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Close up of finished chicken macaroni salad in a clear glass serving bowl.
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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Chicken Macaroni Salad

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman
This Healthy Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delicious, well-balanced meal that’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier or put a fresh spin on a classic dish. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1/3 cup carrot, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup cucumber, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
  • 1/3 cup mayo (I use Primal Kitchen Mayo)
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions 

  • Cook the macaroni: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. also adding a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Taste and adjust to taste. For example, I like it a bit more vinegary so I add a bit more.
  • Add the veggies and chicken: To a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken and the vegetables.
  • Pour in the dressing. Stir until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Don't overcook the pasta! Cook the macaroni just until it's tender but still firm. 
  • Cool the Pasta Properly: After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
  • For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold.
  • Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese just before serving to give your salad a fresh and appealing look.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1127IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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