Blueberry Chicken Salad
Blueberry Chicken Salad is loaded with chopped chicken, blueberries, grapes, apple and hazelnuts all tossed in a completely addictive rosemary lime vinaigrette.
The ingredients for this healthy chicken salad are all tossed in a light vinaigrette made of lime, honey and fresh rosemary. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
If you’re looking for a light and healthy chicken salad recipe without mayo, this is hands-down the best ever chicken salad recipe.
HEALTHY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE
This is a unique list of chicken salad ingredients that makes for a really incredible tasting salad.
- 1 roasted chicken (store roasted works for me), meat torn into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- 1-1/2 cups green grapes
- 1-1/2 cups blueberries
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned, and coarsely chopped
- rosemary lime vinaigrette
HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY LUNCH SALAD
- Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss again.
- Chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.
VARIATIONS
- Add some feta or goat cheese if you want to add a bit of creaminess to this salad.
- Sprinkle in some hemp or chia for the added antioxidants.
- Make this salad vegan and swap out the chicken for either chickpeas or spinach leaves instead.
LIME VINAIGRETTE RECIPE
The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, lime and rosemary leaves makes this a really incredible tasting vinaigrette.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
HOW TO MAKE EASY LIME DRESSING
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together.
- Or add all of the ingredients to a mason jar, seal the lid, and shake to blend.
Besides the great taste of this homemade chicken salad, it’s also rich with nutritional benefits:
- Apples are a rich source of fiber and antioxidants. Certain studies have shown that consumption of apples on a regular basis (an apple a day is not just an old adage) helps with reduced risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes.
- Blueberries are a powerhouse superfood containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to ward off major disease like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The compounds in blueberries also help keep our memories sharp.
- Rosemary contains substances that stimulate the immune system. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, and it has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration.
CHICKEN SALADS
- Healthy Italian Chicken Salad
- Fried Chicken Salad
- Tarragon Chicken Salad
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- BBQ Chicken Salad
Blueberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken breast (store roasted chicken works), chopped
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- 1-1/2 cups green grapes
- 1-1/2 cups blueberries
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned, and coarsely chopped
- For the vinaigrette:
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
For the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, shallot, honey, lime juice, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
- Refrigerate before using.
For the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apple, grapes, blueberries, hazlenuts, and toss well.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.