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California Chicken Salad Recipe (Light, Creamy & High-Protein)

Hey foodies! Chef Alex here, back again to share a recipe that has me totally obsessed right now—my Creamy California Chicken Salad! Imagine a deliciously light twist on the beloved Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad. You know the salad I’m talking about—creamy mayo dressing, tender shredded chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and fresh celery. YUM! I’ve given the classic a healthier spin without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Trust me; you’ll fall head over apron for this recipe. It’s creamy but light, crunchy yet juicy and sweet, quick to whip up, and protein-packed to keep you fueled and satisfied. California vibes, meet salad!

🧑‍🍳 Why California Chicken Salad is My Go-To Meal Prep Dish – A Little Story

Picture this: A sunny California morning. It was a laid-back Sunday on a recent weekend getaway to wine country with friends. After enjoying fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and sunny vineyard strolls, I tasted the most incredible Sonoma Chicken Salad at a quaint café. I was hooked, but knew I could create my own healthier version at home.

The next weekend, surrounding myself with fresh ingredients from a local farmers’ stand, I whipped up my California creation. Friends gathered around our rustic wooden table, digging into the creamy goodness wrapped up in crisp green lettuce leaves and served over toasted whole-grain bread, and my new favorite recipe was born!

Now, this California Chicken Salad is my Sunday afternoon meal prep staple—it keeps perfectly in the fridge and gives me healthy lunches for days. It’s a creamy classic re-imagined, and I’m thrilled that so many friends, family, and foodies like you have been asking for it.

Okay, enough chit-chat, let’s dive into this ridiculously tasty and easy-to-make California Chicken Salad recipe!

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy California Chicken Salad:

Let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need—here’s your handy-dandy grocery list:

– 16 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
– ¼ cup mayonnaise (you can also use avocado mayo)
– 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
– ⅓ cup seedless grapes, halved (green, red, or a mix!)
– 2 fresh celery stalks, chopped finely
– 3 tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped
– ¼ tsp dried thyme (fresh is fabulous too if you have it!)
– Pinch of black pepper & sea salt, to taste

Don’t skip the grapes, folks! Their juicy sweetness perfectly balances the savory chicken. Yum!

💃 Step-by-Step Directions to Creamy Crunchy Perfection:

Ready to impress yourself with a delicious homemade chicken salad? Let’s do this!

Step 1 – Prep Your Chicken

Grab a big bowl and shred or chop your cooked chicken breast. (Pro tip: grabbing a rotisserie chicken not only speeds things up, but adds extra juicy flavor!)

Step 2 – Toss in the Creamy Mixture

To your shredded chicken, add mayonnaise and creamy Greek yogurt. Why this combo? It gives that lovely rich flavor without making it too heavy. Creamy without feeling weighed-down—love that!

Step 3 – Get Nutty & Fruity!

Time for texture! Fold in your juicy halved grapes, crunchy walnuts, and freshly chopped celery. Give everything a gentle mix.

Step 4 – Season to Perfection

Next, sprinkle in your thyme, plus sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Taste-testing absolutely encouraged—you earned it, chef!

Step 5 – Chill Out (Literally!)

Cover up your beautiful mixed-up chicken salad bowl and chill in the fridge until it’s perfectly flavorful and cold.

And there you have it—California-inspired creamy deliciousness ready for your week ahead!

🍽 Serving Suggestions to Enjoy Your Chicken Salad:

The greatest thing about this creamy chicken salad? The endless serving options! Here are some of my favorites:

– Go Low-Carb Crunchy: Scoop onto crunchy romaine or butter lettuce leaves for refreshing lettuce wraps.
– Get Toasty: Spread generously onto toasted whole-grain bread or a hearty croissant.
– Salad Bowls Galore: Serve atop leafy greens, baby spinach, or arugula for an extra boost of nutrients and a fresh crunch.
– Straight-Up Snacking: Honestly, it’s delicious and satisfying enough straight from the bowl!

✨ Chef Alex’s Pro Tips For Your Salad Success:

As your foodie friend, here are some chef-approved tips for the BEST results:

– Double-Up & Meal Prep: This chicken salad stays fresh for up to 4 days. Go ahead, double the batch. You’ll thank me on Wednesday.
– Nut & Grape Swap: Allergic to walnuts? No problem! Pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds are all amazing swaps. Feeling adventurous? Try tart dried cranberries if you’re out of grapes—they work magic, folks.
– Creamy Flexibility: Love avocado? Swap half the mayo for ¼ mashed avocado for an extra creamy boost (and healthy fats!).
– Chicken Tip: Leftover grilled chicken gives an extra smoky flavor—fantastic if you have barbecue leftovers.
– Chill First, Enjoy Later: Let flavors mesh and mingle by chilling in the fridge a couple of hours before serving.
– Fresh Herbs FTW: garnish with parsley or dill, brightening everything up beautifully with freshness.

🍎 Nutrition Information | High-Protein, Low-Carb Goodness:

Interested in nutritional breakdowns? Here’s what you’re getting per generous serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

– Calories: 350
– Protein: 38g – High Protein for staying fueled, satisfied, and energized!
– Carbs: Only 4g – low-carb but loaded with taste and texture!
– Fat: 20g – healthy fats from walnuts, mayo, and yogurt, nourishing and keeping you full.

Pretty fantastic macros, right? Creamy without the heaviness, high in protein and nutrients, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love?

👨‍🍳 You’re a California Chicken Salad Pro Now!

I hope you feel inspired to whip up my California Chicken Salad—your new easy, creamy, high-protein masterpiece! Share this recipe with family, friends, or anyone looking to add tasty, healthy meals to their rotation.

Give this recipe a shot—I bet it’ll quickly become part of your lunch routine. If you make it, snap a photo and tag me—I love seeing your culinary creations!

Happy cooking, and remember—life is too short for boring salads. Keep it fresh, fun, and always a little bit crunchy.

Cheers from my kitchen to yours!

Chef Alex 🥑🍽️😊