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Summer is the perfect time to make a delicious salad for dinner. Fresh produce like tomatoes, zucchini and corn are just some of the flavorful additions to hearty proteins like chicken, lobster and salmon. Recipes like Crunchy Chicken & Mango Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad with Crispy Tofu are bright, healthy and a great choice for a light summer dinner.Depending on the recipe, most leftover salads last in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly. But, if the recipe includes cooked seafood or meat, it’s less. You might be looking at a shelf life of 1 to 2 days if it’s seafood, 3 to 5 days if it’s beef or pork and 3 to 4 days for poultry. If you plan to make a salad beforehand, consider storing all ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble so each ingredient remains in perfect condition.
Summer is the perfect time to make a delicious salad for dinner. Fresh produce like tomatoes, zucchini and corn are just some of the flavorful additions to hearty proteins like chicken, lobster and salmon. Recipes like Crunchy Chicken & Mango Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad with Crispy Tofu are bright, healthy and a great choice for a light summer dinner.
Depending on the recipe, most leftover salads last in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly. But, if the recipe includes cooked seafood or meat, it’s less. You might be looking at a shelf life of 1 to 2 days if it’s seafood, 3 to 5 days if it’s beef or pork and 3 to 4 days for poultry. If you plan to make a salad beforehand, consider storing all ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble so each ingredient remains in perfect condition.
01of 40Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk DressingView RecipeA blend of whole-wheat panko and fine cornmeal gives this healthy chicken recipe the perfect amount of crunch even though it’s not deep-fried. Making an easy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe means you can skip bottled, which may have additives and stabilizers.
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Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
View Recipe
A blend of whole-wheat panko and fine cornmeal gives this healthy chicken recipe the perfect amount of crunch even though it’s not deep-fried. Making an easy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe means you can skip bottled, which may have additives and stabilizers.
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Crunchy Chicken & Mango Salad
03of 40Chopped Cobb SaladView RecipeThis single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
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Chopped Cobb Salad
This single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
04of 40Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado RanchView RecipeThis healthy, super-fast salad recipe swaps out romaine for kale, giving you more than 10 times the vitamin C. Easy flavor hacks like store-bought ranch and pickled jalapeños help make a creamy, tangy and spicy dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything from salad to sliced veggies and shredded poached chicken.
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Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch
This healthy, super-fast salad recipe swaps out romaine for kale, giving you more than 10 times the vitamin C. Easy flavor hacks like store-bought ranch and pickled jalapeños help make a creamy, tangy and spicy dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything from salad to sliced veggies and shredded poached chicken.
05of 40Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil VinaigretteView RecipeThis no-cook bean salad is a delicious way to use summer’s best cherry or grape tomatoes and juicy cucumbers for a light dinner or lunch. Fresh basil elevates an easy vinaigrette recipe that dresses up this simple salad into something extraordinary.
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Tomato, Cucumber & White-Bean Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This no-cook bean salad is a delicious way to use summer’s best cherry or grape tomatoes and juicy cucumbers for a light dinner or lunch. Fresh basil elevates an easy vinaigrette recipe that dresses up this simple salad into something extraordinary.
06of 40Lobster Niçoise SaladView RecipeSteamed lobster is a luxurious swap for tuna in this otherwise-classic, veggie-loaded Niçoise salad. In a pinch—or if you don’t want to deal with a giant pot of boiling water on a steamy summer day—many supermarkets have freshly picked lobster meat at their seafood counter or in the freezer case. Serve with a warm baguette for lunch or dinner.
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Lobster Niçoise Salad
Steamed lobster is a luxurious swap for tuna in this otherwise-classic, veggie-loaded Niçoise salad. In a pinch—or if you don’t want to deal with a giant pot of boiling water on a steamy summer day—many supermarkets have freshly picked lobster meat at their seafood counter or in the freezer case. Serve with a warm baguette for lunch or dinner.
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Tomato & Onion Salad with Crispy Tofu
08of 40Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with HummusView RecipeTomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick Greek salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.
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Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with Hummus
Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick Greek salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.
09of 40Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Ginger-Wasabi DressingView RecipeThis quick, healthy dinner salad recipe is ready in 40 minutes thanks to preshredded carrots and coleslaw mix. If you have leftover quinoa, skip Step 1 and use 2 cups in the salad. If you want a bigger flavor kick in the dressing, up the wasabi powder to 1 tablespoon.
