Crispy Chicken Salad (gluten free option)

This crispy chicken salad is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it can be assembled in just minutes. All you need is corn, tomatoes, chicken, lettuce and your favorite dressing. I like to use honey mustard.

The star of the show is the gluten-free chicken fingers. If you are not gluten free you can use any chicken fingers you want! These are air-fried to perfection, so they’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Because the chicken is air fried it cuts back on dishes you need to do, and saves you time!

This crispy chicken salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken is a good source of protein, while the vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also a great way to use up leftover grilled corn from the night before.

This crispy chicken salad recipe is gluten free, dairy free and has a low fat option.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• This crispy chicken salad is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• It’s also a great option for lunch or a light dinner.
• For a lower carb option you can use grilled chicken.
• For a lower fat option you can use grilled chicken and low fat dressing.
• If you are not gluten free you can use any chicken fingers you want!
• You can use any type of lettuce you like. I like to use a combination of romaine and spinach.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken fingers.
• You can also add other toppings to this crispy chicken salad. You can add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or croutons.
• This salad can be easily customized to your liking. If you don’t like corn, you can use another vegetable, such as broccoli or carrots.
• Switch up the dressings for a different crispy chicken salad recipe every time. You can also add different types of dressing, such as ranch or vinaigrette.
• You can meal prep it! Cook the chicken fingers and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss the chicken tenders, dressing, and vegetables together.
• This salad is a great way to use up leftover grilled corn from the night before.

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INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Chicken fingers

For this crispy chicken salad I used gluten free frozen chicken fingers, but you can use any chicken fingers you want. If you are not gluten free you can use whatever chicken fingers you have on hand. If you are looking for a lower carb or healthier option you can use grilled chicken or shredded chicken.

You can also make your own chicken but grilling boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pan frying it, or making your own chicken cutlets. You can make shredded chicken in the crock pot. If you are vegan you can use any chick’n you want.

Lettuce

The taste of lettuce can vary depending on the type of lettuce. For example, romaine lettuce has a stronger flavor than iceberg lettuce.

Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of fiber.

If you do not like lettuce, you can use other leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or arugula for this crispy chicken salad.

You can also use this recipe by Less with Laur for Quinoa Chicken Tenders that are gluten free.

Tomato

The taste of tomatoes can vary depending on the variety of tomato. For example, cherry tomatoes are sweeter than beefsteak tomatoes.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer.

If you do not like tomatoes, you can use other vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.

Corn

The taste of corn can vary depending on the variety of corn. For example, sweet corn is sweeter than field corn.

Corn is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.

 If you do not like corn, you can use other vegetables, such as carrots or cucumbers in this crispy chicken salad.

Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey mustard dressing has a sweet, tangy flavor. The sweetness comes from the honey, and the tanginess comes from the mustard.

If you do not like honey mustard dressing, you can use other dressings, such as ranch, vinaigrette, or blue cheese dressing. Make sure your dressing is gluten free if you eat a gluten free diet. If you are making this recipe vegan, make sure to use a vegan dressing.

TASTE & TEXTURE

The crispy chicken salad is a delicious and refreshing meal that is perfect for a summer day. The crispy chicken tenders are a great contrast to the cool, crisp lettuce and the sweet, juicy tomato.

The texture of the crispy chicken salad is also very satisfying. The crispy chicken fingers provide a satisfying crunch, while the lettuce and tomato add a refreshing crunch. The corn adds a bit of softness, and the honey mustard dressing is creamy and smooth.

Check out some more of my easy, gluten free recipes here!

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

STEP 2

Make the chicken. Place the chicken fingers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

STEP 3

Make the salad. To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a bowl. Top with the tomato, corn, and chicken fingers. Drizzle with the honey mustard dressing and serve.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

• You can use any type of lettuce you like for this crispy chicken salad recipe. I like to use a combination of romaine and spinach.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken fingers in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• You can also add other toppings to this salad, such as shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or croutons.
• If you are using fresh lettuce, it is best to store the salad without the lettuce. The lettuce will wilt if it is stored in the refrigerator for too long.
• If you are using leftover chicken fingers, be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
• Do not add the honey mustard dressing to the salad until you are ready to serve it. The dressing can make the lettuce soggy if it is stored in the refrigerator for too long.

HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHIER

Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs. The skin and bones are high in fat, so removing them will help to reduce the fat content of the chicken.

Grill the chicken instead of frying it. Frying the chicken will add unnecessary fat, so grilling is a healthier option.

Use a light dressing. Honey mustard dressing is a good option, but there are many other low-fat dressings available.

Avoid adding high-fat toppings, such as cheese or croutons. These toppings can add unnecessary fat and calories to the crispy chicken salad.

HOW TO MAKE THIS VEGAN

Use vegan chick’n fingers. There are many different brands of vegan chick’n fingers available, so you can choose one that you like.

Use vegan honey mustard dressing. There are also many different brands of vegan honey mustard dressing available.

Other vegan toppings that you can add to the salad include vegan cheese, croutons, or bacon bits.

HOW TO SERVE & STORE

To serve: Place the lettuce in a bowl. Top with the chicken fingers, tomato, corn, and honey mustard dressing. Serve the crispy chicken salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.

To store: The crispy chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply place the salad in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

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