The Best Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Every family needs a go-to comfort meal, and for ours, it’s this incredibly satisfying Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden classic but thoughtfully crafted to be healthier, this recipe is a true game-changer. It’s brimming with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome nutrition, making it the perfect remedy for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather and craving something warm and restorative.

A few weeks ago, our household was completely overtaken by a persistent cold that seemed to be making its rounds everywhere. It was far from enjoyable, and I’m incredibly grateful that those sniffles and coughs are now behind us. All three of my children were home from school, and then my husband unexpectedly returned from work feeling unwell on a Wednesday night. As fate would have it, I was just finishing up preparing this very Chicken Gnocchi Soup for dinner. The timing, I suppose you could say, couldn’t have been more opportune for a comforting, nourishing meal.

My kids aren’t typically enthusiastic about soups (though, judging by the sheer volume of soup recipes I share here, it’s clear I am!). However, they recently discovered their absolute love for the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden during one of our usual soup, salad, and breadstick outings. I immediately knew this was a dish I absolutely had to recreate for them at home. Their love for gnocchi, coupled with finding some adorable mini gnocchi at the grocery store the other day, confirmed it was the perfect time to get a batch of this wonderful soup simmering.

Easy & Healthy Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Apples, Almonds, and Greek Yogurt

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Apples and Almonds, made delightfully lighter with Greek yogurt, is more than just a dish—it’s a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed experience perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a delicious appetizer for a gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes with its irresistible combination of creamy, crunchy, and fresh textures.

This post is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, a brand committed to providing high-quality, preservative-free nuts for all your culinary adventures.

Embracing the Convenience of Rotisserie Chicken for Quick & Healthy Meals

For years, I found myself hesitating to buy rotisserie chicken. The thought of dealing with bones and meticulously shredding the meat seemed like more effort than it was worth, especially after a long day. However, I’ve had a complete change of heart, and I’m thrilled to say I’ve officially joined the rotisserie chicken fan club! The sheer convenience of having a perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken readily available is an absolute game-changer in a busy kitchen. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s a foundation for countless quick, delicious, and healthy meals, transforming meal prep from a chore into a joy.

Lately, my go-to has been picking up a chilled rotisserie chicken from the deli. It’s become a staple for creating batches of incredible chicken salad, and it has truly elevated our sandwich game at home. This simple habit allows me to whip up nourishing meals without the long cooking times usually associated with poultry. This particular recipe perfectly showcases how easy and delightful cooking with rotisserie chicken can be, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Partnering with Fisher Nuts for Wholesome and Flavorful Recipes

I’m incredibly excited to share today’s recipe, as it marks the beginning of another wonderful collaboration with Fisher Nuts. My kitchen is never without a variety of nuts, as they’re essential for adding texture, flavor, and crucial nutrients to both sweet and savory dishes. Fisher Nuts are a natural choice for me because they are consistently fresh, preservative-free, and widely available, making them a pantry essential for any home cook who values quality and taste.

If you’ve followed my culinary journey, you might remember some of the delicious recipes I created with Fisher Nuts last year. These included an exquisite Autumn Spinach Salad with Pecan Vinaigrette, delightful Gingerbread Spiced Nuts perfect for the holidays, and a wholesome Honey Nut Cocoa Crunch Granola that quickly became a breakfast favorite. Their quality always shines through, enhancing every recipe with a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. Be sure to follow the hashtag #ThinkFisher on social media for even more inspiring recipes and culinary ideas featuring their fantastic products!

The Culinary Journey: Inspiration Behind This Apple Almond Chicken Salad

This particular chicken salad holds a special place in my heart, rooted in a beloved memory from my post-college days. Back then, I was absolutely obsessed with a chicken salad from my local grocery store deli. It was renowned for its unique blend of tarragon and perfectly sliced almonds, a combination I found utterly irresistible. Many evenings after a long day at work, I would treat myself to a container of that chicken salad, paired with some fresh, crusty bread and a glass of wine, settling in for a relaxing dinner in front of the television. It was a simple pleasure, a moment of culinary comfort that I cherished.