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Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Ginger-Wasabi Dressing
This quick, healthy dinner salad recipe is ready in 40 minutes thanks to preshredded carrots and coleslaw mix. If you have leftover quinoa, skip Step 1 and use 2 cups in the salad. If you want a bigger flavor kick in the dressing, up the wasabi powder to 1 tablespoon.
10of 40Black Bean & Mango SaladView RecipeColeslaw mix—a combination of shredded cabbage and carrots—makes this healthy lunch salad recipe quick to prepare. The coleslaw-bean mixture can also be used as a delicious taco topping.
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Black Bean & Mango Salad
Coleslaw mix—a combination of shredded cabbage and carrots—makes this healthy lunch salad recipe quick to prepare. The coleslaw-bean mixture can also be used as a delicious taco topping.
11of 40Summer Shrimp SaladView RecipeUse an array of colorful tomatoes to make this healthy shrimp salad pop. Cooking the shrimp with fresh herbs and garlic infuses them with flavor without coming off too strong for a light dinner salad that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
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Summer Shrimp Salad
Use an array of colorful tomatoes to make this healthy shrimp salad pop. Cooking the shrimp with fresh herbs and garlic infuses them with flavor without coming off too strong for a light dinner salad that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
12of 40High-Protein Grilled Chicken SaladView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire SpollenThis grilled chicken salad is perfect for summer entertaining. You can make the dressing, marinate the chicken, pickle the onions and slice your vegetables a few hours ahead of time, then just grill and assemble the salad after the guests arrive.
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High-Protein Grilled Chicken Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This grilled chicken salad is perfect for summer entertaining. You can make the dressing, marinate the chicken, pickle the onions and slice your vegetables a few hours ahead of time, then just grill and assemble the salad after the guests arrive.
13of 40Crab Louie SaladView RecipeAbbey LittlejohnAt the Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay, California, this classic West Coast salad is made with Dungeness crab caught in the coastal waters. Lump crabmeat is a good substitute.
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Crab Louie Salad
Abbey Littlejohn
At the Bayside Cafe in Morro Bay, California, this classic West Coast salad is made with Dungeness crab caught in the coastal waters. Lump crabmeat is a good substitute.
14of 40Coriander-&-Lemon-Crusted Salmon with Asparagus Salad & Poached EggView RecipeCrushed coriander seeds and lemon zest give this quick salmon recipe praiseworthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a shaved asparagus and poached egg salad. Served with a glass of white wine, this healthy recipe makes the ultimate lunch or light dinner.
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Coriander-&-Lemon-Crusted Salmon with Asparagus Salad & Poached Egg
Crushed coriander seeds and lemon zest give this quick salmon recipe praiseworthy flavor that pairs beautifully with a shaved asparagus and poached egg salad. Served with a glass of white wine, this healthy recipe makes the ultimate lunch or light dinner.
15of 40Green Goddess SaladView RecipeThis gorgeous green goddess salad combines fresh shrimp, cucumber, artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes with homemade dressing.
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Green Goddess Salad
This gorgeous green goddess salad combines fresh shrimp, cucumber, artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes with homemade dressing.
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Vegetarian Taco Salad
17of 40Roasted Beet & Blueberry SaladView RecipeChef Scott Graden of New Scenic Café outside Duluth, Minnesota, pickles beets to use in the winter, but in summer, he cooks them up fresh in preparations like this blueberry salad.
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Roasted Beet & Blueberry Salad
Chef Scott Graden of New Scenic Café outside Duluth, Minnesota, pickles beets to use in the winter, but in summer, he cooks them up fresh in preparations like this blueberry salad.
18of 40Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cauliflower “Rice” Tabboulehview RecipeChicken breasts on the grill have a smoky flavor that’s enhanced with an easy spice rub. We chose flat-leaf parsley in this salad because it has a stronger herbal taste than its sometimes-bitter curly counterpart.
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Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cauliflower “Rice” Tabbouleh
view Recipe
Chicken breasts on the grill have a smoky flavor that’s enhanced with an easy spice rub. We chose flat-leaf parsley in this salad because it has a stronger herbal taste than its sometimes-bitter curly counterpart.
