If you’ve been searching for a fresh twist on classic chicken salad, trust me when I say this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is a game changer. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with delightful textures without relying on heavy mayonnaise. Using protein-packed Greek yogurt not only lightens the dish but also adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet bursts of fruit. This salad is just as perfect for a quick lunch as it is for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy Greek yogurt to the fresh crunch of celery and the sweet pop of grapes or apple, every element brings its own magic to the mix.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Use shredded or chopped for easy mixing and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): The creamy, tangy base that keeps this salad light but luscious.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds extra creaminess if you love a richer texture.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Provides a little zing that brightens the dressing beautifully.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Crunchy and refreshing, it balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sharpness and color to the salad.
- Red grapes or apple (1/2 cup): Sweetness and juiciness that make each bite exciting.
- Chopped walnuts or sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Nutty crunch that boosts texture and flavor complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the whole salad with a burst of citrus brightness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle hint of savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A colorful, aromatic garnish to finish.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
Start by mixing the Greek yogurt, optional mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and fully combined. This dressing is the flavorful backbone of the salad, so make sure it’s well blended before moving on.
Step 2: Combine the salad ingredients
Next, add your chicken, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, your choice of sweet grapes or apple, and nuts to the bowl. Gently fold everything together, making sure every ingredient is coated with that creamy yogurt dressing. The mix of crunchy, juicy, and tender bits is what makes this salad so delightful.
Step 3: Chill and meld flavors
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry beautifully, intensifying the taste and bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top. It adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note. If you want a bit of extra crunch, a few extra chopped nuts on top work wonders too.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crisp lettuce leaves for wraps, crusty whole-grain bread, or as a scoop alongside crunchy crackers. Consider serving it with a light garden salad or your favorite roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve portions in hollowed-out avocado halves or crisp cucumber boats for a fun and elegant twist. You can also pile it onto toasted baguette slices for a charming appetizer or enjoy it spooned over mixed greens for a vibrant, nutritious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s well covered to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit and creamy yogurt base, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture and flavor of the ingredients can change unfavorably once frozen and thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this salad super easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
To keep the crunch without nuts, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They provide great texture and nutty notes without the allergy concern.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
This specific Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t vegan, but you can swap the chicken for chickpeas and use a plant-based yogurt to create a delicious vegan-friendly version.
How long does the salad last once mixed?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days. After that, the texture of the fruit might start to soften.
Can I add other veggies to this chicken salad?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even chopped cucumber can add extra crunch and flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy dressing.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a fresh, wholesome Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and wonderfully easy to make. It’s a perfect dish to keep on hand for quick lunches or light dinners, and it’s sure to become one of your favorites just like it is mine. Give it a try, share it with friends, and enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a healthy, high-protein alternative to traditional chicken salad, combining tender cooked chicken with creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, fresh grapes or apples, and crunchy nuts. It’s a quick, no-cook recipe perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option that’s low-carb and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup red grapes (halved) or apple (diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise if using, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Add the cooked chicken, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, halved grapes or diced apple, and the chopped walnuts or sliced almonds to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the yogurt dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled on lettuce wraps, in sandwiches, or alongside whole-grain crackers. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Swap grapes with dried cranberries for a different sweet tartness.
- Add a dash of honey to the dressing for a slightly sweeter taste if preferred.
