Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a lunchtime staple, but traditional recipes can be heavy on mayonnaise and calories. Our Greek yogurt chicken salad offers a delicious solution – a creamy, flavorful dish that’s nutrient-dense and better-for-you. With a simple prep time and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your recipe rotation.
Whether you’re packing a midday meal, serving it as an appetizer, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this Greek yogurt chicken salad delivers a satisfying flavor profile and a nutritional boost. The combination of tender chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, and crunchy veggies creates a texture contrast that makes every bite a delight.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Greek yogurt chicken salad recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the use of protein-rich Greek yogurt as the base provides a creamy texture without the high-fat content of traditional mayonnaise. The yogurt also adds a refreshing tang that complements the chicken and other ingredients beautifully.
Another aspect that makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. You can serve it on a bed of greens, stuffed into a tomato or avocado, or scooped onto whole-grain crackers or slices of crusty bread. It also makes an excellent make-ahead option, as the flavors only improve as the salad chills in the refrigerator.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad ❓
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Greek yogurt chicken salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of protein-packed chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Greek yogurt chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken salad which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Greek yogurt chicken salad saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 408mg
These Greek yogurt chicken salad sandwiches provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce cups or on top of a bed of greens instead of bread or crackers.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute unsweetened plant-based yogurt, such as cashew or almond, for the Greek yogurt.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked chickpeas or diced hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in diced cucumber, bell pepper, or grape tomatoes for added crunch and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Greek yogurt chicken salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Stuff the salad into halved avocados or tomatoes for a beautiful and portable meal option.
• Pair the chicken salad with a crisp, fresh side salad or a cup of vegetable-based soup for a complete and balanced meal.
• For a picnic or potluck, serve the Greek yogurt chicken salad on whole-grain crackers or mini croissants as an appetizer or finger food.
• Create a Greek-inspired platter with the chicken salad, olives, feta cheese, and pita bread for a Mediterranean-themed spread.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using too much yogurt: While Greek yogurt is the star of this recipe, using too much can make the salad overly thick and creamy. Stick to the recommended 1 cup for the perfect consistency.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the salad with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to balance the flavors. Tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed is crucial.
• Not chilling the salad: Allowing the Greek yogurt chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the textures to come together.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Be gentle when combining the ingredients to avoid breaking down the chicken and making the salad mushy.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Greek yogurt chicken salad recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken salad for longer-term storage. To do so, transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If the chicken salad has been frozen, simply stir it well to incorporate any separated liquid. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Greek yogurt chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. Prepare the chicken salad up to 3-4 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as the salad chills and the ingredients have a chance to meld together.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins, such as turkey, tuna, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The key is to use a similar amount of the substitute protein and adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the creamy, tangy flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, this Greek yogurt chicken salad can be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt alternative. To make it lower in carbs, serve the salad in lettuce cups or on a bed of greens instead of bread or crackers. You can also boost the protein by adding cooked chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs.
Why is my chicken salad watery?
If your Greek yogurt chicken salad turns out a bit watery, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: 1) The chicken was not shredded or chopped finely enough, leading to excess moisture being released, or 2) The salad wasn’t chilled for long enough, allowing the yogurt and other ingredients to fully incorporate. To prevent this, be sure to shred or chop the chicken into small pieces and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Greek yogurt chicken salad is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it by folding in diced cucumber, bell pepper, grape tomatoes, or any other crunchy vegetables you enjoy. Just be mindful of not overloading the salad, as you want to maintain the proper balance of chicken, yogurt, and mix-ins.
Conclusion
These creamy Greek yogurt chicken salad sandwiches represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a light lunch, a protein-packed snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their tangy, crunchy goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Greek yogurt chicken salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the mixing and chilling process. So why not give this healthier take on a classic a try? Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you.
Print
Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, diced celery, diced red onion, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-incorporated.
• Step 2: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Greek yogurt chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad