Why You’ll Love this Refreshing Chicken Salad
When summer rolls around, I’m always searching for light, crunchy meals that don’t weigh me down, and this invigorating chicken salad hits all the right notes. You’ll fall in love with how the crisp celery and cabbage create that satisfying crunch in every bite.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s guilt-free comfort food, with nonfat sour cream and fat-free ranch dressing keeping things light. I adore how versatile it is—serve it on whole grain bread for lunch, atop crackers for snacking, or wrapped in a low-cal tortilla for dinner. Trust me, the combination of lean protein and fresh veggies makes this the perfect hot-weather solution.
What Ingredients are in Refreshing Chicken Salad?
When it comes to creating this delightful chicken salad, simplicity is key. The ingredients work together to create a perfect balance of protein, crunch, and creamy tanginess that makes each bite satisfying without weighing you down.
And the best part? Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your refrigerator, making this an easy go-to recipe when hunger strikes but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- 1 (12 ounce) can chicken (or fresh leftover chicken)
- 1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup fully cooked ham steak
- 1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing
- Salt, pepper, and basil to taste
While the recipe calls for canned chicken, don’t hesitate to swap in leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast if you have some on hand—it’ll add even more flavor.
The ham adds a nice savory element, but you could certainly leave it out if you’re looking for a strictly poultry-based salad.
And remember, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with the crunchy elements—if you’re a texture lover like me, feel free to go heavy on the celery and cabbage, or dial them back if you prefer a creamier consistency.
The seasonings are entirely up to your palate, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
How to Make this Refreshing Chicken Salad
Making this invigorating chicken salad couldn’t be easier—it’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that saves the day when you’re hungry but short on time. Simply grab a medium-sized bowl and start combining all your ingredients: 1/2 cup of nonfat sour cream, a 12-ounce can of chicken (or that leftover rotisserie chicken waiting to be used), 1 cup of chopped celery for that satisfying crunch, 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cabbage (depending on how much texture you crave), 1/2 cup of fully cooked ham steak cut into small pieces, and 1/4 cup of fat-free ranch dressing to bring everything together with creamy goodness.
Once all the ingredients are in your bowl, it’s time to get your hands dirty—well, metaphorically speaking, since a spoon works perfectly fine. Gently fold everything together until well combined, making sure the creamy dressing and sour cream coat all those crunchy bits.
Now comes the important part: seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and basil to your taste, stirring after each addition. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away, so start conservatively and adjust as needed. Give it a little taste test (isn’t that the best part of cooking?) and tweak until it hits just the right flavor notes for you.
Your chicken salad is now ready to serve in whatever way suits your mood. Spread it between two slices of whole grain bread for a hearty sandwich, scoop it onto crisp crackers for an appetizer, use it as a topper for fresh veggies, or serve it alongside some low-calorie tortilla chips for scooping.
And if you’re anything like me and appreciate maximum crunch factor, don’t hesitate to add even more celery than the recipe suggests—there’s something so satisfying about that crisp texture contrasting with the creamy base. This versatile salad also stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Refreshing Chicken Salad Substitutions and Variations
Although this chicken salad recipe is delicious as written, the beauty of it lies in its flexibility and adaptability to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary needs you’re accommodating.
Can’t do sour cream? Greek yogurt works brilliantly. No cabbage in sight? Try shredded carrots or broccoli slaw instead.
Vegetarian friends coming over? Skip the ham and chicken, sub in chickpeas and tofu. The crunch factor—my personal obsession—can be amplified with water chestnuts or jicama. Sometimes I toss in diced apples and walnuts for a sweet-savory twist.
Even the dressing is negotiable. Vinaigrette, anyone?
What to Serve with Refreshing Chicken Salad
The perfect companions for this revitalizing chicken salad truly elevate it from a simple lunch option to the star of your mealtime lineup.
I love serving mine with crispy butter lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or tucked into a warm pita pocket when I’m craving something more substantial.
For summer gatherings, I arrange it alongside sliced watermelon and fresh cucumber spears. Trust me, the cool, soothing contrast is divine.
And don’t forget a handful of multigrain crackers or those little pretzel thins—they provide the perfect crunch factor.
My mother always added a small bowl of cherry tomatoes, which I’ve kept as tradition.
Final Thoughts
After enjoying this invigorating chicken salad recipe countless times, I’ve come to appreciate its versatility and simplicity.
The crunch of celery and cabbage paired with tender chicken creates a textural paradise that never disappoints.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it adapts to your personal taste.
Need more protein? Add extra chicken. Craving more crunch? Throw in additional celery.
I’ve served it on everything from whole grain bread to cucumber slices when I’m watching carbs.
Refreshing Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the canned chicken (or leftover chicken), shredded cabbage, chopped celery, and diced ham steak.
- Add the nonfat sour cream and fat-free ranch dressing to the bowl.
- Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the creamy mixture coats all components evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and basil to taste, stirring after each addition.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
