There’s nothing more satisfying than a fresh bowl of High Protein Chicken Salad on a busy weekday or after a tough workout. Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad isn’t just delicious — it truly fuels your body. I love that every bite bursts with flavor, while the Greek yogurt keeps things light and protein-rich. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want on repeat, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick lunch that makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip to your favorite café.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, but they all play an important role in making your High Protein Chicken Salad so irresistibly good. From the juicy chicken to the little pops of crunch and color, everything brings something special to the table.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or cubed): The hearty star of the salad—lean, filling, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
- Plain nonfat Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Swaps out heavy mayo for a creamy texture and a protein boost, keeping things light and tangy.
- Light mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds just enough richness and familiar creamy flavor without the extra calories.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a lively, zesty punch that brightens up the whole mix.
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Brings a refreshing crunch and subtle, herby flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1/4 cup, diced): Adds vibrant color and a juicy sweetness that balances out the richness.
- Red onion or green onion (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends the perfect sharp bite; choose whichever you prefer for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens and lifts all the flavors while also keeping the salad tasting fresh.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the salad with gentle savory depth without overpowering it.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple but essential for dialing up all those tasty flavors.
- Optional: Chopped almonds or walnuts (1/4 cup): For a fantastic layer of crunch and a hint of nuttiness — highly recommended!
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy combo creates the luscious foundation for your High Protein Chicken Salad, balancing tang, richness, and a little bit of zing. Don’t rush this part—make sure it’s super smooth so every bite gets evenly coated later.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Veggies
Next, add in your cooked chicken breast, along with the chopped celery, red bell pepper, and onions. Gently stir everything together until each piece is enveloped in that dreamy dressing. The chicken absorbs the flavors, while the veggies pepper your salad with color and crunch.
Step 3: Optional Crunch Factor
If you love texture as much as I do, now’s the time to fold in the chopped almonds or walnuts. These nuts bring delicious crunch and a nutty undertone that’s honestly hard to resist. If you’re making this salad for meal prep, add the nuts just before serving for max crispness.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover your bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Cooling makes the flavors meld beautifully, turning your chicken salad from good to completely crave-worthy. If you have the patience, letting it chill for even longer takes things to the next level!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Give the High Protein Chicken Salad one last gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, serve however your heart desires — on lettuce wraps, whole grain toast, or alongside crisp veggies. Dive in!
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A dusting of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds instant freshness and color. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, a few slices of ripe avocado, or even thinly sliced radishes can take your High Protein Chicken Salad from simple to spectacular.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with whole grain crackers, a side of juicy tomatoes and cucumber, or a crisp green salad for the ultimate power lunch. If you want a little more substance, try a cup of soup or some roasted sweet potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the lunchbox! Try stuffing your salad into mini bell pepper halves for colorful party bites, wrapping it up in collard leaves for a gluten-free option, or piling it onto a baked sweet potato for a nutritious twist. The High Protein Chicken Salad is as versatile as your imagination allows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover High Protein Chicken Salad is a meal prep superstar. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even more amazing.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze chicken salad, the texture of the Greek yogurt and veggies can change a lot once thawed. For best results, freeze just the chicken mixture and add the dressing and veggies fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. Otherwise, stick to fridge storage for the creamiest results.
Reheating
This salad is definitely meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you prefer, let it sit out of the fridge for about 10 minutes before eating, but there’s no cooking or reheating needed. Just stir and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds wonderful flavor to your High Protein Chicken Salad. Just remove the skin and shred or cube the meat before mixing in with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, try using regular low-fat plain yogurt (though the dressing will be a bit thinner), or go for a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a lactose-free version. Just make sure it’s unflavored and unsweetened.
How do I make the salad even higher in protein?
To further boost the protein content, add extra chicken breast or toss in some rinsed, drained chickpeas. Swapping all of the mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt also increases the protein punch of this chicken salad.
Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Yes, and this High Protein Chicken Salad is a meal prep dream! Make a big batch at the start of the week, portion it into individual containers, and you’ll have a quick, healthy meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
Is the salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, so long as you don’t serve it on regular bread or wraps. Choose gluten-free crackers, lettuce cups, or simply eat it as-is to fit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s nourishing and genuinely exciting to eat, this High Protein Chicken Salad is the ultimate pick. I hope you love it as much as I do—don’t forget to share your own twists and serving ideas with friends and family!
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High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Chicken Salad is a healthy and satisfying meal option. Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for a light lunch or meal prep. Creamy Greek yogurt and flavorful seasonings make this salad a delicious and guilt-free choice.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion or green onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the ingredients: Mix in the cooked chicken, celery, red bell pepper, and onion until evenly coated.
- Optional: Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad on lettuce wraps, whole grain toast, or with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise entirely for a leaner option.
- Add chopped grapes or apple for a touch of sweetness.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
