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Fresh Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe with Crunchy Walnuts Easy and Perfect

fresh greek yogurt chicken salad - featured image

A quick and easy chicken salad made with tender chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or potluck, this recipe offers a healthier twist on classic chicken salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 10.5 oz / 300g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) plain Greek yogurt, full-fat or 2%
  • ½ cup (2 oz / 60g) crunchy walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Let cool completely, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Finely dice celery and red onion, chop fresh dill or parsley.
  4. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
  5. Add shredded chicken, toasted walnuts, celery, onion, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together, making sure the walnuts stay crunchy and the chicken is well coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut. Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Avoid overmixing to keep chicken pieces intact and walnuts crunchy. For dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt. For nut allergies, substitute walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, walnut chicken salad, easy chicken salad, lunch recipe, low-fat chicken salad