Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a chicken salad that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. And trust me, this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a game-changer! It swaps out mayo for tangy, protein-packed Greek yogurt, making it lighter yet just as rich and indulgent. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, whipping up a quick lunch, or looking for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, this salad has got your back.
Why You’ll Love Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or even on top of fresh greens for a low-carb option.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for picnics, potlucks, and meal preps. Everyone will love its creamy texture and fresh flavors!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that create an explosion of flavor. Let’s break it down:
Chicken: The heart of the salad! Shredded or diced cooked chicken breast works best for a juicy, protein-packed base.
Greek Yogurt: The creamy substitute for mayo. It adds tanginess and a boost of protein while keeping the salad light.
Celery: Adds the perfect crunch for contrast against the creamy dressing.
Red Onion: A bit of sharpness and a pop of color make every bite interesting.
Grapes: A touch of natural sweetness balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Dijon Mustard: Enhances the dressing with a mild kick and depth of flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh and zesty, it brightens up the entire dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the salad.
Optional Mix-Ins: Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), fresh herbs (parsley, dill), or even a sprinkle of feta for extra richness.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Chicken: If using fresh chicken, cook and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set aside.
Chop the Veggies & Fruit: Dice the celery, red onion, and grapes into small, even pieces for a well-balanced texture.
Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and grapes to the bowl. Gently mix until everything is well coated in the dressing.
Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 (varies based on mix-ins)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless cooking chicken from scratch)
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments:
- Serve it on toasted whole-grain bread for a delicious sandwich.
- Wrap it in a lettuce leaf or tortilla for a fresh, handheld meal.
- Enjoy it over a bed of mixed greens for a light, nutritious salad.
- Pair it with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.
Additional Tips
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of avocado or a drizzle of olive oil.
- To make it even more flavorful, let it chill for a few hours before serving.
- For crunch, toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts.
- If you like a sweeter touch, swap grapes for dried cranberries.
- Make it heartier by adding quinoa or cooked chickpeas.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Yes! Just drain it well and shred before mixing.
2. How long does Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt.
4. What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
5. Can I add nuts or seeds?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add great crunch and flavor.
6. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
7. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Dijon is best, but whole-grain or honey mustard also work for a twist.
8. How can I make it more filling?
Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even a boiled egg for extra protein.
9. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, but regular yogurt can work—just use less to avoid it becoming too runny.
10. What’s the best way to serve it at a party?
Serve it in a bowl with crackers, pita chips, or mini croissants for a fun appetizer!
Conclusion
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy twist on the classic. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, a light dinner, or as part of your meal prep routine, this salad is sure to be a favorite. Try it once, and trust me—you’ll be hooked!
PrintGreek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a healthier twist on the classic recipe, using creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Packed with lean protein, crunchy vegetables, and delicious seasonings, it’s perfect for a light lunch or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
– 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts to the bowl. Stir until everything is well coated with the yogurt dressing.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.
5. Serve chilled on a sandwich, in a wrap, over a salad, or enjoy as is.
Notes
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
– Add more lemon juice or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
– Serve with whole-grain bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
