Looking for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for spring and bursting with flavor? Our Spring Chicken Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing is just what you need! This delightful salad combines tender, diced chicken with crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and crunchy almonds, all coated in a luscious creamy dill dressing. Not only is it a feast for the senses, but it’s also quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes! Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a picnic, or a family dinner, this recipe promises to impress. Dive into this vibrant dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool and dice into small, uniform pieces.
- Prepare fresh ingredients: Wash and chop celery into fine, uniform pieces. Halve red grapes carefully, removing any seeds. Toast sliced almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Make creamy dill dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and finely chopped fresh dill. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine salad components: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together cooked diced chicken, chopped celery, halved red grapes, and toasted sliced almonds.
- Dress the salad: Pour the creamy dill dressing over the chicken mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold, optionally on a bed of fresh greens or with whole grain crackers.
Tips
- Cook the Chicken Perfectly: If you're cooking the chicken from scratch, ensure it’s seasoned well with salt and pepper before cooking. Aim for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, tender pieces.
- Chop Uniformly: For a visually appealing salad, chop your celery and chicken into uniform pieces. This not only enhances the presentation but also ensures even flavor distribution in every bite.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly—just a couple of minutes in a dry pan will do!
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the creamy dill dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more dill.
- Let It Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Serve Creatively: Consider serving your salad on a bed of fresh greens or alongside whole grain crackers for added texture and nutrition. Garnish with extra dill or sliced almonds for a lovely presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
