This turmeric chicken salad recipe is easy, flavorful, and super healthy, thanks to greek yogurt. Ginger gives it a little kick, and cauliflower rice adds a nice crunch. Enjoy on a sandwich, salad, or by itself.
Turmeric is having a moment, isn’t it? I’m seeing it everywhere these days: turmeric lattes, turmeric milkshakes, even turmeric face masks. Now I’m adding to the turmeric frenzy with this heathy turmeric chicken salad.
There’s a few good reasons for turmeric to be having its 15 minutes of foodie fame. The health benefits attributed to turmeric include anti-inflammatory properties, decreased cancer risk, improved blood sugar balance, and kidney function. That’s a lot for one little spice!
This isn’t a nutrition blog so I won’t try to vouch for all of these supposed benefits of turmeric, but it certainly isn’t unhealthy, and it adds a nice curry-esque flavor that’s at once earthy and bright to your food.
In ancient times, it was also used as dye, and I can totally see why – wash your dishes immediately when making this turmeric chicken salad recipe unless you want them stained yellow for the next few washes. It will come off eventually, but it’s a little disconcerting to be eating oatmeal or ice cream out of a yellow bowl…
Turmeric isn’t the only thing that makes this chicken salad recipe so healthy. While many classic chicken salad recipes use mayonnaise to give the salad its creaminess, we’re using non-fat greek yogurt. All of the creaminess, but none of the fat. Plus added protein. Yes, please.
For nuts, we’re using halved salted cashews. For crunch, we’ve got cauliflower rice. And for sweetness, raisins. I know, I know, a lot of you probably don’t like raisins. That’s cool! Either leave them out or swap them for something less offensive. I think pomegranate seeds would be a great choice!
Another reason why this turmeric chicken salad is so awesome? You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry, and you can mix it up in a grand total of 5 minutes. Seriously, it’s that simple.
The only thing that might add time is if you decide to make your shredded chicken from scratch. Personally I haven’t bothered ever since Target started stocking this pre-made shredded chicken for only $4.99, but you do you. I can’t offer any advice on homemade shredded thicken though…the last time I tried make it myself, it turned out overcooked and dry. Blegh.
*Not sponsored by Target, just a huge Target fan.*
Chicken salad is such a lunchtime favorite because it’s so versatile. Scoop it onto a bed of greens, spread it on a croissant, or eat it with a spoon. It’s lunch no matter what. I enjoyed this turmeric chicken salad on whole wheat bread with some baby spinach. As a sandwich, it’s a perfectly balanced lunch: whole grains, healthy fats, protein, and veggies. But that’s only one way to love it!
Oh, you could also add a Ginger Peach Sparking Water and that wouldn’t hurt either. Again, not sponsored by Target, believe it or not…
Print
Prep Time:
Print
PinIngredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic power
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup halved cashews
- 2 tablespoons raisins
Instructions
- Mix greek yogurt, turmeric, ginger paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Put two cups shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add greek yogurt mixture and lemon juice, then stir until well combined.
- Add in cauliflower rice, cashews, and raisins. Stir until well combined.
- Serve on whole grain bread or on a bed of greens.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4