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Chopped Chicken Protein Salad

This is not a health blog, and not everything I eat is healthy. I can own that. Good health for me is all about moderation. I eat everything, but it’s balanced and I eat a lot of salads. I am a big believer in “eating the rainbow“. All those brightly colored vegetables offer amazing nutrients that honestly make me feel healthy just by preparing them.

chicken protein salad

This is what I call a chopped chicken protein salad, and is a salad I make frequently at home when in a hurry. This simple salad is one of the most uncomplicated salads I make. And while I do make a homemade lemon-thyme vinaigrette, this salad is really about assembling nutritious ingredients that happen to be healthy and filling.

The Importance of Fiber

Salads are really a fantastic and easy way to add more vegetables and fiber to your diet, however, without a substantial amount of protein they can easily leave you unsatisfied and, even worse, hungry. Because protein is the most satiating macronutrient, including protein, of some kind, in every meal is a great way to balance your blood sugar, minimize cravings, and keep you feeling full for hours.

chicken protein salad

Protein Punch Options by Grams

  • 3 ounce serving of cooked chicken breast = 26 grams
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds = 15 grams
  • 1 cup feta cheese = 21 grams
  • 2 hard boiled eggs  = 12.6 grams
  • 2 slices of bacon = 6 grams
  • 3 ounces crab meat = 16.4 grams
  • 3 ounces of tofu = 8.4 grams
  • 3 ounces of Tempeh = 15.3 ounces
  • 3/4 cup cooked black beans = 11.4 grams
  • 3/4 cups cooked lentils = 13.4 grams
  • 1 cup quinoa = 8 grams

chicken protein salad

Protein aside, if health is your main focus, my best advice is to make your own salad dressing. A vinaigrette, even a homemade ranch, is substantially better for you, with significantly less sugar and calories than almost any store-bought one you can find. Believe it or not, store-bought salad dressings are actually considered processed foods, most people don’t even realize that. So the takeaway, is don’t skimp on yourself, because you’re worth it.

chicken protein salad

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

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