Elevate Your Lunch: The Ultimate Hummus Chicken Salad with Sabra Lemon Twist
Are you ready to transform your midday meal? Step aside, traditional mayonnaise-based chicken salad, and say hello to a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious upgrade: Hummus Chicken Salad! This recipe takes a beloved classic and infuses it with the rich, zesty flavor of Sabra Lemon Twist Hummus, creating a culinary experience that’s both savory and sweet, with the perfect amount of crunch. Once you try this delightful twist, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less.
My ideal chicken salad always includes crisp red grapes, crunchy celery, and perfectly toasted sliced almonds. The bright, tangy notes of the Lemon Twist Hummus naturally complement these ingredients, and I found that a hint of fresh basil ties all the flavors together beautifully. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is incredibly addictive. Forget the mayo; this hummus version offers a lighter, fresher profile that’s packed with protein and flavor. Plus, for those tracking their meals, you can find the WW PersonalPoints for this recipe here!
My Journey into Hummus Heaven: A Sabra Factory Tour
For those who follow my culinary adventures on Instagram, you might recall my exciting trip last month. I had the incredible opportunity to join a group of fellow food bloggers in Richmond, VA, for an exclusive tour of the Sabra factory. It was an immersive experience that allowed us to witness firsthand how hummus is crafted, explore its diverse varieties, and delve deeper into the brand’s innovative products. For a hummus enthusiast like myself, it was nothing short of “hummus heaven”!
During our visit, we gained extensive insight into Sabra’s commitment to quality and freshness. What truly astonished me was learning how many Americans have yet to try hummus. If you’re one of them, what are you waiting for? Hummus isn’t just a superb dip for vegetables or pita bread; its versatility extends far beyond that. It’s a fantastic topping for wraps and sandwiches, a wonderful mixer in sauces and dressings, and even a secret ingredient in various cooking applications. Its creamy texture and rich flavor can elevate countless dishes. This nutritional powerhouse, made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice, offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to many common condiments.
A glimpse into the Sabra factory, where fresh hummus, chickpeas, and exciting new flavors are always in the works!
The factory itself was a fascinating sight. We donned full sanitary gear, a testament to Sabra’s rigorous food safety standards, as we observed the meticulous process of hummus production and packaging. It was incredibly interesting to see every step, from the soaking and grinding of chickpeas to the final sealing of the iconic Sabra tubs. While Sabra is well-known for its hummus, they also produce a delightful range of other dips, including salsa, guacamole, and Greek yogurt dips. What many might not realize is that each product type has its own dedicated factory, strategically located near where its primary ingredients are grown. This ensures maximum freshness and the highest quality. For instance, while the hummus factory thrives in Richmond, the guacamole is crafted near the avocado farms in Mexico, the vibrant salsa is made in California, and the creamy Greek yogurt dips originate in New York. Another surprising revelation was that the factory focuses on producing only one flavor of hummus at a time, meaning that on different days, you might see them churning out anything from Classic to Roasted Garlic, or perhaps even the Lemon Twist that inspired this very recipe!
Meeting Sabra Executive Chef MaryDawn Wright.
Unlocking New Flavors: The Sabra Test Kitchen Experience
Beyond the factory floor, our tour led us to the vibrant Sabra test kitchen, where we had the privilege of meeting Executive Chef MaryDawn Wright. Chef Wright is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also a passionate educator. She expertly guided us through the subtle yet significant differences between “taste” and “flavor,” deepening our appreciation for the complexities of culinary creation. This session culminated in a glorious tasting of Sabra’s entire product line – undoubtedly my favorite part of the trip!
It was during this tasting that a new star emerged for me: Sabra’s Lemon Twist Hummus. This bright and invigorating flavor instantly unseated my long-time favorite, Roasted Pine Nut, becoming my new go-to. The refreshing zest of lemon, perfectly balanced with the creamy hummus, was an absolute revelation. But the surprises didn’t stop there! I was also genuinely impressed by an upcoming flavor – the Pizza Hummus. Its savory, comforting notes captivated my palate, and I highly recommend keeping an eye out for its release this Fall!
The highlight of our test kitchen experience was undoubtedly the opportunity Sabra generously provided for us to invent our own hummus flavors. They laid out an impressive array of fun mix-ins and toppings, sparking our creativity. My love for citrus, still swooning from the Lemon Twist Hummus that graces this chicken salad recipe, led me down a distinctly zesty path. My signature hummus creation was a symphony of fresh lemon juice, aromatic lemon olive oil, vibrant lemon and lime zest, fragrant basil, and a touch of cracked black pepper. To crown this masterpiece, I added Meyer lemon slices, crisp edamame, delicate pine nuts, and fresh sprouts. Without wanting to toot my own horn too much, it was, quite simply, divine. This hands-on experience truly showcased the boundless possibilities of hummus and its ability to act as a versatile canvas for endless flavor combinations.
My custom hummus creation in the Sabra test kitchen.
The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Hummus Chicken Salad
For lunch in the test kitchen, we enjoyed delicious seasoned chicken and steak. It was here, as I topped my chicken with my newly discovered favorite, Lemon Twist Hummus, that inspiration struck. The combination of succulent chicken and the zesty, creamy hummus was truly the best – a perfect pairing that immediately sparked the idea for the chicken salad recipe you see here today. I realized the potential for a lighter, more flavorful chicken salad that would break away from the traditional mayo-laden versions.
This Hummus Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s a versatile culinary delight. Serve it in a soft pita pocket for a convenient handheld lunch, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or enjoy it elegantly atop a bed of fresh greens. It’s equally delicious savored simply on its own, offering a satisfying and protein-packed meal. It comes together in a snap, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or quick meal prep. Whether you are a seasoned hummus aficionado like me, constantly seeking new ways to enjoy this healthy dip, or a hummus newcomer eager to explore its incredible taste and benefits, this recipe offers a perfect, approachable, and utterly delightful introduction to the world of savory hummus-infused cuisine.
*Please note: I have partnered with Sabra as part of their 2015 Tastemakers Panel. I received compensation for my time and work with their product. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I have not been compensated for publishing positive comments. My enthusiasm for Sabra products, especially the Lemon Twist Hummus, is genuine.
Hummus Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 ½ lbs uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into ½” cubes
- 1 cup halved red seedless grapes
- ¼ cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup Sabra Lemon Twist Hummus
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the dried basil, oregano, and fennel seeds. Once the oil is hot and fragrant, add the diced chicken and stir until it’s coated with the oil and herbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are thoroughly cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a container and allow it to cool completely. For best results, chill it in the refrigerator until cold.
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Once the chicken is completely chilled, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the grapes, celery, almonds, fresh basil, and the Sabra Lemon Twist Hummus. Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
215 calories, 7 g carbs, 3 g sugars, 11 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 24 g protein, 1 g fiber (from myfitnesspal.com)
MyWW SmartPoints per (3/4 cup) serving: (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
Green: 5 SmartPoints / Blue: 3 SmartPoints / Purple: 3 SmartPoints
Weight Watchers Points Plus:
6 per (3/4 cup) serving (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)
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