easy, loopy satisfying, and has simply the correct amount of zing in each chew. Scoop it up with whole-grain crackers or crunchy tortilla chips for an amazing texture distinction! Add a little bit salsa for a kick too, for those who like.
Substances
- 1 cup cooked hen, shredded or diced
- ½ ripe avocado, mashed
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
Step 1: In a big bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt till clean.
Step 2: Stir within the hen and cilantro till properly mixed.
Step 3: Serve in crisp lettuce cups or alongside whole-grain crackers or chips.
Hen Salad Cabbage Cups
Shout out to this basic weblog recipe! I’m a giant fan of a salad that feels a little bit surprising. And the mix of savory grilled hen with candy fruit offers off an amazing candy – savory combo. (I do know, fruit on a salad may be controversial!). Add a little bit crunch from the chopped celery and walnuts and you’ve got one thing that feels mild but satisfying.
Substances
- ½ a grilled hen breast, cubed
- 1 massive apple, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/3 cup blackberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
For the dressing:
- 2 TSP Dijon Mustard
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (Scene is my go-to!)
- A sprinkle of celery salt, pepper, and marjoram
Directions
Step 1: Toss the whole lot in a mixing bowl till it’s properly coated and mixed.
Step 2: Steam 4 cabbage leaves till simply tender, then allow them to cool barely. Scoop the hen salad into every leaf and revel in your no-mayo cabbage cups!
Traditional Cottage Cheese Hen Salad Recipe
Don’t be terrified of cottage cheese! Loaded with protein, calcium, potassium, and nutritional vitamins, cottage cheese is a dietary powerhouse. And for those who’re craving a basic hen salad vibe however don’t need to devour a vat of mayo, that is the proper various. It’s creamy, crunchy, and actually, you’ll be able to’t style a lot of a distinction. If you happen to get weirded out by the curds of cottage cheese, you will discover very small curd varieties and/or give it a fast mix first.
Substances
- 1 cup cooked shredded or diced hen breast
- ½ cup cottage cheese (I all the time attain for the Good Tradition model – the feel is ideal)
- ¼ cup chopped celery (provides fairly a crunch)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle (or purple onion if that’s your factor – I’m staff no uncooked onion)
- Salt and black pepper to style
- Non-obligatory: A pinch of garlic powder or paprika if you would like a little bit further taste
Directions
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with salt, pepper, and any further spices you want.
Step 2: Add the hen, celery, and pickles (or onion) and stir till the whole lot is properly coated.
Step 3: Chill within the fridge for 10-Quarter-hour to let the flavors come collectively.
Step 4: Serve it on whole-grain toast, in a lettuce wrap, or simply seize a fork and eat it straight from the bowl – no judgement.
Mediterranean Cucumber Hen Salad Recipe
If you happen to’re within the temper for one thing mild, crunchy, and summery, this taste combo will swimsuit you. The cucumber offers it a satisfying crunch, and naturally the feta makes it so good. Pop it into the fridge and let it marinate – it’s just like the flavors get even higher because it sits.
Substances
- 1 cup cooked shredded hen
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
Directions
Step 1: Toss the whole lot in a bowl and provides it a great combine.
Step 2: Season with salt and black pepper to style.
Step 3: Serve it over a mattress of leafy greens or tuck it right into a heat pita (So good both means!).
Bonus Concept: Swap the hen for tuna or salmon in any of those recipes!
If you happen to’re bored with leafy inexperienced salads each single day for lunch, easy 5-ingredient home made hen salad may be simply as nourishing – and a pleasant change of tempo.
You may as well make a giant batch at the beginning of the week so that you’ve received a straightforward, protein-packed lunch or snack able to go when issues get busy.
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