This Healthy Chicken Salad is light, creamy, and full of fresh flavor. We use tender shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, grapes, and a dash of Dijon mustard. These ingredients create the perfect balance of protein, texture, and sweetness—all without mayo. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick, wholesome lunch, this recipe will keep you satisfied and energized.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
- No Mayo Needed: Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and adds extra protein.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Great for a light lunch or post-workout meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can store it in the fridge and keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or 2%)
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
Prep the Chicken: To begin with, cook and shred your chicken if you haven’t done so already. Without this step, the salad won’t have the necessary base of lean protein to make it filling and nutritious.
Make the Dressing: Next, in a large bowl, thoroughly mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. As a result, you’ll get a smooth and tangy base that ties all the flavors together nicely.
Combine: After that, add the chicken, celery, grapes, and green onions to the bowl. Then, gently stir the mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated and well mixed. This way, every bite will be full of flavor.
Add Crunch: Additionally, stir in the chopped nuts if you want an extra crunchy bite. In doing so, you’ll add both texture and a rich nutty flavor to balance the creamy base.
Chill & Serve: Lastly, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. After chilling, you can serve it on whole grain toast, wrap it in lettuce, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Tips & Variations
- Add Fruit: For example, try diced apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Boost the Protein: Additionally, you can add a boiled egg or extra chicken for more protein.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Wrap It Up: Alternatively, serve it in a whole wheat tortilla or collard greens for a low-carb wrap.
Nutrition (Per Serving – makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
Overall, this healthy chicken salad is a go-to recipe for anyone who wants something fast, fresh, and nourishing. This recipe delivers creaminess without heaviness, and you can enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, or straight from the bowl. Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or light dinners.
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