This Healthy Chicken Salad recipe is creamy, fresh, and packed with protein. Made with Greek yogurt, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups. A quick and nutritious lunch idea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and high-protein – great for balanced meals
- Quick to make – ready in about 15 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep – stores well in the fridge
- Low-carb friendly – great for lettuce wraps or bowls
- Customizable – add your favorite mix-ins
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped almonds or walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Avocado cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
Shred or dice cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. - Make the dressing
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. - Combine ingredients
Add chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and parsley to the bowl. - Mix well
Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. - Chill (optional)
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors develop. - Serve
Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a salad.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Tips & Variations
Use rotisserie chicken
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster.
Make it low-carb
Serve in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Add crunch
Mix in almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
Storage
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days
- Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing.
Meal prep tip
Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Serving Suggestions
Healthy chicken salad can be served:
- In lettuce cups
- In whole-grain sandwiches
- In wraps or pita bread
- On top of mixed greens
- With crackers or veggie sticks
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
This Healthy Chicken Salad is a simple and nutritious recipe that’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or light dinners. With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a lighter creamy dressing, it delivers great flavor while staying healthy and satisfying. Save this recipe for an easy, protein-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again.
FAQ
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, chicken salad can be made up to 3–4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, though fresh or rotisserie chicken has better flavor.
Is chicken salad healthy?
This version is healthier because it uses Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise.
Can I add fruit?
Yes, grapes, apples, or dried cranberries add a nice sweet contrast.