Lite Summer Chicken Salad

This is my healthy yet flavorful version of chicken salad that is served on a lettuce leaf. For summer I usually opt for this version served alongside a few slices of tomatoes.

Julian's Lite Summer Chicken Salad

It's lighter than most chicken salads because it uses Greek yogurt in place of most of the mayonnaise and sheds the typical bread/bun for some fruit additions. My classic chicken salad sandwich doesn't include the fruits, which don't work as well on a bun and instead has egg and celery.

A Simple Ingredient List

For the chicken breast, you can poach your own or you can used a good brand of canned chicken. If using canned, and I do so when I need a quick luncheon, I opt for the Costco Kirkland brand which is a 12.5 ounce can and then I go a little light on the other ingredients. For the grapes, either white or red seedless are fine. If they are very large they should be cut into pieces similar in size to the apples and dried berries.

If you use the full pound of chicken the recipe will serve 4 adults with side of crispy French bread. The 12.5 ounce can of chicken will serve 2-3 adults.

Ingredients

Julian's Lite Summer Chicken Salad

1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced apple
1/3 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnut pieces
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

2/3 cup seedless grapes, quartered
12-16 ounces chicken breast
    cooked/cleaned/cut up

Leaf lettuce (for serving)
Tomato wedges (for serving)

Instructions
In a large bowl stir together the onion, apple, dried berries, nuts, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Gently fold in the chicken and grapes. Do not over mix to ensure chunks of chicken and unmashed grapes. Serve on a lettuce leaf surrounded by tomato wedges.