If you’re craving a delicious, refreshing, and wholesome way to enjoy chicken, this Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Combining tender rotisserie chicken with crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds all tossed in creamy Greek yogurt, these sliders offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feel indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re preparing lunch for friends or a light dinner for yourself, these sliders are colorful, quick to assemble, and packed full of wholesome goodness that makes every bite satisfying and vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each adding its own charm—from the wholesome base to the bursts of sweetness and crunch. These ingredients aren’t just common pantry staples; they work harmoniously to create a lively chicken salad that’s anything but ordinary.
- Whole wheat slider buns: Offer a hearty, nutty foundation that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken salad.
- Rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded for quick preparation and rich flavor.
- Granny Smith apples: Add a crisp, tart contrast to the sweetness of the grapes.
- Grapes: Bring juicy bursts of natural sweetness.
- Slivered almonds: Provide delightful crunch and a nutty edge.
- Dried cranberries: Lend a tangy sweetness that keeps every bite interesting.
- Garlic salt: Adds savory depth and subtle warmth without overwhelming.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors evenly.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy, protein-rich binder that’s lighter than mayo.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed Granny Smith apples, halved grapes, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Then add the plain Greek yogurt and gently mix everything until well coated. This is where the magic happens—you want each bite bursting with vibrant color and a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Once your chicken salad is beautifully combined, scoop generous spoonfuls onto your choice of whole wheat slider buns. Feel free to substitute pretzel buns if you’re craving a slight twist in flavor. To keep them neatly together, secure each slider with a toothpick. These sliders are ready to enjoy immediately—no cooking required, making them a quick and healthful option anytime you need a tasty bite in a flash.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your sliders with a few fresh baby spinach leaves or some crunchy romaine lettuce for extra color and crunch. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can elevate the presentation while adding a refreshing herbal note. If you like a touch of heat, a few thinly sliced red onions or a dash of paprika can create a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair delightfully with simple, fresh side dishes. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetable medley, or even sweet potato fries would complement the slider’s vibrant flavors and keep the meal feeling balanced and wholesome. For a lighter option, serve alongside cucumber slices or an assortment of vegetable sticks with hummus for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board with colorful bowls of extra slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and crisp apple slices alongside for guests to customize their bites. You could also serve the chicken salad in mini lettuce cups for a low-carb twist or stack these sliders high as appetizers for a crowd-pleasing finger food display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick snack fixes. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the creamy dressing evenly.
Freezing
This Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the fresh fruit and yogurt base, which may separate or change texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate the crispness of the apples and the creaminess of the Greek yogurt.
Reheating
Since the sliders are served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want a warm bun with cold chicken salad, simply toast the buns separately before assembling your sliders right before serving. This keeps everything tasting fresh and balanced.
FAQs
Can I substitute mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use mayonnaise for a richer and creamier texture, but Greek yogurt adds protein and keeps the salad lighter and healthier, which is a key part of the charm in this Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe.
What type of grapes works best in this recipe?
Seedless red or green grapes work beautifully here—halved for easy bites. They add just the right amount of natural sweetness and juiciness to contrast with the savory chicken and crisp apples.
Can I prepare the chicken salad mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the chicken salad up to a day ahead and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld wonderfully, but hold off on assembling the sliders until just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes, they are a fantastic option for meal prep. Just pack the chicken salad and buns separately and combine before eating for the freshest experience.
What if I don’t have slivered almonds? Any alternatives?
If you’re out of slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans make great substitutes that offer similar crunch and nuttiness to this Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe means treating yourself to a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients, all in a cute, easy-to-eat package. It’s perfect for quick lunches, casual get-togethers, or any time you want a fresh, satisfying meal without fuss. Grab your ingredients, whip up this crowd-pleaser, and don’t be surprised when it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Print
Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Lunch, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Chicken Salad Sliders are a light and flavorful option perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious snack. Combining shredded rotisserie chicken with fresh Granny Smith apples, juicy grapes, crunchy slivered almonds, and tart dried cranberries in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, these sliders provide a refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad served on wholesome whole wheat slider buns. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, they make a convenient yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 6 whole wheat slider buns (or pretzel buns for some added flavor)
Chicken Salad
- 1/2 lb shredded and chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup Granny Smith apples, cubed
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Mix the chicken salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded and chopped rotisserie chicken, cubed Granny Smith apples, halved grapes, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and plain Greek yogurt. Stir everything thoroughly until well mixed and evenly coated.
- Assemble the sliders: Scoop a generous spoonful of the prepared chicken salad onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Place the top half of the bun over the filling. Optionally secure each slider with a toothpick to hold it together for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt with light mayonnaise if desired for a richer flavor.
- For extra crunch, toast the slider buns lightly before assembling.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Use pretzel buns for a slightly sweeter and chewier texture.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
