5 Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes

Who says chicken salad has to be unhealthy? With some smart swaps, this summer staple can be just as tasty as mayo-laden versions. Whip up one of these crowd-pleasing recipes — just in time for your next cookout!

Curried Chicken Salad

The addition of curry powder gives this chicken salad a surprising kick. Only a small amount of mayonnaise is used (just two tablespoons). The creamy factor comes from nonfat yogurt, which also adds refreshing tartness. Tossing in red grapes at the end adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Asian Chicken Salad

You won’t find even a hint of mayo in this tasty chicken salad. The star ingredient is ginger. The chicken is poached in chicken broth with ginger, coriander, scallions and carrot before being tossed in zesty ginger dressing. Serving it up in lettuce cups makes for an elegant app or main dish.

FNK_HERBAL_CHICKEN_SALAD_SANDWICH_H_.jpg

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Herbal Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Impress your guests with this recipe, which calls for poaching the chicken in — surprise! — jasmine green tea. The result: fresh, floral flavor that’s perfect for summer. Tossing the chicken in an herb-vinegar dressing makes for a satisfyingly zesty finish.

recipe for Food Network Kitchens chicken salad sandwich rolls.

recipe for Food Network Kitchens chicken salad sandwich rolls.

Photo by: Jackie Alpers ©Copyright 2012 Jackie Alpers - All rights reserved

Jackie Alpers, Copyright 2012 Jackie Alpers - All rights reserved

recipe for Food Network Kitchens chicken salad sandwich rolls.

Chicken Salad Rolls

This classic chicken salad recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply combine cooked, shredded chicken with “something crunchy” (like celery, apple, radish or sweet pickle slices) and “something oniony” (think scallions or red onion) for a healthy chicken salad that your kids will love!

Scoopable Chinese Chicken Salad

Got five minutes? Then you have enough time to whip up this slaw-like chicken salad. Broccoli coleslaw, water chestnuts, orange segments and scallions come together before being tossed with low-fat sesame ginger dressing. Scoop it up with lettuce cups or whole-wheat pita bread for a delicious lunch or snack.

Abigail Libers is a freelance writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She is also the creator and editor of notesonfatherhood.tumblr.com.

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