Quick and Easy Tahini Chicken Salad That's Light on Carbs and Big on Flavor
- andreabrizendine
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
When you think of “fast food,” you might picture a paper bag, a greasy box, and a quick fix that leaves you sluggish an hour later. But what if fast food could actually fuel you?
This Tahini Chicken Salad flips the script. It’s vibrant, protein-packed, and full of bold flavor—with zero gluten, dairy, or unnecessary junk. And the best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes. Whether you need a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner, this is the kind of fast food your body will thank you for.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we jump into the cooking process, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. The salad combines the creamy richness of tahini with a delightful crunch from fresh vegetables and nuts.
For the Salad:
1 lb. (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
3.5 oz. (100g) celery, diced
2.6 oz. (75g) red grapes, halved
0.5 oz. (12g) parsley, chopped
2.3 oz. (65g) hazelnuts, chopped
1.4 oz. (40g) golden raisins, chopped
For the Tahini Dill Sauce:
2.1 oz. (60g) tahini
4 tbsp. lemon juice
4 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. fresh dill
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
½ tbsp. adobo sauce
Preparing the Salad
Now that everything is laid out, let’s combine these amazing ingredients. This process is simple, allowing you to prepare a satisfying meal in no time.
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, halved red grapes, chopped parsley, chopped hazelnuts, and golden raisins.
Mix everything gently. You will appreciate the variety of textures, where the crunchiness of celery and nuts contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of grapes and raisins, all while the savory chicken ties the flavors together.
Step 2: Make the Tahini Dill Sauce
Next, we need to prepare the creamy dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
In a jar, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, and adobo sauce.
After mixing, add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the tahini sauce over the salad ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is tasty. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate the sauce into all the ingredients.
Before serving, taste it. You might find a dash more salt or pepper could elevate the flavors even further.
Nutritional Benefits
This Tahini Chicken Salad shines in nutritional value and flavor. It is light on carbs while being rich in protein, making it an excellent option for anyone wanting to eat healthier.
High Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, necessary for muscle growth. A standard serving contains around 30 grams of protein, which supports bodily functions and keeps you full.
Low Carb & Gluten-Free: This dish avoids grains and processed ingredients, fitting perfectly into low-carb diets and appealing to those with gluten sensitivities.
Healthy Fats: The tahini and hazelnuts add heart-healthy fats, promoting satiety and good energy levels.
Vitamins & Minerals: Celery provides Vitamin K, grapes are rich in antioxidants, and parsley adds essential nutrients, ensuring your meal is both rich in flavor and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
This Tahini Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways, adding extra flair to your meal.
Lettuce Wraps
Make it fun by serving the salad in large romaine or butter lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch.
Over Greens
Serve the salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens, such as spinach, arugula, or kale. This not only boosts nutrition but also enhances the flavor profile of your dish.
With Avocado
Top your salad with slices of avocado. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the tahini sauce, enhancing the overall experience.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them separately. Refrigerate the salad for up to two days, but keep the tahini sauce in a different container. This preserves the sauce's creamy texture.
When you're ready to enjoy, simply mix the two together for a fresh taste reminiscent of the original dish.
Final Thoughts
This simple recipe is a great example of what balanced really looks like: protein to fuel you, healthy fats to keep you full, and enough texture and flavor to make it something you’ll want on repeat.
If you’ve been stuck in a food rut or reaching for snacks that don’t serve you, this is your reminder that eating well can be easy, satisfying, and genuinely delicious!
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