Print

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

healthy greek yogurt chicken salad - featured image

A light, satisfying chicken salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, featuring fresh crunch from celery and a hint of sweetness from green apple. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • ½ medium green apple, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or parsley as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If not cooked, poach, roast, or use rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice about 2 cups (300g) and set aside.
  2. Chop the veggies and apple: Finely dice 2 celery stalks, half a green apple, and 2 tablespoons of red onion.
  3. Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds, stirring often until golden and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Remove promptly to avoid burning.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, chopped fresh dill (1 tablespoon), salt, and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, apple, red onion, and toasted almonds to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Chill before serving (optional): Let the salad rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

If Greek yogurt is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to loosen the dressing. Avoid overmixing to keep apple crispness. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. For best flavor, chill salad before serving. Add crunchy ingredients like cucumber or radish just before serving to maintain texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; add fresh apple or celery before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad, low-fat chicken salad, quick lunch, easy chicken salad, fresh chicken salad, crunchy chicken salad