WW Chicken Nuggets Salad Recipe

Creating a WW-friendly chicken nuggets salad combines nutritious, fulfilling ingredients with a touch of indulgence from the chicken nuggets. This meal is excellent for those looking to enjoy a satisfying, balanced dish that aligns with their diet goals. Here’s how you can make this tasty salad:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Nuggets:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 egg whites, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (whole wheat if available)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
• Balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite low-calorie dressing

Equipment:

• Air fryer (or oven if you prefer baking)
• Three shallow bowls
• Salad bowl
• Baking sheet (if baking)

1. Prepare the Chicken Nuggets:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if using. If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In one shallow bowl, mix whole wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the beaten egg whites. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg whites, and then coat with the breadcrumbs.
• If air frying, place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. If baking, place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

2. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and shredded carrot.
• Add the cooked chicken nuggets to the salad.
• Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.

3. Serve:

• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or your choice of low-calorie dressing right before serving.
• Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients with the dressing.

Tips for a wW Chicken Nuggets Salad:

• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the chicken nugget coating to suit your taste or add other spices like onion powder or dried herbs for more flavor without adding calories.
• Dressing Choice: Opt for low-calorie or homemade dressings to keep the points low. A simple dressing can be made from balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of olive oil, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Additional Protein: You can add other sources of protein like boiled eggs or beans if you want to make the salad more filling.