Healthy chicken salad recipe with greek yogurt

This is one of my favorite (and easiest – DUH!) ways to whip up a light, healthy lunch when I’m in a rush.

All you need is some leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before, Greek yogurt, some grapes and apples, and you’re golden.

Yes, Greek yogurt. I promise you.

You won’t miss the mayo. At all.

Trust me on this one. You’ll thank me tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. And pretty much for the rest of your life.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Yield: 4 servings

Prep: 15 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

From the plump grapes to the sweet cranberries, this lightened up sandwich won’t even taste healthy! PROMISE!

4.9 stars (11 ratings)

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Ingredients

2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced apple
½ cup grapes, halved
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup slivered almonds
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 slices bread
4 leaves Boston bibb lettuce

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine chicken, red onion, apple, grapes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste.

Combine Greek yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, honey, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Mix until dressing is smooth and creamy.
Combine chicken and celery in a large bowl. Top with dressing and mix to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Nutrition FactsServings Per Recipe 6Calories 106% Daily Value *Total Fat 5g7%Saturated Fat 2g11%Cholesterol 31mg10%Sodium 309mg13%Total Carbohydrate 5g2%Dietary Fiber 0g1%Total Sugars 4gProtein 10gVitamin C 1mg7%Calcium 11mg1%Iron 0mg2%Potassium 100mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

This healthy Greek yogurt chicken salad recipe is made with spices, fresh dill, shredded chicken, celery, grapes, diced apple and walnuts. It's a warm weather favorite and the perfect side dish for your upcoming cookout or barbeque. High-protein, low carb, gluten free goodness. The best part? It's ready in just 20 minutes!

*Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I love how the creamy texture of this dish contrasts with the crunch of crisp celery, tart diced apple and chopped walnuts. It's so refreshing and screams summer time!

Oh and if you need more barbeque side dish inspo, I've got you covered with any one of these crowd pleasers:

Greek Yogurt Egg Salad
Burrata Caprese Salad
Cucumber And Onion Salad
Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
Asparagus Pasta Salad
4 Ingredient Guacamole
Simple Garden Salad

Why you'll love this easy recipe:

Quick & simple: make it in 20 minutes with 10 simple ingredients!

No mayonnaise: classic chicken salad is typically made with mayo. If you're not a big fan or just want a low calorie option, this is the salad for you!

Healthy: fresh ingredients, high protein, low carb, gluten free! This salad is also very macro friendly.

Leftovers for lunch: this salad is a great way to mix things up at lunch time. Pack leftovers or make this recipe on the weekend, specifically for meal prep. Divide into individual, grab and go containers and there you have it!

Customizable: this flexible recipe can be made in many different ways! Feeling creative? Have some fun and experiment with different fruits, nuts or spices. Sometimes I like to use pine nuts instead of walnuts or substitute blackberries for grapes.

Ingredients

Regular, unflavored Greek yogurt: I like using nonfat Greek yogurt (Fage brand) but any will do!
Spices: salt, ground black pepper & garlic powder.
Dillweed: adds fresh, summery flavor. Not a fan of dill? Chopped fresh parsley is a good substitute.
Shredded chicken breast: purchase at the store, make your own or shred a rotisserie chicken if preferred.
Fresh fruit: seedless red grapes and honeycrisp or pink lady apples add a hint of sweetness to this healthy recipe! You can use berries if you want less sugar.
Celery & walnuts: for a little bit of crunch!

How to make creamy chicken salad:

Start by measuring your Greek yogurt, spices and chopped fresh dill into a large bowl.
Whisk ingredients together vigorously, until smooth.
Stir in shredded chicken, celery, prepared fruits and chopped walnuts.
Give everything a good stir! Mix until all ingredients are well coated in dressing.
Chill and serve. You can also enjoy your salad at room temperature but it's really best cold.

Handy tips:

Shredded chicken: For this recipe, you'll want to buy pre-shredded chicken at the grocery store or make your own.

I’ve started making shredded chicken in bulk on the weekend and freezing it in 2-3 cup portions to use in weeknight cooking.

Note: If you choose to purchase pre-shredded chicken, you will most likely find it in the frozen food section or the fresh/refrigerated area in the deli. You can also shred a rotisserie chicken or use canned!

