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A large bowl of creamy healthy ranch chicken salad, generously topped with freshly sliced scallions and black pepper.

Easy Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad

myrecipe
A lighter take on a classic, this healthy ranch chicken salad is creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Made with Greek yogurt and light mayo, it's the perfect quick lunch or meal prep staple. The secret is toasting the ranch spices to unlock a deep, savory flavor!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped from rotisserie, roasted, or canned chicken
  • 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp ranch seasoning
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
  • 6 dill pickle spears, chopped about 1/2 cup
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Bloom the Spices and Mix the Dressing

  • Pour the ranch seasoning into a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring constantly, for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Immediately remove from heat and let cool for a minute to prevent burning.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted ranch seasoning, plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar . Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Finish the Salad

  • To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded chicken, chopped pickles, and sliced scallions. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated.
  • Stir in the fresh dill. Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Notes

Pro Tip: Toasting the dry ranch seasoning in a skillet for 30-45 seconds before mixing unlocks a deeper, more savory flavor. This process is called "blooming."
Storage: Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended as the dressing may separate.
Variations: For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of chopped celery or toasted almonds. For a sweet-savory twist, mix in 1/2 cup of diced apples or halved red grapes.
Troubleshooting: If the salad seems too dry, stir in another tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of pickle juice. If it tastes bland, add a pinch more salt and pepper or another splash of vinegar to brighten it up.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 37gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword greek yogurt chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, ranch chicken salad
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