3 Irresistible Summer Meal Ideas for a Gestational Diabetes Diet (No Stove or Oven Time Needed!) – Featuring Chicken

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It’s getting hot in here 🎶 So we have some summer recipes for you! No need to turn on the stove or oven, let’s go!

1. Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups

This recipe was shared by one of our HIgedi users, so big thanks to Debora! We’ve just slightly adjusted it 😊

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

  • 1 cup chopped grapes or Granny Smith apple (substitute as needed)

  • 1 cup chopped celery (about 3 stalks)

  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped

  • 1/2 cup grated hard cheese (choose a low-fat variety if desired)

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (ACV)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.

Serve the chicken salad in lettuce cups or choose from other serving ideas such as low-carb tortillas, bread, rice cakes, rye crispbread, or bell pepper 'boats'.

2. Chicken and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup pickles, chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

  • 1/4 cup almonds, chopped

Dressing:

  • 1 tbsp mustard

  • 6 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of 1/2 - 1 lemon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.

3. Chicken and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

  • 4 cups spring mix

  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (pasteurized)

  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans

Dressing:

  • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 8 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp mustard

  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, substitute with sugar-free if desired)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.

If you're managing gestational diabetes, finding delicious and diabetes-friendly recipes can be a game-changer, especially with the added challenge of summer heat! We hope that at least one of these three recipes will tickle your taste buds and keep you cool and satisfied. Bon appétit! 🌞