If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy twist on a classic favorite, this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken blended perfectly with creamy Greek yogurt, tangy mustard, and a burst of crisp veggies and fresh parsley, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this salad is refreshing, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and these simple essentials come together beautifully to create a flavorful and colorful salad. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and zing.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken; rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base that makes this salad lighter and healthier than traditional mayo-based versions.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the creaminess nicely.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens up the whole dish with a fresh citrus kick.
- 1/4 cup diced celery: Provides a refreshing crunch that keeps every bite lively.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Brings a mild sharpness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1/4 cup diced apple (optional): A sweet surprise that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch that lifts the texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional): Lends a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional): Complements the fresh onion while mellowing sharpness.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by either shredding or dicing your cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for saving time without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer cooking your own, chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully once cooked and cooled. This forms the hearty base of your salad.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re using them. This creamy, tangy dressing is what sets this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe apart, giving it a fresh, healthier profile than traditional mayo-based alternatives.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Next, add your prepared chicken, diced celery, red onion, apple, parsley, and sliced almonds to the bowl with your dressing. Stir everything delicately but thoroughly to get a perfectly even coating on every ingredient, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your salad a quick taste and tweak the seasoning to suit your palate. A little extra salt or pepper can deepen the flavor, and a splash more lemon juice can add that refreshing zing you might crave. This step is all about making the salad your own.
Step 5: Serve
There’s no wrong way to enjoy this salad! Whether spooned over a bed of fresh greens, tucked inside a whole grain wrap, or piled onto sturdy whole grain bread for a sandwich, the possibilities are endless. It’s equally delightful served alongside crunchy crackers or as a light, protein-packed side dish.
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe, consider finishing it with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a handful of additional sliced almonds. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper on top also adds a lovely aroma and a little punch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crisp raw veggies, a simple green salad, or even a light soup. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed avocados or tomatoes, adding both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, consider serving the salad in small lettuce cups for a bite-sized delight or dolloping it onto cucumber rounds for a refreshing appetizer. Using colorful serving bowls or rustic bread bowls makes for a charming presentation that’s sure to grab compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Due to the creamy yogurt base and fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture of the yogurt and vegetables will change upon thawing, resulting in a less pleasant experience.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply stir gently before serving if it has been refrigerated to restore the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
While you can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt offers a thicker texture and tangier flavor that really elevates the salad. Regular yogurt will make the salad looser, so consider straining it before use for a similar consistency.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The salad holds up well for several days in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for healthy, ready-to-go meals throughout the week.
Can I add other veggies or fruits to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding cucumber, grapes, dried cranberries, or bell peppers to give your Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe your own personal touch.
What can I use instead of almonds if I have a nut allergy?
Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or simply omitting the crunchy element altogether works perfectly without compromising flavor or texture much.
Is this recipe low calorie?
Compared to traditional chicken salads that use mayonnaise, this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is lower in calories and fat, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a treat while still being nourishing and easy to prepare. It’s loaded with fresh flavors and satisfying textures that make it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and find out how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
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Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and refreshing Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery, red onion, apple, fresh parsley, and crunchy sliced almonds. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner and can be served in wraps, sandwiches, or on greens.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
Salad Mix-Ins
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced apple (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice your chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook fresh chicken breast or thighs. Let it cool slightly before assembling the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Mix the salad: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, apple (if using), parsley, and sliced almonds (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for added brightness.
- Serve: Serve the Greek yogurt chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or on whole grain bread for a healthy sandwich. You can also serve it with crackers or as a side dish.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- For added crunch, include sliced almonds or substitute with walnuts or pecans.
- The diced apple adds a pleasing sweetness but can be omitted or replaced with grapes for variation.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
