Zesty Chicken Bagel Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Lunch

Crafting a delightful chicken bagel salad brings together unexpected flavors that dance on your plate with surprising harmony.

Crisp greens provide the perfect foundation for tender chicken pieces and chewy bagel chunks.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this classic combination into something truly memorable.

Mediterranean influences shine through with zesty herb combinations and bright vegetable accents.

Crunchy textures contrast beautifully against soft, pillowy bagel segments.

Light dressings complement the robust chicken, creating a balanced meal that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Each bite promises a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

Chicken Bagel Salad That Mixes Crunch And Creaminess

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious chicken salad in just 15 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast meal solution.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this creamy salad multiple ways – spread on a bagel, wrapped in lettuce, tucked into a sandwich, or savored straight from the bowl for maximum flexibility.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition: Loaded with shredded chicken and protein-rich Greek yogurt, this recipe delivers a satisfying and healthy meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Flavor Explosion: The Everything Bagel Seasoning adds a zesty, gourmet twist to a classic chicken salad, transforming a simple dish into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience.

Ingredients in Chicken Bagel Salad

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy foundation that provides tangy flavor and protein boost.
• Whipped Cream Cheese: Adds rich, smooth texture and subtle dairy richness.
• Vinegar: Brings bright, sharp acidity to balance the creamy elements.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Provides signature bagel-inspired flavor with herbs and spices.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that makes the salad substantial and filling. Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great.

• Red Onion, Radishes, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that add crunch, color, and fresh garden taste. Choose firm, bright-colored vegetables for best texture and flavor.

Chicken Bagel Salad Preparation Details

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together tangy Greek yogurt, velvety whipped cream cheese, zesty vinegar, and aromatic Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Whisk the ingredients until they form a silky, smooth mixture that will elevate your salad’s flavor profile.

Step 2: Chop Crisp Veggie Companions

Grab your sharpest knife and finely dice the vibrant red onion, crunchy radishes, and refreshing cucumber.

Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces that will add texture and color to your salad.

Step 3: Introduce Protein Powerhouse

Gently fold the tender shredded chicken into the bowl with your diced vegetables.

The chicken will provide a satisfying protein boost and blend beautifully with the fresh vegetable medley.

Step 4: Blend and Taste

Stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the creamy dressing coats every morsel.

Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra Everything Bagel Seasoning to suit your palate.

Step 5: Discover Delicious Serving Options

Chill the salad briefly to let the flavors mingle.

Serve this versatile dish atop a crispy bagel, nestled in a crisp lettuce wrap, stuffed between sandwich bread, or enjoy it as a standalone delightful meal.

Bagel Salad Assembly Tricks

• Adjust yogurt and cream cheese ratio to reach your preferred consistency, making it thicker or thinner based on personal preference.
• Swap shredded chicken for rotisserie chicken or grilled salmon to increase protein and add variety to the salad.
• Chop vegetables and shred chicken in advance, storing separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Experiment with different herb blends or spice mixes instead of Everything Bagel Seasoning to create unique flavor profiles.
• Store salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding fresh vegetables right before serving to maintain crunch and texture.

Chicken Salad With Bagel That Stores Smart

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep vegetables crisp.
• Gently warm the chicken salad in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
• Add a dollop of fresh Greek yogurt or sprinkle extra Everything Bagel Seasoning before serving to revive the flavors and texture.

Crisp Bites For Chicken Bagel Salad

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon Blanc offers bright, zesty notes that beautifully cut through the creamy yogurt dressing and complement the Everything Bagel Seasoning's complex flavors.
• Fresh Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Cucumber or mint-infused sparkling water provides a light, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken salad, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Crunchy Side Cracker Match: Multigrain crackers or seeded flatbread add delightful texture and nutty undertones that enhance the Everything Bagel Seasoning's savory profile.
• Green Apple Salad Sidekick: Sliced green apple brings a tart, crisp element that balances the creamy chicken salad, adding a bright, fresh dimension to the meal.

Chicken Bagel Salad Versions

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bagel with gluten-free bagel or serve over mixed greens for a wheat-free meal.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas for protein-packed alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut yogurt and cashew cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt and whipped cream cheese.
• Low-Carb Approach: Skip bagel completely and serve salad in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for fewer carbohydrates.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it into the salad.

• Is Everything Bagel Seasoning necessary?

While it adds signature flavor, you can substitute with garlic powder, dried herbs, or salt and pepper if needed.

• How long can this chicken salad stay fresh?

The salad stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before consuming.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute Greek yogurt and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or vegan cream cheese to create a lactose-free version.

Chicken Bagel Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean charm with this chicken bagel salad, where crisp greens meet tender grilled chicken and chewy bagel croutons. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light yet satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts (about 2 cups shredded)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup radishes, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning

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Instructions

1. Whisk together creamy Greek yogurt, velvety whipped cream cheese, tangy vinegar, and aromatic Everything Bagel Seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Transform red onion, radishes, and cucumber into precise, uniform miniature cubes using a sharp culinary knife, ensuring consistent texture and visual appeal.
3. Gently introduce shredded chicken and meticulously diced vegetables into the seasoned yogurt mixture, carefully folding ingredients to ensure comprehensive integration and balanced flavor distribution.
4. Thoroughly incorporate all components, using a gentle stirring motion to prevent ingredient compression, then evaluate the flavor profile and modulate seasoning with additional Everything Bagel Seasoning or vinegar as necessary.
5. Present this vibrant, protein-rich salad in multiple versatile serving options: nestled atop a crisp bagel, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, sandwiched between artisan bread, or enjoyed independently as a refreshing standalone dish.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or incorporating quinoa for a more substantial meal.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium Everything Bagel Seasoning or making your own blend with less salt.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store separately to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent soggy salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg