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Healthy High-Protein Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

healthy high-protein greek yogurt chicken salad - featured image

A quick, easy, and protein-packed chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup green grapes, halved
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped apples

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If starting with raw chicken, poach 2 large chicken breasts in gently simmering water for 15-18 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply chop into chunks.
  2. Chop the vegetables and herbs: Finely dice 2 celery stalks and 2 tablespoons of red onion. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine all ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, onion, and dill to the bowl with the yogurt dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add optional mix-ins: If desired, fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, or 1/2 cup halved green grapes or chopped apples.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Final taste check: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and mellows the sharpness of onion and lemon. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best creaminess. If salad is too thick, add a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice to loosen. For dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt. Salad keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days; add fresh celery before serving to maintain crunch. Do not freeze the salad; freeze cooked chicken separately if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, Greek yogurt, high protein, healthy lunch, meal prep, easy recipe, low carb, gluten free