Description
This High Protein Ranch Chicken Salad is a delicious, creamy, and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Featuring Greek yogurt as the base for a healthier ranch dressing, it combines tender, spiced chicken breast with fresh greens, crunchy veggies, and flavorful herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad offers a high-protein, low-fat option that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (Fage Total 5%)
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 3 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (Grey Poupon)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup canned corn (Green Giant), drained
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, finely chopped onion, Dijon mustard, chopped chives, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the cubed chicken breast with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced avocado, and drained corn.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken to the salad bowl. Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Divide the salad into four servings and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor in the dressing.
- To keep avocado from browning, add just before serving and toss lightly.
- Chicken can be grilled instead of pan-cooked for a smoky flavor.
- Adjust seasoning of the dressing to taste by adding more lemon juice or mustard if desired.
- For a lower fat version, use non-fat Greek yogurt.
