Description
A wholesome and vibrant Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad featuring tender marinated chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing made with Greek yogurt for a nutritious and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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 Homemade Ranch Dressing: Add all the dressing ingredients—Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, finely chopped onion, Dijon mustard, fresh chives, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper—to a small jar. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing until smooth and creamy.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a bowl and coat them with one-third of the prepared ranch dressing. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Reserve the remaining dressing for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the packed greens, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced avocado, and corn. Drizzle with the reserved ranch dressing and toss everything gently until evenly coated. Top the salad with the cooked chicken pieces and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer if time allows, for more flavor infusion.
- Use fresh herbs for the dressing to maximize freshness and taste.
- Greek yogurt keeps the dressing creamy yet low fat compared to traditional ranch dressings made with mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.
- You can substitute corn with other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
