Description
A light, fresh, and high-protein chicken salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Ready in 20 minutes, this recipe provides sustained energy without the afternoon slump.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- Optional: 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts by poaching in salted water for 12-15 minutes or baking at 400°F for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator. Warm chicken will melt the yogurt.
- Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized chunks using two forks in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the celery and mince the red onion. Chop the fresh dill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken and add the celery, red onion, and dill.
- Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated, being careful not to overmix.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken is completely cool before mixing to prevent the yogurt from becoming soupy. If the salad is too watery, strain the yogurt through cheesecloth. If too dry, add more yogurt or a splash of olive oil. This salad does not freeze well as the yogurt separates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: high protein, Greek yogurt chicken salad, healthy lunch, meal prep, low carb, keto friendly, quick dinner, gluten free