Looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and refreshingly light? You’ve found it! This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Salad is the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into an elegant and satisfying meal. It brilliantly uses leftover chicken, making it a weeknight lifesaver—just grab a rotisserie chicken if you don’t have any on hand. We’ll gently sauté fresh asparagus with aromatics until tender-crisp, then fold it into a rich, creamy dressing with hearty chunks of chicken. It’s a warm, delicious salad that comes together in 30 minutes and is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
• For the Salad
• 1 tbsp / 15g ghee or unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 3 cups / 340g asparagus, trimmed and sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp / 10g diced celery
• 1 tbsp / 10g diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, crushed to a paste
• 3 cups / 420g diced roasted chicken
• 3 oz / 85g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp / 30g mayonnaise
• ½ tsp / 3g fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp / 1g ground black pepper
• For the Garnish
• 3 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
• 1 cup / 113g shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• ⅓ cup / 15g chopped fresh dill or parsley
• 18 cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
1. Melt the ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced asparagus, celery, and onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the onions are translucent.
2. Stir in the garlic paste and continue to cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Divide the warm salad among serving bowls. Top with the optional raw asparagus pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and halved cherry tomatoes before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 25g
• Net Carbs: 5g
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, choose asparagus spears that are firm and smooth with tightly closed tips. Snap off the tough, woody ends before slicing.
• Serve this warm salad in crisp lettuce cups (butter or romaine work well) for a complete, handheld meal.
• This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy it cold or gently reheated.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished salad to brighten up the creamy notes.
FAQ
Q: What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe
A: This recipe is perfect for using leftover roasted chicken. For a quick and easy option, you can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Q: Can I make this chicken and asparagus salad ahead of time
A: Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and enjoy it cold or gently reheated.
Q: How do you serve this warm chicken salad
A: You can serve it warm in a bowl garnished with fresh herbs and tomatoes. For a complete handheld meal, try serving it in crisp lettuce cups, such as butter or romaine lettuce.
Q: Is this creamy chicken salad low-carb or keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 5g of net carbs per serving, this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Salad is a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
