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Refreshing Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe Easy Healthy Lunch Idea

Greek yogurt chicken salad recipe - featured image

A light and satisfying chicken salad made with creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayo, featuring tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for quick, healthy lunches or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie or poached)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: shred or dice about 2 cups (around 300g) of cooked chicken breast. If cooking fresh, poach chicken breast in simmering water for 15 minutes until cooked through, then cool and shred.
  2. Chop fresh ingredients: finely dice 2 celery stalks, mince 2 tablespoons of red onion, halve 1 cup of red grapes, and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
  3. Mix the dressing: in a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: add shredded chicken, chopped celery, grapes, red onion, and dill into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together using a spatula or spoon without overmixing.
  5. Add nuts if using: fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness (optional).
  6. Adjust seasoning: taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Chill before serving: cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir in a splash of water or more lemon juice if salad is too thick after chilling.

Notes

Use plain Greek yogurt for best tang and creaminess; soak chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow its sharpness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep texture distinct. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew-based yogurt and add extra lemon juice. Nuts are optional but add great crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe, low-fat chicken salad, protein-packed salad, gluten-free chicken salad, dairy-free option