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Creamy Chicken Salad (No Celery) with Spinach, Cranberries, and Apples Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Salad without celery is a fresh and healthy twist on the classic recipe. Featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped spinach, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese, this flavorful chicken dip is perfect for serving with crackers or chips at gatherings or for easy meal prep lunches. It's a light, protein-packed dish with a balance of sweet and savory flavors from apples, cranberries, and pecans.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped apple (about ¼ of a large apple)
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion (about ¼ of a red onion)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the spinach, shred the rotisserie chicken, and roughly chop the dried cranberries, apple, pecans, and red onion to prepare all components for the salad.
  2. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chopped apple, red onion, cranberries, pecans, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Mix well: Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined to create a creamy texture with balanced flavors.
  4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and add additional salt or pepper as desired to suit your preference.
  5. Serve or store: Enjoy the chicken salad immediately as a dip with crackers or chips, or refrigerate it for meal prep and later use.

Notes

  • This recipe uses no celery, making it suitable for those who dislike or are intolerant to celery.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can also use cooked shredded chicken breast.
  • For added crunch, lightly toast the pecans before chopping.
  • Greek yogurt and cottage cheese provide creaminess and protein while keeping the dish healthy.
  • Serve as a dip at parties, a spread on sandwiches, or a protein-rich salad for lunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers and Side Dishes
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat