Mile-High Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: A Healthy and Easy Meal Idea

 Looking for a light yet hearty dish bursting with flavor? This Mile-High Shredded Chicken Salad hits the sweet spot of being healthy, simple to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're planning a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a refreshing dinner idea, this easy shredded chicken salad has you covered. Packed with protein and loaded with crunchy, fresh veggies, it’s the go-to option for anyone wanting a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

Bring this salad to life with just a few fresh and delicious ingredients. Here's what you'll need to create your healthy chicken salad recipe:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (for crunch)
• 1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

This best chicken salad idea is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these steps to whip it up in no time:

1. Prepare the Base
   Start by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce, spinach, and other veggies. Place them in a large salad bowl to form a fresh and colorful base.

2. Shred the Chicken
   If you're using leftover or rotisserie chicken, pull the meat apart into small, bite-sized shreds using two forks. Warm it slightly to enhance the flavor, if desired. Add the chicken on top of the vegetable base.

3. Whip Up the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to suit your palate.

4. Combine and Toss
   Pour the dressing over your salad mixture, then gently toss everything to coat the veggies and chicken evenly.

5. Top It Off
   Add the avocado slices and sprinkle with sunflower seeds or almonds for an appealing crunch and creamy texture.

Tips for Serving and Customizing

• Serve the salad towering high in bowls for that “mile-high” presentation. Add an extra sprinkle of seeds or nuts for some visual flair.
• Want to boost the protein? Toss in hard-boiled eggs or cooked quinoa.
• Spice it up with a drizzle of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Need a dairy-free option? Swap the Dijon mustard for a pinch of garlic powder and increase the lemon juice for tanginess.
• For a heartier version, serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or tuck into a wrap for a portable option.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This healthy chicken salad recipe is more than just a salad—it's a meal that checks all the boxes. It’s versatile, packed with nutrients, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or throwing together something last minute, this easy shredded chicken salad is the perfect dish to keep you satisfied and energized.

Give this Mile-High Shredded Chicken Salad a try today, and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!