Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs
Highlighted under: Fresh Healthy Recipes
Enjoy these Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs as a light meal or a delightful appetizer. They are filled with a nutritious chicken salad and encased in a flaky pastry, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
This Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs recipe combines the richness of chicken salad with the lightness of puff pastry, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious meal or a party platter. The recipe is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, ensuring you get a wholesome bite with every puff.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy pastry that perfectly complements the savory chicken salad
- Packed with fresh vegetables for a healthy bite
- Great for meal prep or entertaining guests
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
These Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs offer a delightful combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The savory chicken salad, enriched with creamy Greek yogurt and a hint of Dijon mustard, provides a fulfilling base. The addition of crisp celery and sweet red grapes adds a refreshing crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.
The flaky puff pastry serves as the ideal vessel for the chicken salad, creating a harmonious balance of textures. As you bite into the puff, the light, airy pastry gives way to the creamy filling, making it not just a meal but a culinary treat that is sure to impress.
Nutrition Meets Indulgence
While these puffs are undeniably delicious, they also prioritize nutrition. By incorporating Greek yogurt instead of traditional mayonnaise, you reduce calories while adding protein and probiotics. The chicken salad is packed with lean protein, ensuring you stay satisfied longer without sacrificing taste.
The inclusion of fresh vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of the dish. Celery and grapes provide essential vitamins and minerals, making these puffs a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy at any time of the day.
Versatile and Convenient
One of the best aspects of Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs is their versatility. They can be served as a light lunch, a hearty snack, or a stunning appetizer at gatherings. Their small, portable size makes them perfect for picnics or potlucks, ensuring they are a crowd favorite at any event.
Additionally, these puffs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch for a quick lunch or an easy dinner on busy days. With just a few minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a freshly baked treat anytime.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients to make the preparation seamless.
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Puffs:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs.
Prepare the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, diced celery, halved grapes, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares (about 4x4 inches).
Fill and Seal the Puffs
Place a spoonful of the chicken salad mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
Bake the Puffs
Brush the tops of the puffs with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs!
These puffs can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Puffs
To achieve the best results, always ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out. This will prevent it from becoming tough and will help achieve that desired flaky texture. If you’re in a hurry, consider placing the pastry in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the thawing process.
When sealing the edges of your puffs, using a fork not only creates a decorative pattern but also ensures they stay closed during baking. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking to add flavor and visual appeal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked puffs. Simply prepare them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding an additional few minutes to the cooking time.
To reheat baked puffs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their flaky texture, making them just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Creative Variations
Feel free to customize the chicken salad filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can add ingredients like diced apples for extra sweetness, chopped nuts for crunch, or even swap the chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Experimenting with herbs and spices can also elevate the flavor profile. Try adding a dash of curry powder for a unique twist or incorporating fresh dill for a refreshing taste. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe adaptable to any occasion.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad ahead and fill the puffs just before baking.
→ Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
You can use phyllo dough or make your own pastry if you prefer.
→ What can I serve with these puffs?
They pair well with a light salad or a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs
Enjoy these Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs as a light meal or a delightful appetizer. They are filled with a nutritious chicken salad and encased in a flaky pastry, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Fresh Healthy Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Puffs:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, diced celery, halved grapes, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares (about 4x4 inches).
Place a spoonful of the chicken salad mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
Brush the tops of the puffs with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g