19of 40Salmon Caesar SaladView RecipeThis easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
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Salmon Caesar Salad
This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
20of 40Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon DressingView RecipeWe’ve replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, but it’s elegant enough to serve to guests.
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Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing
We’ve replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, but it’s elegant enough to serve to guests.
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Tuna & Olive Spinach Salad
22of 40Southwest Chopped Salad with Tomatillo DressingView RecipeLeigh BeischJicama is the crunchy, sweet tuberous root of a legume native to Central America. If you love it in this salad, try including sticks of it with your next crudités spread.
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Southwest Chopped Salad with Tomatillo Dressing
Leigh Beisch
Jicama is the crunchy, sweet tuberous root of a legume native to Central America. If you love it in this salad, try including sticks of it with your next crudités spread.
23of 40Quick Shrimp PuttanescaView RecipeBecause refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian-inspired pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.
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Quick Shrimp Puttanesca
Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian-inspired pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.
24of 40Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso DressingView RecipeServe this salad with grilled steak, chicken or firm white fish like halibut. You can also double the recipe and bring it to your next potluck. If you can find tatsoi, a peppery Asian leafy green, use it instead of mild-mannered spinach. Store-bought Thai sweet chili sauce and umami-packed white miso build fast flavor in this easy summer salad.
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Grilled Corn Salad with Chili-Miso Dressing
Serve this salad with grilled steak, chicken or firm white fish like halibut. You can also double the recipe and bring it to your next potluck. If you can find tatsoi, a peppery Asian leafy green, use it instead of mild-mannered spinach. Store-bought Thai sweet chili sauce and umami-packed white miso build fast flavor in this easy summer salad.
25of 40Tortellini SaladView RecipeA tomato-rich dressing boosts the flavor and lowers calories and fat in this tortellini salad (the dressing is also great on green salads or grilled fish). Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes add a good dose of vitamins A, C and fiber.
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Tortellini Salad
A tomato-rich dressing boosts the flavor and lowers calories and fat in this tortellini salad (the dressing is also great on green salads or grilled fish). Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes add a good dose of vitamins A, C and fiber.
26of 40Salmon Couscous SaladView RecipeThis healthy and easy salad is designed to be made with precooked or leftover salmon. To quickly cook salmon, lightly brush with olive oil, then roast in a 450°F oven until the fish is opaque and firm, 8 to 12 minutes.
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Salmon Couscous Salad
This healthy and easy salad is designed to be made with precooked or leftover salmon. To quickly cook salmon, lightly brush with olive oil, then roast in a 450°F oven until the fish is opaque and firm, 8 to 12 minutes.
27of 40Marinated Tofu SaladView RecipeVictor ProtasioTofu soaks up the flavors of lemon, cumin and coriander in this marinated tofu salad. The marinade does double duty, combining with tahini to transform into a dressing with a nutty taste and creamy texture.
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Marinated Tofu Salad
Victor Protasio
Tofu soaks up the flavors of lemon, cumin and coriander in this marinated tofu salad. The marinade does double duty, combining with tahini to transform into a dressing with a nutty taste and creamy texture.
28of 40Kale & Strawberry SaladView RecipeGreg DuPreeIn this kale and strawberry salad, apple-cider vinegar and mustard flavor the dressing while fresh strawberries offer a touch of sweetness. Creamy herbed goat cheese completes this healthy salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Kale & Strawberry Salad
Greg DuPree
In this kale and strawberry salad, apple-cider vinegar and mustard flavor the dressing while fresh strawberries offer a touch of sweetness. Creamy herbed goat cheese completes this healthy salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Chopped Salad with Chickpeas, Mozzarella & Olives
30of 40Succotash Salad with Grilled SirloinView RecipeA summer salad through and through! Grilled sweet potatoes and grilled sirloin steak add just enough smokiness without overpowering all of the fresh flavors, while a creamy lime dressing brings everything together.
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Succotash Salad with Grilled Sirloin
A summer salad through and through! Grilled sweet potatoes and grilled sirloin steak add just enough smokiness without overpowering all of the fresh flavors, while a creamy lime dressing brings everything together.
31of 403-Ingredient Green Goddess White Bean SaladView RecipeCarolyn A. Hodges, R.D.Bagged salad and slaw blends are great shortcut ingredients for adding variety without needing to wash and chop lots of different vegetables. Toss a kale-and-broccoli slaw mix with canned white beans and yogurt-based green goddess dressing for a crunchy main-dish salad in minutes.
