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Herbed Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts in Collard Greens Wraps
Delicious and easy-to-make herbed chicken salad combines lean, high-protein chicken breast with antioxidant-rich cranberries and heart-healthy walnuts, all wrapped in fresh collard greens for a low-carb, gluten-free meal perfect for muscle building and post-workout recovery.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute with dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 large collard green leaves, washed and stems trimmed
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
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In a smaller bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Lay out the collard green leaves on a clean surface. If needed, carefully trim the thick stems to make the leaves pliable for wrapping.
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Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the chicken salad onto the base (wider end) of each collard green leaf.
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Fold the sides over the filling and tightly roll the leaf up to form a wrap.
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Slice each wrap diagonally in half for easier handling and serving, if desired.
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Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Enjoy as a nutritious post-workout meal or quick, wholesome lunch.
Tips
Protein Highlight
chicken gives this chicken recipe its main protein focus, while supporting ingredients add texture, fiber, or slow-burning carbohydrates. Keep the protein portion clear on the plate instead of letting sauces, toppings, or starches become the bulk of the meal.
Goal Fit
This recipe fits meal prep, active-week eating, and balanced family meals because it combines familiar ingredients with a fitness-friendly structure. Use it when you want a practical option that can support recovery, satiety, or steady energy without turning the meal into a supplement-style dish.
Protein Density
To keep the protein density strong, measure calorie-dense extras and add more chicken or a compatible high-protein side before increasing the starch or sauce. If you scale the recipe, preserve the ratio between the protein base and the vegetables, grains, or toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I meal prep Herbed Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts in Collard Greens Wraps?
- Yes. Portion it into airtight containers and keep toppings, sauces, or crunchy finishes separate when that will protect the texture.
- How can I increase the protein?
- Add a little more chicken or pair the recipe with a compatible high-protein side such as Greek yogurt, eggs, tofu, beans, or lean meat depending on the recipe style.
- Can I make it lighter?
- Use measured oil, lighter dairy or sauce options, and a larger vegetable portion while keeping the main protein amount steady.
- What should I watch when swapping ingredients?
- Keep moisture, salt, and cooking time in mind because high-protein swaps can dry out or firm up faster than the original ingredient.
Ingredient Replacements
- cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Use the closest lean protein or high-protein base that fits the recipe format, and keep the portion similar so the texture and protein balance stay intact.
- dried cranberries: Swap with a similar cooked grain, vegetable, dairy item, or pantry ingredient when needed, adjusting liquid or cooking time if the replacement is wetter or drier.
- walnuts, roughly chopped: Use a related spice, herb, sauce, or aromatic if this ingredient is unavailable, then taste before adding extra salt or heat.
- Gluten-free option: Choose certified gluten-free grains, crumbs, sauces, and pantry items when cross-contact matters.
- Dairy-free option: Replace yogurt, cheese, kefir, or milk-based ingredients with unsweetened high-protein dairy-free alternatives when they fit the recipe.
- Calorie adjustment: Keep oils, sweeteners, nuts, cheese, and creamy sauces measured so the recipe stays aligned with a protein-forward plate.
Storage
Cool Herbed Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts in Collard Greens Wraps before storing, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keep crisp toppings or fresh garnishes separate when useful, freeze only if the main ingredients tolerate thawing well, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid or a short oven, skillet, microwave, or air-fryer warm-up that matches the recipe texture.
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