Wednesday, July 24, 2013 | By: Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Creamy Chicken Salad that is Mayo-free!!


My family loves chicken salad especially THIS chicken salad! So, when we chose to turn our home into a healthy eating zone, I had to change many of our family's favorite recipes into healthier forms of eating while not losing the great flavors that accompanied each one. This chicken salad is one that I shared this week during our support session at Weight Watchers while our topic was on salads. Many times, when the salad is mentioned, I think of "diet", but with creativity, as many mentioned in the meeting, one can turn even greens into an amazing work of art. So, taking the salad theme a bit farther, I shared this recipe...

Creamy Chicken Salad

8 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 bottle lemon-pepper marinade (any brand)
1 cup of sliced green grapes
1 can of diced pineapple, cut one more time in half please
1 package 8 oz fat free cream cheese
1 cup fat free cottage cheese
2 tablespoons mustard (any flavor that is zero fat)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper (to taste, salt is optional)

Spray a crock pot crock with cooking spray.
Place the chicken in a crock pot and pour the marinade over it.
Cook for 6-8 hours, until chicken is done throughout.
Remove each chicken breast, using a fork, pull the chicken as if for BBQ.
Place in a large mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients.
Mix well, until creamy.
Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Top on a a bed of mixed greens and spinach with arugula.

Another addition that is really good is sunflower seeds. I am allergic to nuts, but chopped cashews and dried cranberries would be delicious too. REMEMBER with every additive to this dish, points and calories add up. With this basic recipe the only calories and points is the chicken. 

I do want to invite you to follow me on Twitter with my personal page and my Rockin' it Healthy page. Then follow me on Facebook with my personal page as well as my Rockin' it Healthy link. I am loving the experience and look forward to hearing how you like this recipe, but don't tell anyone that cottage cheese is the secret ingredient and see if they notice!!! =)

Enjoy, Rita