Looking for a lighter twist on a classic? This chicken salad with Greek yogurt is creamy, fresh, and full of flavor without the heaviness of mayonnaise. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins. Whether you need a healthy lunch, a meal prep option, or a simple family favorite, this recipe has you covered. Keep reading to discover how to make it step-by-step, plus tips, variations, and smart ways to serve it.
Why Choose Chicken Salad Recipe With Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is more than just a substitute for mayonnaise—it transforms chicken salad into a lighter, tangier, and protein-rich dish. Here’s why it works so well:
- Healthier alternative: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and calories compared to mayo, while still giving that creamy texture you expect in chicken salad.
- Packed with protein: Adding Greek yogurt boosts the protein content, making your salad more filling and nutritious.
- Fresh, tangy flavor: Its natural tang complements the savory chicken and crisp vegetables, balancing richness without feeling heavy.
- Versatile base: Greek yogurt blends easily with herbs, spices, and seasonings, letting you create endless flavor variations.
- Better for meal prep: Unlike mayonnaise, Greek yogurt holds its consistency well in the fridge, keeping your chicken salad fresher for longer.
Key Ingredients and Simple Substitutions
A great chicken salad starts with fresh ingredients and a creamy, flavorful base. Here’s what you’ll need and how you can adjust it to fit your taste or pantry:
Main Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast for a lean option, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Greek yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt works best for a neutral, creamy base. Full-fat gives a richer texture, while non-fat keeps it extra light.
- Celery or crunchy vegetables: Add diced celery, cucumber, or bell peppers for freshness and crisp texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, or chives add an aromatic touch.
Optional Add-Ins
- Fruits: Grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
- Nuts or seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add crunch and healthy fats.
- Spices: Paprika, cumin, or curry powder for a bold flavor twist.
Easy Substitutions
- No Greek yogurt? Use plain regular yogurt, just drain excess liquid to keep it thick.
- No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work—use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh.
- Low-carb option: Skip fruit and add more veggies.
- Dairy-free version: Swap in unsweetened coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Key Ingredients and Simple Substitutions
This chicken salad keeps things simple but leaves plenty of room to customize. Here’s what goes into the base recipe and how you can adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken breast is lean and tender, while rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and high in protein. Choose full-fat for richness or non-fat for a lighter version.
- Crisp vegetables: Celery, bell peppers, or cucumber add a refreshing crunch.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder create balance. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, or chives give the salad an aromatic lift.
Optional Add-Ins
- Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, or dried cranberries add natural sweetness.
- Nuts or seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds provide crunch and healthy fats.
- Spices: Paprika, cumin, or curry powder for extra depth of flavor.
Substitution Ideas
- No Greek yogurt? Use plain regular yogurt and strain excess liquid to keep it thick.
- No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work well—just use about one-third of the fresh amount.
- Low-carb variation: Skip the fruit and double the vegetables.
- Dairy-free version: Replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making chicken salad with Greek yogurt is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:
Prepare the chicken
Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Mix the dressing
In a large bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
Add vegetables and herbs
Fold in diced celery, bell peppers, or any other crunchy vegetables. Sprinkle in fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives for added flavor.
Combine with chicken
Add the chicken to the bowl and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
Adjust seasoning
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. This step makes all the difference in balancing flavors.
Chill before serving (optional but recommended)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and keeps the salad refreshing.
Serve and enjoy
Scoop onto whole-grain bread, stuff into wraps, or serve over fresh greens. You can also enjoy it straight from the bowl with a fork.
Healthy Variations and Flavor Twists
One of the best things about chicken salad with Greek yogurt is how versatile it can be. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit different tastes, diets, or seasons without losing its fresh, creamy character.
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken
Skip cooking from scratch by shredding rotisserie chicken or using any leftover baked, grilled, or poached chicken. This saves time and adds a deeper flavor.
Add seasonal fruits or veggies
- Summer: Grapes, peaches, or fresh corn add sweetness and juiciness.
- Fall: Crisp apples or dried cranberries give a pleasant tartness.
- Spring: Add fresh peas, asparagus tips, or radishes for brightness.
Boost the protein and crunch
Stir in chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or sunflower seeds. These add healthy fats and make the salad more filling.
Spice it up
Give your salad a bold personality with spices like smoked paprika, curry powder, or chili flakes. For a Mediterranean touch, try oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Make it dairy-free
Swap Greek yogurt for an unsweetened almond, coconut, or soy yogurt alternative. It still gives a creamy base without any dairy.
