Tahini Chicken Salad

Name: Tahini Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cooked, shredded; 3.5 oz celery, diced; 2.6 oz red grapes, halved; 0.5 oz parsley, chopped; 2.3 oz hazelnuts, chopped; 1.4 oz golden raisins, chopped; 2.1 oz tahini; 4 tbsp lemon juice; 4 tbsp white wine vinegar; 2 tbsp fresh dill; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tbsp adobo sauce

September 13, 2024

Whip up this fresh and zesty Tahini Chicken Salad in just 10 minutes! 🥗 Packed with tender chicken, crunchy hazelnuts, and a tangy tahini dressing, it's a must-try! 😋

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Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy meal, my Tahini Chicken Salad is about to become your new best friend. 🥗 It’s packed with all kinds of goodies like tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy hazelnuts, all tossed in a creamy tahini dill sauce that’s to die for. Best part? It takes just 10 minutes to whip up! So, whether you need a fast lunch or a light dinner, this salad has you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you need a meal fast.

Flavor Explosion: The mix of tahini, dill, Dijon mustard, and adobo sauce gives the dressing a tangy, nutty kick that’s anything but boring.

Loaded with Texture: From crunchy hazelnuts to juicy grapes, every bite has a satisfying mix of textures.

Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps you full and energized.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

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What you’ll need to make Tahini Chicken Salad

Chicken Breast: I like using shredded, cooked chicken breast for this salad. It’s lean, full of protein, and soaks up all that delicious tahini sauce. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time!
Celery: Adds that perfect crunch! Celery keeps things fresh and light while balancing out the richness of the dressing.
Red Grapes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems give the salad a burst of sweetness in every bite. You can swap them with green grapes if that’s what you have on hand.
Hazelnuts: For a little nutty crunch, hazelnuts do the trick! They add a buttery, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tahini.
Golden Raisins: These guys bring a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness to balance out the tangy dressing. If you’re not into raisins, feel free to use dried cranberries instead.
Tahini Dill Sauce: The star of the show! This creamy dressing is made with tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and a little kick from adobo sauce. It ties everything together beautifully!

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Ingredients (Serves: 4)
1 lb. (450g) chicken breast, cooked, shredded
3.5 oz. (100g) celery, diced
2.6 oz. (75g) red grapes, halved
0.5 oz. (12g) parsley, chopped
2.3 oz. (65g) hazelnuts, chopped
1.4 oz. (40g) golden raisins, chopped
For the tahini dill sauce:
2.1 oz. (60g) tahini
4 tbsp. lemon juice
4 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. fresh dill
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tbsp adobo sauce

What you’ll need to do

Time required: 10 mins

1| Toss all your salad ingredients—shredded chicken, celery, grapes, parsley, hazelnuts, and raisins—into a big bowl. Give it a good stir so everything’s nice and mixed.

2| Now, for the sauce, grab a jar and throw in your tahini, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, Dijon mustard, and a little adobo sauce. Season with salt and about a teaspoon of black pepper, then shake it up until it’s all smooth.

3| Pour that delicious sauce over your salad and mix it all together until everything’s coated evenly. Taste it, adjust the seasoning if you need to, and you’re ready to serve!

Glycemic Index: 39 (low) Glycemic Load: 8 (low)

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Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Here are some easy substitutions and improvisation ideas for the Tahini Chicken Salad:

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Chicken Swap: Don’t have chicken on hand? Try shredded turkey or even canned tuna. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu for a protein boost.
Nut Options: If you’re out of hazelnuts, don’t worry! You can use almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for that crunchy bite.
Fruit Flexibility: Not a fan of grapes? No problem! Swap them for chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even diced mango for a different sweet twist.
Dressing Add-Ons: Want to spice up the tahini dressing? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Dairy-Free and Creamy: If you want to go dairy-free but still want a creamy dressing, try blending in some avocado or using a bit of coconut yogurt.

These tweaks keep things interesting and allow you to make the salad your own based on what you have in the fridge!

Some useful tips for the recipe

Here are some useful tips to make your Tahini Chicken Salad even better:

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Cook Chicken Ahead: For even quicker prep, use leftover roasted chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. Shredding it while it’s warm makes it easier!
Toast the Nuts: Toasting the hazelnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes brings out a richer flavor and extra crunch. Just keep an eye on them—they toast quickly!
Make the Dressing in Advance: The tahini dill sauce gets even better after sitting for a bit. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Chill for Extra Flavor: If you’ve got time, let the salad sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.
Customize the Crunch: If you like extra crunch, throw in some chopped cucumbers or shredded carrots for added texture.

These tips will help you get the most out of this tasty salad!

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Some serving suggestions

Here are some fun and tasty serving ideas for your Tahini Chicken Salad:

In a Wrap: Spoon the salad into a whole wheat wrap or tortilla for a quick and easy lunch on the go. Add some fresh greens for extra crunch!
Over Greens: Serve it over a bed of spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad bowl.
Stuffed in a Pita: Tuck the salad into a warm pita pocket for a handheld meal. You can even add some sliced cucumber and tomatoes for extra freshness.
On Crackers: Scoop the salad onto your favorite crackers for a quick snack or appetizer. It’s perfect for a party platter, too!
As a Sandwich: Pile it between two slices of whole grain bread, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and hearty sandwich.

These serving ideas are simple yet versatile, making this salad perfect for any meal!

Some storage suggestions

Here are a few storage options for your Tahini Chicken Salad:

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Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, but make sure to give it a good stir before serving!
Dressing Separate: If you’re meal-prepping, you can keep the salad and dressing separate. Mix them together just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Freezing (Not Recommended): Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and grapes. The texture changes once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh!

These options will help keep your salad fresh and tasty for a few days!

Here are my other salad recipes you might like.

And there you have it! A super easy, delicious Tahini Chicken Salad that’s ready in no time. I love how all the flavors and textures come together in this dish—it’s crunchy, tangy, nutty, and just downright tasty! Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for something quick, this salad will hit the spot. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! 😊

Recipe Card

Tahini Chicken Salad

My Tahini Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of flavors and textures! 🍇🥒 Creamy tahini sauce, crunchy veggies, and juicy grapes come together in one delicious bowl. Ready in 10 minutes!

Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Recipe Keys: Low Carb M Meal Prep

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Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 14 Calories: 434

Instructions

Video

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Step 1:

Place all the salad ingredients in a bowl, and stir to combine. Add all the sauce ingredients in a jar, season with salt and 1 tsp. of black pepper, and mix well.
Step 2:

Add the sauce to the salad ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. If required, adjust the seasoning, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 434kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
Protein 40g80%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Tahini Chicken Salad, quick chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy salad recipes, tahini recipes, creamy chicken salad, protein salad, meal prep salad, fresh salad recipes, nutty chicken salad, low-carb chicken salad, high-protein salad, crunchy salad, Mediterranean chicken salad, salad with tahini dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

How long can I store this salad in the fridge?

You can store the Tahini Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and the tahini dressing in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to mix and serve to keep the salad crunchy.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute the hazelnuts with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Just be sure to toast them lightly for the best flavor and crunch.

What if I don't have tahini?

If you don’t have tahini, you can use creamy almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but will still be delicious!

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu for a hearty vegetarian version. Both options work well with the tahini dressing.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Feel free to add extra veggies like chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for more crunch and flavor.

Can I freeze the salad?

It’s best not to freeze this salad. The texture of the fresh ingredients, like grapes and celery, may not hold up well once thawed. Enjoy it fresh instead!