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Healthy chicken salad recipe in a white bowl with shredded chicken, diced celery, parsley, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.
Linda

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

This healthy chicken salad recipe is creamy, fresh, and high in protein, made with Greek yogurt and a little mayo for the best balance of flavor and texture. It is perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, crackers, or easy meal prep lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Salad Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup celery finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley chopped
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup grapes halved
  • 1/2 cup apple chopped
  • 1/4 cup almonds or pecans chopped
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
  • 1/4 teaspoon curry powder for a curry version
  • 1/2 avocado mashed, for an avocado version

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Add the cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl. Chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces so the salad is easy to scoop and eat.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken. Add the celery, red onion, and fresh herbs, then stir until everything is well coated.
  4. If using grapes, apples, nuts, dried cranberries, or other add-ins, fold them in gently.
  5. Serve right away, or cover and chill for about 20 minutes to let the flavors come together.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, lemon juice, or a small spoonful of mayo or yogurt if needed.

Notes

For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayo. For a more classic flavor, use 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup mayo. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, while chicken breast is a great option if you want a leaner result. If using apples or grapes for meal prep, add them closer to serving for the best texture.