Healthy Recipe- Chicken Salad

Here’s an example of how a simple chicken salad can go from mundane to magnificent with a strategic switch of a few ingredients. Greek yogurt mixed with a little olive oil is a lighter and healthier replacement for mayonnaise. Fresh fennel subs for celery while supplying a hint of licorice-like flavor. And green peas and mint usher in springtime. The magic ingredient that takes this mixture over the top is za’atar, a fragrant blend of Middle Eastern spices that tastes floral, earthy, tangy, and nutty. If it’s not already in your spice rack, it’s well worth seeking out – many supermarkets now carry it.

Healthy Chicken Salad with Fennel, Peas, and Za’atar

This recipe is lightly adapted from one in “A Table Full of Love” by Skye McAlpine (Bloomsbury, $35). Serves 4 to 6. — Susan Puckett

Ingredients

• 1¾ cups plain whole milk Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups shredded, cooked chicken
• 1 cup frozen, thawed green peas
• 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, halved, and thinly sliced
• Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, za’atar, mint, and olive oil.
2. Add the chicken, peas, and fennel and toss gently to combine.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve. 

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.

For another tasty and healthy recipe, click: here!