If you’re craving something refreshing, nutritious, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This salad turns everyday ingredients like tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy Greek yogurt into a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crisp textures, making it a delightful lunch, light dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing picnic dish. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, which means you get a wholesome meal on your table in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe so special is how thoughtfully simple the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role in building the overall flavor, texture, and appeal, so you’ll want to gather quality, fresh staples to get the best results.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): The hearty, protein-packed base that brings substance to the salad.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat): Adds creamy richness with a healthy tang and less fat than mayo.
- ½ cup celery (diced): Provides a crisp freshness and subtle crunch.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Offers sharp, savory notes that awaken your palate.
- ¼ cup bell pepper (diced, optional): Adds sweetness and vibrant color for that extra pop.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or parsley or chives, chopped): Brings an aromatic, herbal lift that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that tie all the flavors together perfectly.
- ¼ cup grapes or apple (chopped, optional): Introduces a touch of natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds (chopped, optional): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty depth.
How to Make Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, start by boiling or baking your chicken breast or thighs until fully cooked and tender. Once cooled, shred or cube it to your preferred size. For an even quicker prep, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and adds extra flavor without extra effort.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice your celery, finely chop the red onion, and if you like, add in diced bell pepper for crunch and color. Chop the fresh dill or whichever fresh herb you prefer to keep the salad aromatic and fresh. If you’re including grapes, apples, or nuts, chop those just before mixing to keep textures bright.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the chopped herbs, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir this until smooth and well-blended — this creamy dressing will coat everything beautifully without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add your chicken, diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, and optional mix-ins like grapes, apples, or nuts into the bowl with the yogurt dressing. Fold everything together carefully so that each bite has an even distribution of ingredients wrapped in that luscious Greek yogurt blend.
Step 5: Serve or Refrigerate
You can enjoy this salad immediately, perfect for a quick lunch, or pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld and chill. It tastes fantastic up to three days later, making it a brilliant make-ahead option for busy weeks.
How to Serve Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley right before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A few whole walnut pieces or sliced grapes on top also add eye appeal and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with rustic whole-grain bread, pita pockets, or crisp lettuce wraps for a light, crunchy contrast. You can also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe onto cucumber rounds or hollowed-out tomatoes for elegant appetizers. Serving it in avocado halves or stuffed into bell peppers also adds flavor and a fun, fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for packing lunches or quick dinners during your busy week.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and yogurt, freezing isn’t recommended — the texture of the salad will change once thawed, becoming watery or soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This dish is delicious served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
While regular yogurt works in a pinch, Greek yogurt’s thicker texture and tangier flavor make it ideal for holding this salad together and delivering that creamy richness without excess moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh in the fridge for several days and keeps its vibrant textures and flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or even chopped spinach to suit your taste and make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To keep it vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative that’s thick and creamy.
What kind of chicken is best for this salad?
Any cooked chicken you prefer works well, but tender shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken offers a nice texture and flavor balance without being too oily or heavy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe — it’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with fresh flavors and textures that never get boring. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen favorites!
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Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a light and flavorful twist on traditional chicken salad, using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a creamy, protein-packed dressing. Loaded with tender chicken, fresh celery, red onion, and optional crunchy nuts and sweet fruit, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (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 starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly by boiling or baking until fully done. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken. Alternatively, use 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 substitute herbs like parsley or chives. Also, chop any optional add-ins such as grapes, apple, walnuts, or almonds.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a creamy dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, and any optional fruits or nuts to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated and all ingredients are well mixed.
- Serve or Refrigerate: You can serve the chicken salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld and for convenient meal prep.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Substitute fresh herbs according to your preference, such as parsley or chives.
- Optional add-ins like grapes, apples, walnuts, or almonds add texture and natural sweetness.
- This salad pairs well with whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken from raw)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