Serving suggestions:

There are so many ways to enjoy this chicken salad!

Eat it on toasted slices of bread or use it to make lettuce wraps / sandwiches.

Think of it as a dip and enjoy with pretzels, crackers and sliced veggies (like cucumber, pickles, carrots, zucchini, etc).

And of course this salad is delicious on it's own. It's the perfect dinner or barbeque side and solo leftovers are a great, easy, make ahead lunch option.

Is chicken salad keto?

This chicken salad recipe is definitely keto friendly (low carb), but it's very high in protein and the keto diet focuses on having the majority of your calories comes from healthy fats.

If you're trying to stick really closely to a keto diet I'd suggest using full fat Greek yogurt, a little less shredded chicken, and diced avocado or berries as a substitute for grapes and apples!

Storage instructions:

Transfer leftover chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. I don't recommend freezing chicken salad as it can change in texture once thawed.

More shredded chicken recipes you'll love:

Chicken Tinga Enchiladas
Keto White Chicken Enchiladas
Taco Salad Bowls With Shredded Chicken
Chicken Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Cozy White Chicken Chili

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5 from 7 votes

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

This healthy chicken salad recipe is made with Greek yogurt, spices, fresh dill, shredded chicken, celery, grapes, diced apple & walnuts! It's the perfect side for your upcoming cookout or barbeque and leftovers are perfect for an easy, make ahead lunch. High protein, low carb, gluten free goodness!

Prep Time20 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 20 Minute Recipe, 4th Of July Foods, Apples, Barbeque Sides, Celery, Chicken Salad, Dill, Easy Dinner Ideas, Easy Healthy Lunch, Gluten Free, Gluten Free Sides, Grapes, Healthy Chicken Salad, Healthy Quick Dinner, High Protein, Keto Friendly, Sides For Cookout, Summer Sides

Servings: 6

Calories: 182kcal

Ingredients

1 & ¼ cup Plain Greek yogurt *see note below
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh dill *chopped *dried will work fine, also.
1.5 lbs. shredded chicken *see note below
⅔ cup seedless red grapes *halved
1 small apple *diced
2 large celery stalks *diced
2 tablespoons walnuts *chopped

Recipe notes:

Plain Greek yogurt: I like to use the Fage 0% fat brand. Any will do!

Shredded chicken: For this recipe, you'll want to either buy pre-shredded chicken at the grocery store or make your own. I’ve started making shredded chicken in bulk on the weekend and freezing/refrigerating it in 2 cup portions to use in weekday cooking. (*Note: If you choose to purchase pre-shredded chicken, you will most likely find it in the frozen food section or the fresh/refrigerated area in the deli. You can also use canned chicken)!

Instructions

Start by measuring Greek yogurt, salt, ground pepper, garlic powder and chopped fresh dill into a large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together until smooth.
1 & ¼ cup Plain Greek yogurt, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon fresh dill
Rinse fresh produce and pat dry. Halve grapes, chop walnuts, dice apple and celery.
⅔ cup seedless red grapes, 1 small apple, 2 tablespoons walnuts, 2 large celery stalks
Add all ingredients to the mixing bowl along with shredded chicken.
1.5 lbs. shredded chicken
Stir ingredients together until they are all well coated with dressing.
Chill 20-30 minutes, or overnight. Serve and enjoy!

Storage instructions:

Transfer leftover chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. I don't recommend freezing chicken salad as it can change in texture once thawed.

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Nutrition

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How long does chicken salad with yogurt last in fridge?

Just like with mayonnaise, chicken salad with Greek yogurt should be consumed within 3-4 days. The same goes for chicken salads made with sour cream or salad dressing.

How does Bobby Flay make chicken salad?

Chicken Salad Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, onion and celery in a large bowl until combined, season with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the chicken and herbs until combined. Serve on whole grain toast or on top of dressed salad greens.

Why is my chicken salad so dry?

Why is my chicken salad dry? If your chicken is dry, your chicken salad will have a dry texture. Adding more mayonnaise isn't the solution, but rather, adding an element like lemon juice instantly elevates the texture and taste.

How long will homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?

After checking with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, here is what they had to say: For best quality, chicken (as well as egg, ham, tuna and macaroni) salads should be kept only three to five days in the refrigerator (stored at 40 degrees or lower).