Low-carb or keto option
Skip sweet fruits and use extra vegetables like cucumber, celery, or bell peppers. Serve it in lettuce wraps or stuffed into avocado halves for a carb-free lunch.
Serving Ideas and Creative Presentations
Chicken salad with Greek yogurt is incredibly versatile—perfect for quick meals, packed lunches, or even party platters. Here are some fresh ways to enjoy it:
Classic sandwich or wrap
Spoon the chicken salad onto whole-grain bread, croissants, or tortillas. Add crisp lettuce or sliced tomatoes for extra freshness.
Salad bowls and lettuce wraps
Serve over a bed of mixed greens or stuff into sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce for a light, low-carb meal.
Meal-prep jars
Layer chicken salad in a mason jar with vegetables or leafy greens. Keep the dressing separate (or at the bottom) to prevent sogginess until you’re ready to eat.
As a protein-packed snack
Serve small scoops on cucumber slices, whole-grain crackers, or mini bell pepper halves for quick bites or party appetizers.
Stuffed avocados or tomatoes
For a more elegant presentation, hollow out an avocado half or a firm tomato and fill it with chicken salad. It looks impressive and tastes amazing.
Part of a balanced lunch plate
Pair it with boiled eggs, sliced fruit, and a handful of nuts for an easy high-protein lunch box.
Make-Ahead, Prep, and Storage Tips
One reason this chicken salad is so convenient is how well it holds up in the fridge. With a little planning, you can prep it ahead and enjoy fresh, healthy meals all week.
Preparing in advance
- Cook the chicken ahead of time: Bake, poach, or grill extra chicken breasts early in the week, then shred or dice them for quick assembly.
- Chop veggies in advance: Dice celery, peppers, or herbs and store them separately in airtight containers. Add them just before mixing to keep their crunch.
- Mix the dressing separately: Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and seasonings in a jar. Stir it into the chicken just before serving for the best texture.
Storing chicken salad
- In the fridge: Store the prepared chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep it cold: If packing for lunch, use an insulated bag with an ice pack to maintain freshness.
- Avoid sogginess: If adding juicy fruits like grapes or apples, fold them in just before serving.
Freezing tips (if needed)
While chicken salad with Greek yogurt isn’t ideal for freezing because dairy can separate, you can freeze the plain cooked chicken separately and assemble the salad fresh later.
For meal prep
- Portion out individual servings: Store in small containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- Use jars or divided containers: Keep salad and bread, lettuce, or wraps separate until ready to eat to maintain texture.
Nutrition Highlights and Extra Notes
Swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt not only lightens this chicken salad but also adds valuable nutrients. Here’s what makes this recipe a smart choice:
Key Nutrition Benefits
- Lower in fat and calories: Greek yogurt cuts out most of the heavy mayonnaise, reducing total calories while keeping the salad creamy.
- High in protein: Both chicken and Greek yogurt provide lean protein to keep you satisfied longer.
- Rich in probiotics: Greek yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
- Full of vitamins and minerals: Fresh herbs and vegetables add fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants for an extra nutritional boost.
Approximate nutrition per serving*
(Values vary based on ingredients and portions)
- Calories: ~180–220
- Protein: ~20–25g
- Carbohydrates: ~5–8g
- Fat: ~6–9g
- Fiber: ~1–2g
Extra Notes
- Allergy-friendly options: Use dairy-free yogurt if you need to avoid dairy.
- Flavor improves over time: Chilling for at least 30 minutes lets the dressing blend into the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning last: After chilling, taste and tweak with a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice before serving.
Conclusion
This chicken salad with Greek yogurt is creamy, flavorful, and far healthier than the classic mayo-based version. It’s easy to prepare, versatile enough for endless variations, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light salads. With its high protein content and fresh ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat—simple, satisfying, and ready whenever you are.
FAQS
Chicken Salad Recipe With Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
Method
- Add chicken, grapes, celery, onion, Greek yogurt, almonds, mustard, parsley, pepper and salt into a large bowl.
- Mixing bowl with ingredients for Greek yogurt chicken salad before being mixed. Ingredients in the bowl are grapes, celery, parsley, greek yogurt, red onion, almonds and chicken.
- Toss to combine. Taste and add more yogurt, salt and pepper, if needed.
- Mixing bowl with a spoon stirring chicken salad studded with celery and grapes.
- Enjoy right away or chill before serving. Serve with crackers for a snack or appetizer, on bread or a wrap for a sandwich or over a bed of greens.
- Place salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep for 3-5 days.