Saturday, July 25, 2009

Chicken Salad Or No Salad At All

By Chris Lee

Most people know that salads contain fresh vegetables which are very healthy. Chicken is also a very healthy food. When you add the two together, you get an amazingly healthy and completely delicious meal all in one dish. There are several recipes for chicken salad and all are equally delicious. Many people like to simply add chicken to their salad.

Alternatively, there are many healthy recipes for cold chicken salad as well. No matter what you like in your salad, adding certain foods like nuts and fruit can add to the health benefits. Nuts contain good proteins and make chicken salad a kids' favorite as well. Although most people add mayonnaise to chicken salad, there are other considerations that are healthier.

You might want to add some fat free mayonnaise instead of the traditional version. Alternatively, you can delete the mayo from your recipe and go with fresh herbs and spices.Try different versions of this dish adding different ingredients recommended by your favorite healthy cookbook. Head to the internet and you can find various versions of chicken salad that are all healthy and delicious.

During the summer months, add fresh goodies from your garden. You can add fresh scallions, garlic and other garden goodies to spice up your favorite recipe. If you buy your chicken salad already made, make sure that you read the labels. Even light chicken salad that is pre-prepared can contain a lot of fat. You may love chicken salad, but be sure that you also love what is in your salad. A good rule of thumb when purchasing pre-made chicken salad is to be sure you can pronounce all the ingredients.

Chicken salad is a delicious food, but only when it is prepared fresh and includes fresh ingredients. If you are eating chicken salad that contains fatty or unhealthy additives, then you are simply defeating the purpose. If you make your chicken salad yourself, you will know that you are eating healthy ingredients. Don't be afraid to make too much, you can always eat leftovers the next day. Throw in some celery and carrot sticks and you have a delicious and healthy lunch already prepared. It is also a delicious dish that gives you not only a full serving of vegetables, but healthy, lean protein as well. Consider cranberries, grapes and nuts to give your salad not only a boost in taste, but in health benefits as well.

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