Description
This Creamy Dill Chicken Salad is a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for a light lunch, a quick snack, or a satisfying meal prep option. It’s a keto-friendly take on the classic chicken salad, using healthy fats from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to create a creamy and delicious base. The addition of fresh dill, crunchy celery, and red onion adds a burst of flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a protein-packed meal on the go. Forget the sugary dressings and carb-heavy breads – this chicken salad is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken salad, this recipe is a winner.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely fall in love with this Creamy Dill Chicken Salad for several reasons:
- It’s incredibly easy and quick to make: This recipe requires minimal cooking – just shred some cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!), chop a few veggies, and mix everything together. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s packed with flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, fresh dill, crunchy celery, and sharp red onion creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.
- It’s keto-friendly and healthy: This recipe uses avocado or olive oil-based mayonnaise and full-fat Greek yogurt, which are both sources of healthy fats. It’s also low in carbs and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthier meal option.
- It’s versatile: You can enjoy this chicken salad in so many different ways! Serve it on lettuce wraps, keto-friendly bread, cucumber slices, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl.
- It’s perfect for meal prep: This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or snacks for the week.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. This step ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad and is easy to eat. For the best flavor, use chicken that is still slightly warm, as it will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients more readily. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken – just make sure it’s not overly seasoned, as it could clash with the other flavors in the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until the chicken is well coated with the creamy mixture. This base is essential for creating the right texture and flavor profile for the salad. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated so that every bite is creamy and flavorful. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy note and boosts the protein content, making the salad even more satisfying.
Step 3: Add Crunch and Flavor: Next, add the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, dill, and lemon juice to the bowl. These ingredients add a delightful crunch, a hint of sharpness, and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the salad. The celery provides a refreshing crispness, while the red onion adds a subtle bite. Finely chopping the red onion prevents it from overpowering the other flavors. Fresh dill contributes a bright, aromatic note that complements the chicken perfectly. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the overall flavor profile and balances the richness of the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Step 4: Season to Perfection: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Remember that salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. Pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Give the salad a taste test and adjust the seasoning accordingly. If you’re a fan of dill, feel free to add a little more for an extra burst of flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for added depth of flavor. Experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect balance.
Step 5: Mix it Up: Gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is fully combined, creating a cohesive and flavorful salad. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken tough. You want to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad so that every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Chill and Enjoy: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Chilling the salad also helps to improve its texture, making it even more refreshing and enjoyable. You can chill it for up to 3 days.
Step 7: Serve Your Salad: Once chilled, your creamy dill chicken salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it in a variety of ways:
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce work particularly well.
- Keto-Friendly Bread: Spread the chicken salad on keto-friendly bread or crackers for a more substantial meal. Look for breads made with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Cucumber Slices: Top cucumber slices with the chicken salad for a healthy and refreshing snack.
- Stuffed Avocado: Halve an avocado and fill it with the chicken salad for a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal.
- Straight from the Bowl: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy this chicken salad is straight from the bowl with a spoon!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch with a side of mixed greens.
- Pack it in a lunchbox for a healthy and satisfying meal on the go.
- Offer it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
- Serve it on top of a bed of spinach for a nutrient-packed salad.
- Use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality mayonnaise made with avocado or olive oil.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to your liking.
- Add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or pickles.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Estimates will vary depending on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size and specific ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Varies depending on the salt content of the ingredients used; adjust to taste
Conclusion
This Creamy Dill Chicken Salad is a simple, delicious, and healthy recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a convenient meal prep option. The combination of creamy textures, fresh flavors, and wholesome ingredients makes it a winner for anyone looking for a light and flavorful meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a chicken salad that’s both good for you and incredibly tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
- Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds a nice flavor, you can certainly use pre-cooked chicken breast. Just make sure it’s not overly seasoned, as that could clash with the other flavors in the salad. Grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast all work well. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.
- I don’t like dill. What other herbs can I use?
- If dill isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with other fresh herbs. Parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon would be delicious alternatives. Each herb will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite. If you only have dried herbs on hand, remember to use a smaller amount, as they are more potent than fresh herbs.
- Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
- Yes, definitely! This chicken salad is actually even better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving. Making it ahead of time is perfect for meal prepping lunches or snacks for the week.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt. Make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to avoid adding unnecessary sugar to the salad. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I add any other vegetables to this salad?
- Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the salad to customize it to your liking. Chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, pickles, or even shredded carrots would all be great additions. Just make sure to dice the vegetables into small pieces so that they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
