If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and totally crave-worthy lunch, Lightened-Up Chicken Salad is your answer! This version skips the heavy dressing without sacrificing any flavor, thanks to a creamy blend of Greek yogurt and light mayo, crisp veggies, and a punch of fresh herbs. Whether you’re meal-prepping for weekday lunches or sharing a simple dish with friends, it’s equally satisfying and fresh, making it easy to see why this recipe is a beloved go-to in my kitchen.

Lightened-Up Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial part in making the Lightened-Up Chicken Salad truly shine. Fresh herbs, zippy lemon, and creamy Greek yogurt all work together for a healthier twist while keeping each bite deliciously satisfying.

Chicken breast: Tender, protein-packed base; dicing or shredding ensures the dressing clings to every bite.
Plain Greek yogurt: Replaces most of the mayo, giving creaminess and a tangy, lighter taste.
Light mayonnaise: Just enough to keep that classic flavor while cutting extra calories.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle bite and depth of flavor without overpowering everything else.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and balances the creamy dressing.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to pull all the flavors together (without being sugary).
Garlic powder: Offers a subtle savoriness that rounds out the dressing.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for perfect savoriness.
Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and complexity.
Celery: Crunchy and refreshing; classic for chicken salad texture.
Red onion: For bite and color; just enough for that irresistible savor.
Fresh parsley: Bright, green, and herbal lift in every serving.
Fresh dill (optional): Adds a delicate, fresh flavor—try it, especially if you love herby salads.

How to Make Lightened-Up Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix the Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything until perfectly smooth sets you up for a cohesive, creamy base that really makes this Lightened-Up Chicken Salad special.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies

Toss your diced or shredded cooked chicken right into the bowl, along with the finely diced celery, diced red onion, fresh parsley, and dill if you want that extra herbaceous note. Folding everything gently helps keep the textures lively—no one wants a mushy salad! Every piece should be coated in that luscious, tangy dressing.

Step 3: Taste and Tweak

Give the mixture a quick taste before you call it done. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like things a bit zestier. Every cook’s palate is different, so don’t be shy about making it perfect for you.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

While you technically could dive right in, letting the Lightened-Up Chicken Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes really marries all the flavors and makes it so much better. The wait is worth it, trust me.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready, scoop and serve! This salad is fresh, creamy, and ready to be enjoyed however you love—on a sandwich, with crackers, or scooped into crisp lettuce leaves. It’s up to you!

How to Serve Lightened-Up Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A simple garnish of extra parsley or dill sprinkled over the top makes the salad even more inviting. For crunch and a pop of color, add a few thin celery leaves or even a scattering of chopped almonds or walnuts as mentioned in the recipe notes. These little touches just take it to the next level!

Side Dishes

Pair your Lightened-Up Chicken Salad with a side of whole-grain crackers, a big green salad, or some fresh fruit for the ultimate well-rounded meal. Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of grapes bring color and freshness, making the plate feel like a café lunch at home.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve scoops of the salad in lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a party-ready platter. Or, pile it high on toasted sourdough and top with sprouts. Even a wrap or a bento-style box lunch is fair game—this recipe is as versatile as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lightened-Up Chicken Salad at its best, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, which makes it perfect for lunches, snacks, or even quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy Greek yogurt dressing can separate and the fresh veggies lose their crunch after thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This is one dish you want to keep chilled—no need to reheat! Serve it right from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors can shine before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds tons of flavor. Just remove the skin and shred the meat for an easy swap into this Lightened-Up Chicken Salad.

What can I use besides Greek yogurt?

If Greek yogurt isn’t your thing, low-fat sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative also works well. Just be mindful of the thickness and adjust as needed for your perfect creamy consistency.

How can I add more crunch?

Besides celery, toss in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even diced apples or water chestnuts for a sweet and savory contrast.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Lightened-Up Chicken Salad is a meal prep superstar. Store it in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or tuck it into wraps for a quick, healthy option anytime.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swapping Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt will do the trick, and you can use your favorite vegan mayo to keep it creamy and still delightfully light.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love this Lightened-Up Chicken Salad as much as I do. It’s refreshingly simple but honestly never boring—the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for easy lunches and casual get-togethers. Give it a try and see how something so wholesome can taste so vibrant and satisfying!

Lightened-Up Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lightened-Up Chicken Salad is a healthier twist on a classic favorite, using Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise for a creamy, flavorful dressing. Packed with protein and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for a light meal or sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add diced chicken, celery, red onion, parsley, and dill if using.
Gently fold everything together until well combined and coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain bread, or with crackers.