The weather is warming up and that means more easy, light, cool food! This healthy paleo chicken salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an elegant dinner party appetizer. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, chicken salad is both satisfying and delicious. It’s also healthy, full of protein, veg, and nuts!
My version has everything you could dream of in a chicken salad: great crunch, sweet grapes, fresh herbs and a creamy perfect base!
What is the best chicken to use for this paleo chicken salad?
I used poached, skinless, boneless chicken breasts. I like poached best in this recipe, which is great because it’s the easiest way to cook chicken in my opinion!! This is a great foolproof recipe to get the perfect poached chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken here. You can also shred your chicken instead of chopping it.
What is the best mayo to use for paleo chicken salad?
My favorite is Primal Kitchen Avocado oil mayo. You can buy it HERE. A lot of mayo brands contain inflammatory oils and other nasties. It’s important to get a good one with high-quality oil since the majority of mayo is oil. I love the taste of Primal Kitchen. Another good brand is Sir Kensington or Chosen Foods.
How to make this paleo chicken salad even healthier?
Swap half the amount of mayo for avocado or Greek yogurt! I wouldn’t remove the mayo entirely since it adds so much good flavor. Balance! 🙂
How can I serve this paleo chicken salad?
I love scooping this delectable chicken salad with paleo crackers. My favorite is simple mills!
I’m also a fan of it in a lettuce wrap, or on gluten-free bread for a delicious sandwich!
Substitutions
Pecans– You can use slivered almonds, walnuts, or another nut you like.
Grapes– Try dried cranberries or even raisins if you like!
Chicken breasts– you can use rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs here. Also, shredding the chicken is equally as good as dicing, it’s up to your preference!
Mayo– Try swapping half the amount of mayo for smashed avocado or Greek yogurt!
*Don’t skip this tip! Make sure you take the extra 4 minutes to brown the pecans! I promise it brings out the flavor in such a beautiful way. Your chicken salad will simply not be as tasty if you skip this step.
Also, If you love easy chicken recipes check out my quinoa-crusted chicken recipe here!
If you make this delish recipe, leave a review and let me know!
Paleo Healthy Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts) preferably poached! Rotisserie works as well.
- 1/2 a lemon squeezed or about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 cup sliced red grapes
- 3 chopped celery stalks or 1/3 cup chopped
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 2 stalks chopped green onions, including white parts
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh!
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup mayonaisse
Instructions
- Start by toasting your pecans. In a pan on medium-high heat, add a little bit of coconut or avocado oil and add your chopped pecans. Toast them for about 4 minutes until fragrant, tossing occasionally so they don't burn. Set them aside on a plate and allow them to cool.
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients together and give it a good mix until everything is fully coated. THAT'S IT! Taste and add more salt, mayo, ect to your liking! Serve with crackers, on top of toasted bread or in a lettuce wrap. ENJOY!
