Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy & Easy to Make

Looking for a fresh, nutritious, and delicious salad? This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is packed with crisp greens, juicy chicken, and a flavorful homemade dressing. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a light yet satisfying dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality salad at home. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)

  • 4 cups mixed fresh greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional for creaminess)

  • 1/4 cup nuts or seeds (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)

  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or pomegranate seeds

For the Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil (or Greek yogurt for a creamy version)

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan

  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa for added protein

  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)

Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Cook the Chicken

  • If using fresh chicken, grill, roast, or pan-sear until fully cooked.

  • For extra flavor, marinate with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

  • Let it cool before slicing or shredding.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

  • Wash and chop all fresh greens and vegetables.

  • Slice cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes evenly for a balanced texture.

3. Slice the Avocado

  • Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice thinly.

  • Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

4. Make the Dressing

  • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  • Adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.

5. Assemble the Salad

  • In a large salad bowl, combine cooked chicken, fresh greens, vegetables, and avocado.

  • Sprinkle nuts, dried fruits, and optional add-ins.

6. Toss and Serve

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.

  • Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Best Ways to Serve Fresh Market Chicken Salad

Serving Style Description
Standalone Meal Enjoy as a light yet filling meal on its own.
With Side Dishes Pair with crusty bread, soup, or roasted vegetables.
As a Sandwich Serve between whole grain bread or croissants.
In a Wrap Stuff into a whole-wheat wrap or pita bread for a quick meal.
Party Platter Serve in a large bowl with crackers or chips.
Garnishes & Toppings Add extra herbs, cheese, or nuts for a gourmet touch.
Leftovers & Storage Store properly to keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

1. Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~350 kcal

  • Protein: ~30g

  • Carbohydrates: ~20g

  • Healthy Fats: ~15g

  • Fiber: ~6g

  • Sodium: ~400mg (varies with seasoning)

  • Sugars: ~5g (depends on added fruit and dressing)

2. Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.

  • Rich in Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health.

  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, and olive oil provide heart-friendly fats.

  • Packed with Antioxidants: Fresh vegetables and greens boost immunity.

  • Low in Processed Ingredients: No artificial additives, making it a clean-eating option.

3. Customization for Dietary Needs

  • Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including dressings, are gluten-free.

  • Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

  • Low-Carb/Keto: Reduce honey and avoid dried fruits.

  • Paleo-Friendly: Use a honey-based dressing and avoid dairy-based ingredients.

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

4. Balanced Meal

  • Add a Healthy Carbohydrate: Include quinoa or pair with whole-grain bread.

  • Increase Protein Intake: Add extra chicken, eggs, or nuts.

  • Enhance Hydration & Vitamins: Use water-rich vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

  • Portion Control: Adjust dressing quantity to manage calorie intake.

Storage and Shelf Life

1. How to Store the Salad

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

  • Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

2. Shelf Life

  • Best enjoyed within 3-4 days.

  • If prepped in advance, store ingredients separately and assemble fresh.

3. Freezing (Not Recommended)

  • Fresh ingredients don’t freeze well; freezing alters the texture.

4. Reheating (If Needed)

  • If using pre-cooked chicken, reheat separately before adding to the salad.

5. Signs of Spoilage

  • Wilted greens, slimy chicken, or off-smelling dressing indicate spoilage.

Variations and Substitutions

Variation Type Substitutes
Protein Shrimp, turkey, tofu, or chickpeas.
Greens & Veggies Kale, butter lettuce, shredded cabbage.
Cheese Dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Dressing Balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or tahini dressing.
Crunch Add-Ins Hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, or croutons.
Gluten-Free Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Low-Calorie Reduce dressing, cheese, or nuts.

Tips for Success

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients – The fresher, the better!

  2. Cook Chicken Properly – Juicy, well-seasoned chicken enhances the dish.

  3. Balance Dressing Flavors – Adjust honey and mustard to taste.

  4. Mix Ingredients Well – Toss gently to distribute flavors evenly.

  5. Incorporate Add-Ins – Experiment with different toppings and dressings.

  6. Presentation Matters – Arrange ingredients beautifully for an appetizing look.

  7. Plan Ahead – Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile meal option. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try it today and let me know how you like it!

Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe

This Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious, protein-packed salad made with fresh greens, juicy chicken, crunchy nuts, and a homemade dressing. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a healthy dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 3

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Whisk
  • Salad tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken grilled, roasted, or rotisserie
  • 4 cups mixed fresh greens romaine, spinach, or arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1/4 cup nuts or seeds walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries raisins, or pomegranate seeds

For the Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta goat cheese, or Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, or basil

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Chicken: Grill, roast, or use rotisserie chicken. Let it cool and then slice or shred.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, chop, and slice fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
  • Slice the Avocado: Cut in half, remove the pit, and slice thinly. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, fresh greens, vegetables, avocado, nuts, and dried fruits.
  • Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
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FAQs

What makes this Fresh Market Chicken Salad special?

This salad is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful homemade dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal.

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use grilled, roasted, poached, or rotisserie chicken for this salad. Shredded or cubed chicken works best for even flavor distribution.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.

How long does Fresh Market Chicken Salad last?

It stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture.

Can I add fruits or nuts to this salad?

Absolutely! Apples, grapes, dried cranberries, pecans, walnuts, or almonds add extra crunch and natural sweetness.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit cheese and use a dairy-free dressing like olive oil and lemon vinaigrette.

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