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Seven Layer Salad with Chicken

Seven Layer Salad with Chicken


  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

The Seven Layer Salad with Chicken is a vibrant, hearty dish combining fresh vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and creamy plant-based elements, layered to create a colorful and flavorful meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. This wholesome salad balances crunchy, creamy, savory, and bright flavors, and is easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 4 cups fresh lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

Creamy Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
  • 1/2 cup plant-based Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)

Garnishes and Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Optional: extra fresh herbs, light drizzle of olive oil, crushed nuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook or shred pre-cooked chicken breast until tender and bite-sized. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavor before layering.
  2. Layer the Lettuce Base: Spread a generous handful of chopped fresh lettuce evenly at the bottom of your serving dish, creating a crisp green foundation for the salad.
  3. Add the Colorful Veggies: Layer sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thin strips of red onion evenly over the lettuce, adding crispness and juiciness.
  4. Include the Sweet Corn and Olives: Scatter sweet corn kernels and sliced black olives across the veggies for bursts of natural sweetness and salty depth.
  5. Create the Creamy Topping: In a bowl, mix plant-based mayonnaise, plant-based Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and natural gelling agent until smooth. Pour this creamy dressing evenly over the salad layers to bind the ingredients together.
  6. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top as a fragrant finish. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chill before serving.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance to speed up assembly.
  • Even Layers: Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor and presentation.
  • Dressing Consistency: Adjust thickness with natural gelling agent for perfect creamy texture.
  • Freshness Is Key: Use the freshest vegetables to keep the salad crisp and vibrant.
  • Chill Completely: Allow salad to chill fully before serving to enhance flavor fusion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking required
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: seven layer salad, chicken salad, layered salad, plant-based dressing, healthy salad, gluten-free salad