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3-Ingredient Green Goddess White Bean Salad
Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Bagged salad and slaw blends are great shortcut ingredients for adding variety without needing to wash and chop lots of different vegetables. Toss a kale-and-broccoli slaw mix with canned white beans and yogurt-based green goddess dressing for a crunchy main-dish salad in minutes.
32of 40Big Beautiful Summer SaladView RecipeThis gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Big Beautiful Summer Salad
This gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
33of 40Bitter Greens Salad with Soppressata & PecorinoView RecipeThis bitter green salad turns the bland lunch salad on its head with its Mediterranean flair. Quickly charring radicchio and toasting dried oregano adds complex flavor, and slightly spicy soppressata pairs especially well with the sweetness of marinated cherry peppers. Pecorino Romano has a tangier, saltier taste than Parmesan, so just a bit provides the salad with plenty of nutty, sharp flavor. This salad can easily be made into a main course or served as a substantial side dish.
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Bitter Greens Salad with Soppressata & Pecorino
This bitter green salad turns the bland lunch salad on its head with its Mediterranean flair. Quickly charring radicchio and toasting dried oregano adds complex flavor, and slightly spicy soppressata pairs especially well with the sweetness of marinated cherry peppers. Pecorino Romano has a tangier, saltier taste than Parmesan, so just a bit provides the salad with plenty of nutty, sharp flavor. This salad can easily be made into a main course or served as a substantial side dish.
34of 40Peanut Zucchini Noodle Salad with ChickenView RecipeYou’ll end up with more peanut sauce than you need in this zucchini noodle recipe, and that’s a good thing! It makes a great dip or stir-fry sauce.
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Peanut Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken
You’ll end up with more peanut sauce than you need in this zucchini noodle recipe, and that’s a good thing! It makes a great dip or stir-fry sauce.
35of 40Salmon with Chopped Tomatillo SaladView RecipeWe made this chopped salad with pico de gallo in mind. Tangy tomatillos add fresh crunch to the classic mixture of tomatoes, cilantro and onion to brighten up this broiled salmon recipe.
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Salmon with Chopped Tomatillo Salad
We made this chopped salad with pico de gallo in mind. Tangy tomatillos add fresh crunch to the classic mixture of tomatoes, cilantro and onion to brighten up this broiled salmon recipe.
36of 40Farro Salad with Grilled ChickenView RecipeEnjoy the flavors of the season with this summer farro salad. This dish is also great with wheat or rye berries instead of farro: skip the toasting step and cook in a pot of simmering water until tender, about 50 minutes. If your celery doesn’t have any leaves on it, substitute fresh parsley instead.
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Farro Salad with Grilled Chicken
Enjoy the flavors of the season with this summer farro salad. This dish is also great with wheat or rye berries instead of farro: skip the toasting step and cook in a pot of simmering water until tender, about 50 minutes. If your celery doesn’t have any leaves on it, substitute fresh parsley instead.
37of 40Vietnamese Brown Rice & Steak SaladView RecipeToasting raw rice in hot oil—some of it may even pop like popcorn—adds texture to this steak-and-rice salad.
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Vietnamese Brown Rice & Steak Salad
Toasting raw rice in hot oil—some of it may even pop like popcorn—adds texture to this steak-and-rice salad.
38of 40Pita Panzanella Salad with MeatballsView RecipeThis Mediterranean-inspired salad combines the flavors of Greece with the format of a traditional Tuscan bread salad for a refreshing, yet hearty meal. For a twist, try stuffing the salad into the pitas rather than crisping them in Step 3.
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Pita Panzanella Salad with Meatballs
This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines the flavors of Greece with the format of a traditional Tuscan bread salad for a refreshing, yet hearty meal. For a twist, try stuffing the salad into the pitas rather than crisping them in Step 3.
39of 40Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & EdamameView RecipeBursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame and goat cheese.
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Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame
Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame and goat cheese.
40of 40Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Wild RiceView RecipeThis fresh take on chicken salad features a creamy yogurt-balsamic dressing and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s a great option for leftover cooked chicken.
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Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Wild Rice
This fresh take on chicken salad features a creamy yogurt-balsamic dressing and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s a great option for leftover cooked chicken.
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