The Story Behind the Recipe

Some recipes don’t just feed the stomach — they feed the soul. And this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe carries that kind of comfort, love, and familiarity. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of busy weekdays, family lunches, cozy picnics, and the simple joy of sharing good food without stress.

Years ago, during a particularly hectic season of my life, I discovered the healthier no-mayo version of the Costco Chicken Salad Recipe. I remember rushing through Costco needing something quick for lunches during the week. In the deli section sat tubs of chicken salad — but not the heavy mayo-filled one most people know. This version was creamy yet light, tangy yet savory, and shockingly wholesome. It used Greek yogurt instead of mayo, tender rotisserie chicken instead of boiled chicken, and crunchy vegetables that made every bite satisfying.

That first taste stopped me right there in my kitchen — fork in hand, groceries half-unpacked around me. It was creamy, refreshing, full of protein, and tasted like something someone thoughtful might make just for you. That’s when I knew I needed to recreate that comforting Costco Chicken Salad Recipe right at home.

I remember calling my grandmother, the queen of comforting dishes, and telling her how surprised I was that something healthy could feel this comforting. She laughed softly and said:

“Healthy food isn’t supposed to feel like a punishment. It’s supposed to feel like love.”

So the next weekend I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed a Costco rotisserie chicken, and experimented until the homemade version tasted even better than the store’s. Greek yogurt replaced the mayo — but with a touch of honey and lemon to soften the tang. Celery gave it crunch, grapes added little pops of sweetness, and seasoning made it savory and satisfying.

When I served it to my grandmother, she took a bite, closed her eyes, and smiled — the exact reaction I was hoping for. She said it tasted “bright enough for summer, cozy enough for winter, and simple enough for any day of the week.” From that moment forward, this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe became a staple in our homes — packed into school lunches, eaten after long workdays, taken on road trips, and shared during Sunday lunches.

Now sweetheart, I’m passing it to you — not just as a salad, but as a recipe that fills days with ease, hearts with comfort, and bodies with nourishment.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

There are countless chicken salad recipes, but this healthy Costco Chicken Salad Recipe stands out for so many loving reasons:

🌼 1. Creamy but Mayo-Free
You still get that luscious texture, but it’s lighter, fresher, and easier on the stomach.

🌼 2. High in Protein and Meal-Prep Friendly
Greek yogurt + rotisserie chicken = filling fuel that keeps you going through the day.

🌼 3. Surprisingly Comforting for a “Healthy” Dish
It feels cozy and indulgent without weighing you down.

🌼 4. Quick and Convenient
You’re just mixing ingredients — no cooking required.

🌼 5. Crowd-Pleaser
Kids, adults, picky eaters — everyone loves this refreshing balance of creamy, savory, and lightly sweet.

🌼 6. Budget-Friendly and Convenient
Uses a rotisserie chicken and everyday ingredients.

🌼 7. Perfect for Busy Seasons
When life is full and your plate is already full, this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe simplifies everything.

🌼 8. Versatile
Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, with crackers, or just by the spoonful.

Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

Here’s everything you need to make this healthy, comforting Costco Chicken Salad Recipe at home:

For the Chicken Salad

• Rotisserie chicken, shredded (white & dark meat)
• Celery, diced
• Red onion (or green onion for a milder flavor)
• Red or green grapes (optional but delicious)
• Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)

For the No-Mayo Dressing

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar (optional for brightness)

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Rotisserie chicken adds tenderness and built-in seasoning.
• Greek yogurt makes the Costco Chicken Salad Recipe creamy without heaviness.
• Lemon + honey balance tang with gentle sweetness.
• Celery + nuts give crunch that keeps every bite exciting.
• Seasonings make it savory enough to feel like a treat, not a diet.

This combination makes a salad that’s not just healthy — it’s comforting, satisfying, and full of love.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s make this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe together — slowly, lovingly, just the way recipes should be shared.

