Easy Healthy Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. You can substitute with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but you can also use spinach, kale, or mixed greens. Each offers a unique taste and texture.

Corn: Fresh corn is great, but frozen or canned corn works well too! For a twist, consider adding black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

Avocado: While avocado adds creaminess, you can replace it with diced mango or even sunflower seeds for a burst of flavor!

Dressing: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, use avocado or cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt. It’s creamy and delicious!

What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Salad?

Cooking the chicken properly makes a huge difference in flavor. I recommend a grill pan for that lovely char, but a skillet works just fine too. Here’s how to ensure your chicken comes out juicy:

• Preheat your grill or skillet on medium-high for a few minutes.
• Season the chicken well with spices before it hits the heat.
• Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Flip only once to develop a nice sear.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in moisture before dicing it for the salad.

Easy Healthy Chicken Chopped Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1-2 small jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• 2 lime wedges for serving

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Water to thin, if needed

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, plus a few minutes for cutting veggies and mixing everything together. In total, expect about 25 minutes to have this healthy dish ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Start by preheating a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil, then cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked through and has a nice char. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cooked corn, sliced red bell pepper, jalapeño slices (if you’re using them), and the sliced green onions. This mix will provide a nice crunch and a burst of color!

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad:

Now it’s time to put everything together! Add the diced chicken to the salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to combine, making sure not to mash the avocado slices that you’ll add next.

5. Final Touches:

Arrange the avocado slices on top of the salad, then sprinkle the pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro over everything for added flavor and crunch. Serve with lime wedges on the side, perfect for adding a zing right before you dig in!

Enjoy your healthy, vibrant, and satisfying chicken chopped salad!

FAQ for Easy Healthy Chicken Chopped Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just chop it up and add it to the salad base without needing to cook it again.

What Dressing Alternatives Can I Use?

If you’re looking for a lighter dressing, you can use a vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of the Greek yogurt dressing. A simple squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice with olive oil can also work well!

How to Store Leftover Salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning, you might want to add it just before serving. If storing with dressing, keep it separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Can I Customize the Ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to mix and match by adding other veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or even beans for extra protein. You can also swap the pumpkin seeds for nuts or omit them altogether, based on your preference!