If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, wholesome, and downright delicious lunch or snack, this Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer. Bursting with vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it offers a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad by swapping out mayo for protein-packed Greek yogurt. With crisp celery, zingy red onion, and a hint of fresh herbs, this dish is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a quick bite, this recipe hits all the right notes without any guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe shines because of its simplicity, relying on fresh, straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the tender chicken to the bright crunch of vegetables and the subtle freshness of herbs, every ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced and flavorful salad.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): The star protein providing substance and mouthwatering heartiness.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat): Creamy, rich, and packed with protein to replace traditional mayo.
- ½ cup celery (diced): Adds a fresh, crisp bite for great texture contrast.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Offers a subtle pungency that brightens the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup bell pepper (diced) (optional): Gives a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or parsley, or chives, chopped): Herbs infuse the salad with fresh, aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that tie everything together.
- ¼ cup grapes or apple (chopped) (optional): Adds a juicy sweetness and playful texture.
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds (chopped) (optional): Provides crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
How to Make Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start with tender, perfectly cooked chicken. If you’re working from raw, simply boil or bake it until cooked through and juicy. For convenience, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here – it saves time and adds great flavor. After cooking, shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful delivers the delicious protein center of the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the chicken cools, chop the supporting cast. Dice the celery, red onion, and optional bell pepper finely so they blend harmoniously throughout the salad. Don’t forget to chop your fresh herbs and any optional add-ins like grapes, apples, or nuts. These little extras bring unexpected bursts of sweetness and a satisfying crunch that elevate the salad to something really special.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, add your creamy Greek yogurt along with the chopped fresh dill or your herb of choice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently but thoroughly, creating a smooth, aromatic base that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together: fold the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and any optional ingredients into the yogurt mixture. Stir just enough to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor and texture. You’ll notice how the salad comes to life here – fresh, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Serve or Refrigerate
The salad is ready to enjoy immediately, making it an ideal quick meal option. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to let the flavors mingle and deepen. This Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe also works fantastic as a make-ahead meal for busy days.
How to Serve Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives on top just before serving to amplify the fresh flavors and add lovely green flecks of color. If you love a bit of extra crunch, a few more chopped walnuts or almonds can create a wonderful textured finish.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad shines when paired with light, complementary side dishes. Think whole grain crackers, crisp lettuce leaves for wraps, or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. These options keep the meal balanced and refreshingly satisfying without competing with the star salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative and serve your Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe in halved avocados, stuffed tomatoes, or atop toasted baguette slices for a show-stopping appetizer. For a portable lunch, spoon the salad into pita pockets or lettuce wraps. Presentation matters, and this dish is versatile enough to impress no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, it maintains a lovely fresh taste and texture without becoming watery or losing creaminess.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended as the yogurt base and fresh vegetables may change texture and become watery upon thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the salad fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, remove it from the fridge 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid reheating it in the microwave to preserve the bright and creamy qualities.
FAQs
Can I use mayo instead of Greek yogurt in this recipe?
While mayonnaise is traditional in chicken salad, using Greek yogurt provides a healthier, protein-rich alternative that’s lighter and tangier. Switching to mayo changes the flavor and nutrition profile significantly.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a great time saver and works perfectly for this Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe without sacrificing taste.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with diced cucumber, shredded carrot, or even chopped radishes for extra crunch and color. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How long will the salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The salad holds up well when refrigerated and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Just keep it chilled and enjoy a nutritious, grab-and-go meal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully nourishing. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve guests. Once you taste that creamy, fresh combo with the perfect crunch, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
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Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking raw chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and delicious Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad that combines tender cooked chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this recipe offers a fresh twist on traditional chicken salad by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, making it creamy yet lower in fat and calories.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Dressing
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or parsley, or chives, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Add-ins
- ½ cup celery (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- ¼ cup bell pepper (diced, optional)
- ¼ cup grapes or apple (chopped, optional)
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If using raw chicken, cook it by boiling or baking until fully cooked. Then shred or cube the chicken. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the celery, finely dice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper if using. Chop the fresh dill or your chosen herbs as well as any optional add-ins like grapes, apple, or nuts.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed to create the creamy dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and any optional ingredients such as grapes or nuts into the bowl with the yogurt dressing. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is coated evenly and all flavors are combined.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Serve the chicken salad immediately for best freshness or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.
Notes
- You can customize the salad by adding your favorite nuts or fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, use low-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt based on your dietary needs.
- For faster prep, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.