Step 1 — Shred the Rotisserie Chicken

Remove skin and bones, then chop or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2 — Chop the Celery and Onions

Small pieces blend in better with the creamy texture.

Step 3 — Slice the Grapes

Half or quarter them depending on size.

Step 4 — Make the Yogurt Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together:
Greek yogurt • Lemon juice • Honey • Dijon • Salt & pepper • Seasonings

Step 5 — Combine Everything

Fold chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and nuts with the dressing.

Step 6 — Chill

Let it rest in the fridge so the flavors become friends.

Step 7 — Taste and Adjust

Add salt, pepper, honey, or lemon to fit your preference.

Step 8 — Serve Cold

Enjoy with your favorite sides or breads.

This step-by-step method ensures the Costco Chicken Salad Recipe turns out creamy, bright, and perfectly seasoned every single time.

Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This Costco Chicken Salad Recipe can be enjoyed in so many cozy and convenient ways:

• In lettuce wraps
• On croissants or whole-grain bread
• Inside pita or tortillas
• Over a green salad
• With crackers or flatbread
• In a lunchbox with fruit and veggies
• On its own for a high-protein snack

It works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, potlucks, picnics, and meal prep alike.

Customization & Variations

Make this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe your own:

• Add chopped apples instead of grapes
• Switch Greek yogurt for mashed avocado
• Add curry powder for a golden curry version
• Add chopped dill pickles or relish
• Replace nuts with sunflower seeds
• Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil
• Add bacon for a smoky twist

No matter how you customize it, the heart of the Costco Chicken Salad Recipe stays comforting and wholesome.

Storing & Reheating

This recipe requires no reheating — simply serve cold.

Storage tips:

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Stir before serving
• Keep nuts separate until serving for crunch
• Do not freeze — dairy dressing separates when thawed

The Costco Chicken Salad Recipe is ideal for meal prep, lunch planning, and busy households.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: moderate & balanced
Protein: high from chicken & yogurt
Fat: gentle, not heavy
Carbs: from fruit & honey
Fiber: minimal but present in veggies
Sugar: natural from grapes
Sodium: seasoning-controlled

A wholesome and comforting way to nourish your body with love.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions (17 Questions and Answers)

Here are the most common questions about the Costco Chicken Salad Recipe, answered with love:

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes sweetheart — it tastes better after resting.
2. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
   You can, but rotisserie has the best flavor and texture.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes — use coconut yogurt or mashed avocado.
4. Can I leave out the grapes?
   Absolutely — apples or dried cranberries work too.
5. Can I add eggs?
   Yes — chopped hard-boiled eggs are delicious.
6. What if it tastes too tangy?
   Add a little more honey.
7. What if it tastes too sweet?
   Add more lemon or Dijon.
8. Is this a weight-loss-friendly option?
   Yes darling — high protein, light dressing.
9. Can I meal prep this for the week?
   It holds up beautifully for 4 days.
10. Can toddlers eat it?
    Yes, if nuts are omitted and grapes cut small.
11. Can I serve it warm?
    This one is meant to be enjoyed cold.
12. Can I add pasta?
    You sure can — it becomes pasta salad.
13. Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?
    Plain is best to keep it savory.
14. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
    Yes — especially after holidays.
15. Why is my salad watery?
    It may need more yogurt — or chicken wasn’t fully dried.
16. Can I use rotisserie chicken breasts only?
    Yes — though a mix of white and dark meat gives best texture.
17. Is this beginner-friendly?
    Oh honey, absolutely — anyone can make this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe.

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Final Thoughts

Sweetheart, this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just a salad — it’s a little moment of ease in a busy world. It fills the fridge with comfort, helps you through long days, packs beautifully for lunches, and brings calm to mealtime. It’s simple, nourishing, affordable, and made with love — everything homemade food should be.

🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

Sweet darling, if you make this Costco Chicken Salad Recipe, I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest at grannnyslilkitchen for more cozy, comforting recipes straight from my heart to your kitchen. 💛