Zesty Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a delightful Greek yogurt chicken salad can revolutionize your lunch routine in minutes.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with fresh ingredients for a protein-packed meal.

Greek yogurt adds a tangy twist that makes traditional salads feel extraordinary.

Lean chicken provides substantial nutrition without heavy calories.

Crisp vegetables offer delightful crunch and vibrant colors to each bite.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients create such a satisfying dish.

This recipe promises a quick, delicious solution for busy afternoons that will keep you energized.

Dive into a healthy meal that feels like a gourmet treat!

Why Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Is So Fresh

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and chicken, this salad delivers a healthy punch without sacrificing flavor, making it a smart choice for fitness enthusiasts.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or what's in your fridge – grapes can be replaced with apples, nuts changed, or herbs adjusted to suit your taste buds.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in minutes, perfect for busy individuals seeking a delicious and satisfying meal without complex preparation.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, salad topper, wrap stuffing, or standalone dish, offering flexibility for different meal occasions and personal cravings.

Ingredients for Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Bowls

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded meat that serves as the main protein for the salad.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a tangy and healthy alternative to traditional mayonnaise.

• Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and light flavor to the salad.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp and slightly spicy taste.
• Grapes: Brings a sweet and juicy element to balance the savory ingredients.

• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a zesty and well-seasoned dressing that coats the chicken.
• Nuts: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, herbal touch.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together tangy Greek yogurt, zesty Dijon mustard, bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety sauce that will coat every bite of your chicken salad.

Step 2: Fold in the Flavorful Components

• Tender, shredded cooked chicken
• Crisp, chopped celery
• Pungent diced red onion
• Sweet, juicy grapes
• Crunchy, chopped nuts

Stir everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a luxurious coating of the yogurt mixture.

Step 3: Perfect the Flavor Profile

Take a moment to taste the chicken salad.

Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the overall taste. Trust your palate and make it delicious.

Step 4: Add a Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness. This final touch adds a delightful visual and flavor dimension to your creation.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Chill the chicken salad to let the flavors meld together. Serve it nestled between soft bread slices, wrapped in a tortilla, atop a bed of crisp greens, or enjoy it straight from the bowl as a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Chicken Salad

• Use dairy-free yogurt alternatives like coconut or almond-based yogurt for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Add hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas to increase protein content and create a more filling meal.
• Make the chicken salad a day in advance to let flavors meld together, enhancing overall taste and texture.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for varied texture and nutty flavor profiles.
• Ensure chicken is completely cooled before mixing to prevent yogurt from becoming runny and maintain salad's creamy consistency.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Twists

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace bread or wrap with crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegan Chickpea Alternative: Swap chicken with mashed chickpeas and use plant-based yogurt for a completely plant-based protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use extra herbs, reduce grapes, and increase nuts to create a lower-carbohydrate friendly recipe that fits ketogenic dietary needs.

Pairings With Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the tangy yogurt and light chicken flavors, cutting through the richness with their bright, citrusy notes.

Fresh basil or mint leaves sprinkled on top enhance the chicken salad’s flavor profile, adding a delightful aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Toasted whole grain crackers or rustic sourdough bread provide a perfect textural contrast to the creamy chicken salad, adding satisfying crunch and hearty depth.

Sparkling water with cucumber or lemon slices offers a clean, crisp accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites and matches the salad’s light character.

Storing Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Well

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the yogurt and fresh ingredients, which can separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Best enjoyed cold. If needed, gently warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring halfway to distribute heat evenly. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent yogurt from breaking down.
• If salad seems dry after storage, stir in a small amount of fresh Greek yogurt or a splash of lemon juice to restore moisture and brightness.

FAQs

• Is Greek yogurt healthier than mayonnaise for this chicken salad?

Greek yogurt is a protein-rich, lower-calorie alternative to mayonnaise. It provides more protein, fewer calories, and adds a tangy flavor while keeping the chicken salad creamy and delicious.

• Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests nuts, you can swap them based on preference. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios work great and add wonderful crunch and nutritional value to the chicken salad.

• How can I make this chicken salad more protein-packed?

Consider adding hard-boiled eggs, extra cooked chicken, or mixing in some quinoa or chickpeas. These additions will boost the protein content and make the salad more filling and nutritious.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Greek yogurt chicken salad delights with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, blending tender chicken and zesty herbs. Protein-packed and refreshing, this dish offers a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave for lunch or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (0.5 kg)

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/4 cup grapes, halved (60 ml)
• 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped (60 ml)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (120 ml)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (60 ml)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (60 ml)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (15 ml)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together creamy Greek yogurt, tangy Dijon mustard, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Incorporate diced cooked chicken, crisp chopped celery, sharp red onion, sweet halved grapes, and crunchy chopped nuts into the yogurt mixture.
3. Gently fold all ingredients to ensure even coating, allowing the flavors to meld and complement each other.
4. Sample the salad and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
6. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor integration and serve chilled as a versatile protein-packed dish – perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salad topping, or enjoyed independently.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version of classic chicken salad with fewer calories and more nutritional benefits.
• Customize the texture by adjusting the chopping size of chicken and vegetables, creating a chunkier or smoother consistency based on personal preference.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like rotisserie chicken, grilled tofu, or canned chicken for quick and convenient meal prep variations.
• Make it gluten-free by serving in lettuce wraps, over a bed of mixed greens, or with gluten-free crackers instead of traditional bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg