The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is a lighter take on classic chicken salad that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. By swapping most of the mayo for creamy Greek yogurt, this recipe delivers the same richness with fewer calories and more protein. Loaded with juicy grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and bright lemon flavor, this chicken salad is perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or light dinners.
Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, diced or shredded | 2½ cups |
| Celery, diced | ½ cup |
| Grapes, sliced | 1 cup |
| Pecans, chopped | ⅓ cup |
| Red onion, chopped | ⅓ cup |
| Plain Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Lemon zest | 1–2 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A light and creamy healthy chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, grapes, celery, pecans, and lemon. High in protein and perfect for lunches or snacks.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup sliced grapes
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1–2 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Clean grapes by soaking in baking soda water for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry. Slice grapes.
2. Add chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, and red onion to a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Can be stored up to 3 days refrigerated.
Adjust yogurt-to-mayo ratio to taste.
Serve on bread, wraps, or lettuce cups.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Place grapes in a bowl of water mixed with baking soda and soak for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry, then slice.
Add chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, and red onion to a medium mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to develop.
Helpful Tips:
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Chill before serving for best flavor. Adjust mayo-to-yogurt ratio to your preference.
Conclusion
This Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is proof that lighter recipes can still be rich, satisfying, and full of texture. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein, it’s an easy go-to meal that works for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or straight from the bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I skip the mayo completely?
Absolutely use all Greek yogurt if preferred.
What can I substitute for grapes?
Try apples or dried cranberries.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It’s lower carb but not strict keto due to grapes.