A chopped chicken salad is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it can be easily customized to your liking. This recipe is easy to make because it only requires a few simple ingredients, including crispy chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs.
It is also gluten-free, making it a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. You can easily adjust this recipe to be dairy free, vegan or low fat.
This recipe can be made in 30 minutes or less, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. To make the salad even faster, you can use pre-cooked chicken and hard-boiled eggs.
What is a chopped chicken salad?
A chopped chicken salad is a salad that is made with chopped chicken, lettuce, and a variety of other ingredients, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. The salad is typically dressed with a vinaigrette dressing or a honey mustard dressing.
Why is a chopped chicken salad healthy?
A chopped chicken salad is healthy because it is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. The chicken is a good source of protein, while the lettuce and other vegetables add fiber and vitamins.
why you’ll love this recipe
- To make a chopped chicken salad vegan, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. You can also use a vegan egg substitute and a vegan cheese substitute.
- To make a chopped chicken salad low fat, you can use grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken instead of chicken tenders.
- You can also use a low-fat cheddar cheese or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- You can also use a light dressing, such as a vinaigrette dressing.
- This recipe is also easy to meal prep. Simply chop all of the ingredients and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, simply combine the ingredients and add your favorite dressing.
- This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
- The salad is packed with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. These vegetables are all low in calories and high in nutrients.
- Chopped chicken salad is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- It is also gluten-free and packed with veggies.
- Here are some additional tips for making chopped chicken salad:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
- Cook the hard-boil eggs in advance.
- Use your favorite dressing or make your own.
- The salad is also easy to customize to your liking. For example, you can add or remove any ingredients that you do not like or have on hand.
ingredients & substitutions
Chicken
Chicken is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including chopped chicken salad. It is a good source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus. Chicken is also relatively low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can substitute grilled chicken or homemade chicken cutlets. You can also use another type of cooked meat, such as turkey, beef, or pork. You can also use chick’n or any other vegetarian substitute for chicken.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Lettuce is also low in calories and fat.
If you don’t have lettuce, you can use another type of leafy green vegetable, such as spinach, kale, or romaine. You can also use arugula or watercress for a more peppery flavor for this chopped chicken salad.
Hard-boiled egg
A hard-boiled egg is a cooked egg that has been boiled until the yolk and white are both solid. Hard-boiled eggs are a good source of protein, choline, and vitamin B12. They are also relatively low in calories and fat.
To make a hard-boiled egg:
- Place the egg in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pan and remove it from the heat.
- Let the egg sit in the hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Peel the egg and chop it for the salad.
If you don’t have a hard-boiled egg, you can substitute another source of protein, such as a handful of nuts, seeds, or cooked beans. You can also use a vegetarian substitute for eggs, such as tofu scramble or chickpea flour omelet in this chopped chicken salad.
Tomato
A tomato is a fruit that is often used in salads. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C.
If you don’t have a tomato, you can substitute another type of fruit, such as cucumber, avocado, or berries. You can also use a roasted red pepper for a smoky flavor.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Cheddar cheese is also relatively high in fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. If you are watching your fat intake you can use soy based cheese or fat free cheese.
For the dairy-free recipe, you can substitute a dairy-free cheese, such as vegan cheddar or almond cheddar. If you are fat-free, you can substitute a low-fat or fat-free cheddar cheese for this chopped chicken salad.
Honey mustard dressing
If you don’t have honey mustard dressing, you can make your own by combining equal parts mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Add a touch of honey and salt and pepper to taste.
taste & texture
The taste of a chopped chicken salad is typically savory and slightly sweet. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the lettuce and other vegetables add freshness and crunch. The hard-boiled egg adds a bit of creaminess and richness, and the cheese adds a tangy flavor. The dressing helps to tie all of the flavors together.
The texture of a chopped chicken salad is typically varied. The chicken is typically soft and tender, while the lettuce and other vegetables are crunchy and crisp. The hard-boiled egg adds a bit of creaminess, and the cheese adds a bit of chewiness. The dressing helps to coat all of the ingredients and provide a smooth and creamy texture.
Check out some more of my easy, gluten free recipes here!
directions
Step 1
On a large cutting board, add the chopped chicken tenders, lettuce, hard-boiled egg, tomato, and cheddar cheese.
Step 2
Chop finely with a large knife.
Step 3
Add to salad bowl.
Step 4
Drizzle with honey mustard dressing.
Step 5
Toss to combine and serve.
expert tips & tricks
- For a more flavorful chopped chicken salad, add a tablespoon of chopped red onion or celery.
- If you don’t have honey mustard dressing, you can make your own by combining equal parts mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Add a touch of honey and salt and pepper to taste.
- For a lighter version of the salad, use lite mayonnaise and lite cheese. You can also use a lower-fat dressing, such as vinaigrette.
- If you are serving the chopped chicken salad with a dressing, it is best to add the dressing just before serving. This will help to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- If you are storing the salad in the fridge, it is best to store the dressing separately. This will also help to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- If you are planning to eat the salad within 24 hours, you can store it in the fridge at room temperature. However, if you are planning to eat the salad after 24 hours, it is best to store it in the back of the fridge, where it is coldest.
Shop the dishes (and even some of the ingredients) here!
how to make this low fat
Use grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken instead of chicken tenders. Use one hard-boiled egg instead of two. You can also use low-fat cheddar cheese or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
how to make this vegan
Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Cut the tofu or tempeh into strips and bake or fry until golden brown. Use a vegan egg substitute. There are many different brands and types available, so choose one that you like. Use a vegan cheese substitute. There are many different brands and types available.
how to serve & store
To serve a chopped chicken salad, simply place it in a large bowl and toss to combine. You can also serve the salad in individual bowls or on plates. If you are serving the salad with a dressing, you can either drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
To store a chopped chicken salad in the fridge, simply place it in an airtight container. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Chopped Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3-5 gluten-free chicken tenders airfried
- 2 cups lettuce
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 tomato sliced
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese dairy-free or fat-free
- Honey mustard dressing option for lite dressing
Instructions
- On a large cutting board, add the chopped chicken tenders, lettuce, hard-boiled egg, tomato, and cheddar cheese.
- Chop finely with a large knife.
- Add to salad bowl.
- Drizzle with honey mustard dressing.
- Toss to combine and serve.
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