For years, I dreamt of recreating that magical flavor profile at home, eager to capture its essence and make it my own. I’m incredibly happy to say that after more than 15 years, I’ve finally done it! It truly is better late than never to revisit and recreate cherished culinary memories. To add my own fresh twist and infuse some seasonal charm, I incorporated crisp, tart Granny Smith apples into the mix. The vibrant crunch and slightly sweet-sour notes of the apples are simply delightful, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak. They provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy dressing and tender chicken, making each bite an exciting blend of textures and flavors that are both nostalgic and fresh.

Why This Rotisserie Chicken Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

This rotisserie chicken salad with apples and almonds is wonderfully versatile and adaptable for various situations. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it an excellent choice for a casual afternoon football game, a family picnic, or even a light, nutritious weeknight dinner during the busy school year. The true beauty of this recipe is its make-ahead potential, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and saving you precious time when you need it most. Imagine having a delicious, homemade meal component ready to go, simplifying your week and adding a touch of gourmet flair to everyday eating.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment:

Classic Sandwiches: Elevate your lunch by assembling this chicken salad in small, crusty multigrain rolls or your favorite artisan bread. Add a few fresh arugula or lettuce leaves for an extra layer of freshness and texture.
Light Wraps: For a lighter, often gluten-free option, spoon the chicken salad into soft tortillas, whole wheat wraps, or crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or endive spears).
Elegant Appetizer: Transform this simple salad into a sophisticated starter. Serve it beautifully on cucumber slices, crisp endive leaves, or your favorite gourmet crackers. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill for a touch of elegance.
Wholesome Salad Topper: For a complete and satisfying meal, add a generous scoop of the chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or kale. A light vinaigrette on the greens would complement it perfectly.
Meal Prep Powerhouse: Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week for easy, healthy lunches on the go. It’s also fantastic for school or work lunchboxes, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative to everyday sandwiches.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this chicken salad offers a fantastic blend of convenience, exceptional flavor, and wholesome ingredients. It’s truly a recipe that can brighten up any meal and bring a smile to your face, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and effortless.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Salad Every Time

Achieving the perfect chicken salad is simple, especially with a few helpful tips that ensure optimal flavor and texture:

Chicken Quality and Prep: While rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient, ensure it’s cooled completely before shredding or chopping. This helps maintain its firm texture and prevents the dressing from becoming oily or watery. If you’re cooking chicken breast from scratch, poaching or baking it are excellent methods for tender, moist results.
The Role of Apples & Crunch: Granny Smith apples are a stellar choice for their tartness and firm, crisp texture, which holds up beautifully in the salad without becoming mushy. For that essential textural contrast and nutty flavor, don’t skimp on the Fisher’s Sliced Almonds. A slight crush before adding them can enhance their aroma and integrate them better into the salad, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
Crafting the Creamy & Light Dressing: The innovative combination of plain Greek yogurt and light mayo creates a wonderfully creamy dressing that’s significantly lighter and tangier than traditional mayo-heavy versions. The Greek yogurt not only adds a vibrant tangy kick but also provides a beneficial protein boost without sacrificing richness or mouthfeel.
Mastering Flavor Boosters: Tarragon is a classic and indispensable herb for chicken salad, offering a unique, subtle anise-like flavor that elevates the dish. Onion powder provides a milder, more integrated onion essence without the raw bite often associated with fresh onion, making it perfect for a balanced dressing. Always remember to adjust salt and freshly ground pepper to your personal taste preferences for a perfectly seasoned salad!
Creative Optional Add-ins: Dried cranberries introduce a lovely chewiness and a touch of sweetness, complementing the tart apples and savory almonds beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other additions like finely chopped red onion for a sharper bite, fresh dill for an herbaceous note, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra bright and zesty finish.
The Importance of Chill Time: While you can certainly serve this salad immediately, allowing it to chill for at least 30 minutes (or ideally a few hours) in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and deepen. This resting period results in an even more harmonious and delicious experience, as all the ingredients get a chance to truly become acquainted.

If you’re looking for even more creative ways to utilize leftover or pre-cooked shredded chicken, be sure to explore my comprehensive collection of 20 healthy recipes using shredded chicken for a wealth of ideas that will inspire your next meal!