Description
This Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad features tender, pan-cooked chicken breast marinated in a homemade Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing. Combined with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, avocado, and a flavorful dressing, this nutrient-packed salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Chicken and Salad
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Cups Packed Greens of choice
- ¼ Small Red Onion, sliced
- ¾ Cup Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ English Cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 Avocado, sliced
- ⅓ Cup Corn, Fresh or canned
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1 Cup Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2-3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, finely chopped
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the ranch dressing: In a small jar, combine plain non-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, finely chopped onion, Dijon mustard, fresh chives, parsley, dill, and sea salt and pepper to taste. Place the lid on the jar and shake well until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour about one-third of the prepared ranch dressing over the bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a bowl. Toss to evenly coat and refrigerate to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Keep the remaining dressing refrigerated for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the packed greens of your choice. Top the greens with sliced red onion, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced avocado, corn, and the cooked chicken.
- Dress and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the remaining ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy ranch chicken salad!
Notes
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred for a juicier texture.
- Protein Options: If you don’t like chicken, shrimp can be used as an alternative protein.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like olives or bell peppers, but note that adding extras may impact calorie content.
- Ranch Dressing: If you want to save time, you may use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch.
