Spread the love

Looking for a light, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is your go-to Healthy Recipe, blending tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches, this guilt-free twist on a classic is as nutritious as it is delicious, making it a staple for any health-conscious kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is a standout Healthy Recipe:

Nutritious: Greek yogurt replaces mayo for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile: Serve as a salad, wrap, or sandwich for any occasion.
Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite add-ins or flavors.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, ideal for busy weeks.
I packed this for a work lunch, and it was the perfect Healthy Recipe to keep me energized.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (serves 4):

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or full-fat)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ cup celery, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Use lean breast for low fat; rotisserie chicken saves time.
Greek Yogurt: Non-fat for lighter results; full-fat for creamier texture.
Veggies: Dice celery and onion finely for even distribution.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright flavor.
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, spoon, or spatula for combining.

Directions for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Let’s whip up this delicious Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe!

Make Dressing

In a large bowl, I whisk ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth and creamy.

Add Ingredients

I add 2 cups shredded chicken, ½ cup diced celery, ¼ cup chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley to the dressing.

Mix Thoroughly

I stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a cohesive mix.

Taste and Adjust

I taste the salad, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed for extra zing.

Chill and Serve

I serve the Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors, then enjoy chilled.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 10–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 5g carbs, 25g protein, 5g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Try these twists on Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe:

Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt for mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt.
Sweet Touch: Add ½ cup chopped grapes or apples for natural sweetness.
Crunchy: Mix in ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts.
Spicy: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
Herb Boost: Include 1 tbsp chopped dill or chives for extra flavor.

Storage

I store Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful. I avoid freezing, as the yogurt dressing may separate and become watery. For meal prep, I portion into containers, stirring before serving to refresh texture.

Serving Ideas

Make your Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe a versatile Healthy Recipe:

Classic: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb meal.
Wrap: Spoon into a whole-grain tortilla with spinach for a portable lunch.
Sandwich: Spread on whole-grain bread with avocado slices.
Snack: Pair with cucumber slices or whole-grain crackers for a light Healthy Recipe bite.
Party: Offer in lettuce cups for a chic appetizer.

FAQs About Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

How long does healthy chicken salad last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the yogurt-based dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed.

What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast is ideal, but rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken also works well.

Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado.

Is this chicken salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well within a ketogenic diet.

Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely. Canned chicken is a convenient substitute and still works great.

What can I serve with chicken salad?
Serve it over lettuce, in a whole-grain wrap, with crackers, or in a sandwich.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.

What vegetables can I add?
Try adding shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or cucumbers for added crunch.

How do I make it more filling?
Add boiled eggs, avocado, or serve it with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice.

More Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is a light, flavorful Healthy Recipe that’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or gatherings. With its creamy Greek yogurt dressing and crunchy veggies, it’s a nutritious twist on a classic that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Try this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe today and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a kitchen favorite!