The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt

The Story Behind the Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe

Sometimes the best recipes come from a craving — that sudden, specific thought that pops up out of nowhere and refuses to leave. For me, that craving was for a chicken salad that was light yet satisfying, creamy but not heavy, and bursting with freshness.

I remember the exact moment I decided to create The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt. It was one of those sunny, early spring afternoons when the air smells like renewal. I had leftover roasted chicken in the fridge, a container of thick, tangy Greek yogurt, and a bunch of herbs that needed using up. Instead of the usual mayo-laden salad, I thought, what if I make something lighter — something that still feels like comfort but tastes like health?

A few minutes later, I was chopping, mixing, tasting, and adjusting. When I took the first bite, I knew I had stumbled on something special. It was creamy yet bright, savory yet fresh. The Greek yogurt gave it a luscious texture without the heaviness of mayo, while lemon juice and herbs brought the flavors to life.

That’s the heart of this recipe — The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt — a bowl of simple ingredients transformed into something joyful, nourishing, and ridiculously tasty.

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What Makes This Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe Special

The secret to this Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt recipe’s magic is in the balance:

• Creamy, not heavy: Greek yogurt replaces mayonnaise, giving you creaminess and tang with far less fat.
• Simple ingredients: You likely have everything in your kitchen already — cooked chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon, celery, herbs.
• Protein-packed & meal-prep friendly: It’s filling, energizing, and perfect for lunchboxes or make-ahead dinners.
• Customizable: Add fruit for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or spices for kick. It’s endlessly adaptable.
• Refreshing yet comforting: Light enough for summer, but cozy enough to make in winter.

In short, The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is everything you love about traditional chicken salad — but cleaner, brighter, and better for you.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken Salad

• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat for creamier texture)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• ¼ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional but amazing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Insight:
Greek yogurt is the hero here. It adds creaminess, protein, and a gentle tang that lifts every other ingredient. The Dijon brings a little zing, and lemon juice keeps the flavors bright.

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup diced apple or grapes (for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or pecans (for crunch)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or paprika (for depth)
• ¼ cup diced cucumber (for freshness)

For Serving

• Whole-grain bread, pita, or lettuce wraps
• Extra herbs and lemon wedges

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using fresh chicken, poach or roast it first.

To poach: Place chicken breasts in a saucepan with enough water or broth to cover. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a slice of lemon. Simmer gently for 12–15 minutes until cooked through. Let it cool before dicing or shredding.

To roast: Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. Cool before cutting.

Time-Saving Tip: Store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend for this recipe. It adds flavor and saves time.

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Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust — add more lemon for brightness, or a pinch of salt if it needs lift.

Texture Tip: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives you that luxurious creaminess, while 0% will make it lighter but slightly tangier.

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Step 3: Add the Veggies and Herbs

Stir in the chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and dill. These give the salad crunch and freshness. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of paprika for a subtle flavor kick.

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Step 4: Fold in the Chicken

Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl and gently fold everything together with a spatula. Coat every piece evenly with that creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

If it looks a little thick, add a splash of water, milk, or even a teaspoon of olive oil to loosen it slightly.

Pro Tip: For the most tender bite, mix the salad while the chicken is still slightly warm — it absorbs flavor beautifully.

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Step 5: Taste & Chill

Taste your salad and adjust seasoning. Add extra lemon juice for tang, or salt and pepper as needed.

Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors mingle and deepen.

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Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

You can serve The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt so many ways:

• On whole-grain toast with a sprinkle of microgreens
• In lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch
• Stuffed into a pita with cucumber and tomato
• As a dip with crackers or sliced veggies
• Or simply by the spoonful straight from the bowl (no judgment!)

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This recipe plays well with almost anything. Here are my favorite pairings:

🥖 Sandwich Perfection

Spread it thickly on toasted whole-grain bread, layer with tomato slices and crisp lettuce. Simple, classic, and unbeatable.

🥗 On a Bed of Greens

Spoon it over baby spinach or arugula, add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and drizzle with olive oil for a complete meal.

🧺 Picnic Ready

Pack it into a container with crackers, grapes, and cheese cubes. It holds up beautifully on the go.

🍠 Cozy Option

Serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for a protein-rich dinner bowl.

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Customization & Variations

The beauty of The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is how endlessly customizable it is.

🥑 Add Creamy Twists

• Mix in mashed avocado for a green, extra-smooth version.
• Stir in a tablespoon of hummus for a Mediterranean touch.

🍏 Sweet & Savory

Add chopped apples, halved grapes, or cranberries for pops of sweetness. The fruit pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.

🌶 Spice It Up

Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha, hot sauce, or chipotle powder for some kick.

🧄 Herb Heaven

Swap parsley for basil, mint, or tarragon. Fresh herbs completely change the character of this salad.

🧀 Protein Boost

Add chopped boiled eggs or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch on Sunday. It keeps for up to 4 days and tastes even better on day two.

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Store The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

🔥 Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature — no reheating needed! If you want it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

Note: Avoid freezing — Greek yogurt can separate once thawed.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

Here Are The Nutritional Snapshot Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 340mg

This salad gives you a perfect macro balance — high in protein, moderate in healthy fats, and low in carbs. A truly guilt-free comfort food.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Perfect for meal prep.

2. Can I freeze it?

No — Greek yogurt doesn’t freeze well and will separate when thawed.

3. What kind of chicken works best?

Poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work. Just avoid overly seasoned or saucy chicken.

4. Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?

Stick with plain — flavored ones add sweetness that doesn’t work in savory dishes.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you serve it without bread or use gluten-free options.

6. How can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt made from coconut or almond milk.

7. Can I add veggies?

Absolutely — chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots add crunch.

8. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can use yellow mustard, or mix in a little vinegar for tang.

9. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days. Keep it tightly sealed and refrigerated.

10. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! It’s a quick, budget-friendly shortcut. Drain well and mix directly with the yogurt dressing.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt proves that comfort food can still be clean, balanced, and absolutely delicious. It’s quick, nourishing, and endlessly customizable — a modern twist on a timeless classic.

It’s perfect for busy weekdays, light lunches, or as a make-ahead meal that doesn’t compromise flavor. Whether you’re packing lunch for work or planning a picnic, this is a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

💛 Tried This Recipe?

If you make The Best Easy Healthy Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt, I’d love to see your version! Tag your photos and follow along on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — let’s keep cooking wholesome, joyful food together.