Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Let’s talk about a game-changer for your lunch rotation—Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad. If you’ve been looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to the classic chicken salad (without sacrificing flavor), this is it! Packed with protein, a creamy texture, and a burst of freshness from all the crisp veggies, this chicken salad is a win every time. Whether you’re prepping for a week of lunches, serving it as a quick dinner, or enjoying a light bite, this salad has got you covered. Trust me, it’s so good you’ll find yourself craving it regularly. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it the perfect busy-day recipe. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Healthier Than Traditional Chicken Salad

If you’re a fan of chicken salad but want to lighten things up, this version is a total winner. Instead of using mayonnaise, we’re swapping in creamy, tangy Greek yogurt. It gives the salad that smooth texture we all love, but with less fat and more protein! Plus, the yogurt gives it a fresh twist that will have you coming back for more.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

This chicken salad strikes that perfect balance between creamy and crunchy. The Greek yogurt is rich and tangy, the grilled chicken is juicy and savory, and the veggies bring a satisfying crunch. Throw in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a hint of lemon juice for some zest, and you’ve got a salad that’ll burst with flavor in every bite.

Quick and Easy

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes. You can even make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. That means you can have lunch or a light dinner ready to go without the stress of cooking.

Versatile

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is super versatile. You can serve it on a bed of greens, spread it on a wrap, pile it on a sandwich, or even enjoy it with some crackers. Whether you’re going low-carb or craving something more substantial, this salad can easily be adapted to your preference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad:

For the Salad:

• Cooked Chicken Breast: Use leftover chicken or grill up some fresh chicken breasts for that juicy protein-packed base.
• Greek Yogurt: The star of the show! It adds a creamy texture without all the extra fat from mayo.
• Celery: For that classic crunch and fresh bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy yogurt dressing.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the yogurt.
• Cucumber: A refreshing addition for a little extra crunch and a boost of hydration.
• Fresh Dill: The perfect herb to complement the Greek yogurt and add a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A little squeeze of lemon for that tangy zing.
• Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s get this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad whipped up and ready to enjoy!

1. Cook the Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can either grill, bake, or pan-sear them until they’re cooked through. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before dicing them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, diced red onion, and chopped cucumber. These ingredients will give your chicken salad that delightful crunch.

3. Add the Greek Yogurt

Add the Greek yogurt to the chicken and veggies, and stir until everything is coated. The yogurt will bind everything together and give it that creamy texture we’re looking for.

4. Season the Salad

Add the fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one final stir to combine, making sure the flavors are well distributed.

5. Chill and Serve

If you have time, let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and come together even more. You can serve it right away, but it’s even better after it has had time to marinate!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, on a sandwich, or in a wrap for a quick and satisfying meal. Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, crunchy, and flavorful salad!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 6% DV
• Potassium: 380mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking chicken)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

There are so many ways to enjoy this refreshing salad! Here are a few of my favorites:

• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken salad over mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy lunch.
• In a Wrap: Spread the salad in a whole-wheat or lettuce wrap for a filling and portable meal.
• On a Sandwich: Layer it on whole-grain bread for a quick and satisfying sandwich. Add some avocado for extra creaminess!
• With Crackers: Serve with crunchy crackers or pita chips for a fun and easy snack.
• Stuffed in Avocados: For a low-carb option, scoop the chicken salad into halved avocados for a creamy, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they sit.
• Swap the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand. Try adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even apple slices for a sweet touch.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, you can easily use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this chicken salad with mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
A1: Yes, if you prefer a traditional flavor, you can swap the Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt offers a healthier, tangier option.

Q2: Can I use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
A2: Absolutely! Grilled chicken will add a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing. Use whatever chicken you have on hand.

Q3: How long will leftovers last?
A3: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it chilled!

Q4: Can I add fruit to this chicken salad?
A4: Yes! Adding grapes, apple slices, or dried cranberries would bring a sweet and juicy element to the salad. It’s a great way to balance out the savory flavors.

Q5: Can I make this chicken salad without dairy?
A5: You can swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond milk yogurt. Just check the consistency to make sure it’s creamy enough!

Q6: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A6: It’s best to eat this salad fresh as freezing can change the texture of the yogurt and veggies. However, you can freeze the chicken (cooked) and make the salad fresh when ready.

Q7: How can I make this chicken salad spicier?
A7: Add a bit of hot sauce, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat! It’ll give the salad a nice spicy kick.

Q8: Can I make this chicken salad with shredded chicken?
A8: Yes! Shredded chicken works just as well and can add a slightly different texture. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken.

Q9: How can I make this salad gluten-free?
A9: This chicken salad is naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful of any bread, wraps, or crackers you serve it with.

Q10: Can I add nuts to this chicken salad?
A10: Yes, a handful of slivered almonds or chopped walnuts would add a nice crunch and extra richness to the salad.

Conclusion

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fresh! It’s healthy, easy to make, and packed with flavors you’ll love. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a protein-packed dinner, or a quick snack, this chicken salad has got your back. Plus, it’s so customizable, so you can make it just the way you like. Enjoy every bite of this refreshing and satisfying dish!

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