Name: The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, shredded; 2 cups red grapes, halved; 3 celery sticks, chopped; 2/3 cup red onion, diced; 2/3 cup pecans, chopped; 1/3 cup light mayonnaise; 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt; 2 tbsp dill; 2 tbsp lemon juice; salt + black pepper

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This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is light, creamy, and packed with protein, grapes, pecans, and fresh dill. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or meal prep!

Top down view of greek yogurt chicken salad on white plate with red grapes.

Chicken salad gets a bad rep. People hear chicken salad and immediately think of some sad, soggy, mayo-drenched mess from the back of the fridge.

But not today. This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is fresh, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

It’s basically the glow-up of your usual chicken salad situation—lighter, tangy, and completely next-level delicious.

Here’s what makes this version the best: instead of drowning everything in mayo, we’re mixing in plain Greek yogurt for that rich, creamy texture without all the heaviness.

Add in sweet red grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and a punch of fresh dill, and you’ve got yourself a seriously good salad that you’ll actually want to eat.

It’s high-protein, balanced, and meal-prep-friendly, which means you can make a big batch and eat like a queen all week. Serve it on lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or straight from the bowl with a fork (because sometimes, waiting for bread is too much).

So if you’ve been settling for sad desk lunches, it’s time to upgrade. This Healthy Chicken Salad is flavor-packed, fresh, and ridiculously easy—because you deserve better chicken salad energy. Let’s make it happen.

If you love easy meals you may also enjoy my Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza or my Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe.

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS HEALTHY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

Healthy and Nutritious: Made with light mayo and Greek yogurt, this chicken salad is lower in fat but still creamy and satisfying. The grapes and celery add vitamins and fiber, while the pecans give a boost of healthy fats and protein.
Flavorful and Refreshing: The combination of sweet grapes, tangy dressing, and fresh dill makes this salad super flavorful and refreshing.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep, this salad comes together in no time. Perfect for a quick meal or meal prep for the week.
Versatile: You can enjoy this chicken salad in so many ways – on its own, in a wrap, stuffed into an avocado, or as a topping for a leafy green salad.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE EASY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this great recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Shredded chicken breast
Red grapes, halved – fresh grapes for a touch of sweetness
Celery stalks, diced
Red onion, finely chopped
Chopped pecans
Salt and black pepper to taste
Light mayonnaise
Plain Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Fresh dill, chopped
Optional – other fresh herbs, green onion, dijon mustard, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, dried fruit, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST AMAZING CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Shred your cooked chicken, halve the grapes, dice the celery, finely chop the red onion, and chop the pecans.
In a large bowl, mix together the light mayo, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill. This dressing is creamy and tangy, but lighter than using all mayo. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Add the shredded chicken, juicy grapes, celery, red onion, and pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are well coated in the dressing.
Give the salad a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. You want to make sure all the flavors are balanced and delicious.
For the best flavor, let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in between slices of bread for chicken salad sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with some whole-grain crackers.

STORING THE LEFTOVER CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover chicken salad into an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.
Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The chicken salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Stir Before Serving: Before serving the leftovers, give the chicken salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure all the flavors are well mixed.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the yogurt and mayo, making the salad watery once thawed.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Cooked Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, poach a couple of chicken breasts or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite add-ins. Try adding diced apples, cranberries, or swapping pecans for walnuts.
Make Ahead: This chicken salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SERVE THIS HEALTHY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE

Classic Sandwich – Scoop it between two slices of whole-grain bread, a croissant, or a toasted ciabatta roll for the perfect homemade chicken salad sandwich.
Lettuce Wraps – Keep it light and fresh by serving it in butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb, crunchy bite.
Stuffed Avocado – Scoop out an avocado half and fill it with chicken salad for a creamy, nutrient-packed option.
Over Greens – Serve over a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a simple, protein-packed salad.
With Crackers or Pita Chips – A great snack or party appetizer—just grab your favorite whole-grain crackers or crunchy pita chips and scoop away.
On a Baked Sweet Potato – The sweetness of the potato pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy chicken salad.
Stuffed in a Tomato – Hollow out a large tomato and fill it with chicken salad for a fresh, juicy twist.
Rolled into a Wrap – Use a whole-wheat tortilla or low-carb wrap and add some extra greens for a portable lunch.
Straight from the Bowl – No shame—sometimes, the best way is just a fork and good vibes.

VARIATIONS FOR THIS ULTIMATE CHICKEN SALAD

Apple Walnut Chicken Salad – Swap grapes for diced apples and pecans for walnuts for a fall-inspired twist.
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad – Replace grapes with dried cranberries and use sliced almonds for a sweet, nutty variation.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad – Mix in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce, swap dill for green onions, and add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad – Add feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a dash of oregano for a Mediterranean-style version.
Avocado Chicken Salad – Ditch the mayo and Greek yogurt and use mashed avocado for a creamy, heart-healthy base.
Curried Chicken Salad – Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder, swap pecans for cashews, and toss in golden raisins for a warm, spiced flavor.
Tropical Chicken Salad – Replace grapes with pineapple or mango chunks, use coconut yogurt, and swap pecans for macadamia nuts.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad – Stir in a drizzle of BBQ sauce, use ranch instead of Greek yogurt, and add some crisp bacon bits.
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad – Add chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice for a tangy, crunchy variation.
Greek Yogurt & Herb Chicken Salad – Skip the mayo completely and amp up the fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and basil for a refreshing, light version.

FAQS

WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY THIS GREEK YOGURT CHICKEN SALAD?

I love having it as a healthy lunch option on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or stuffed into a pita. It’s also great as a dip with whole-grain crackers or veggies.

HOW DOES USING GREEK YOGURT BENEFIT THIS CHICKEN SALAD?

Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture while being lower in fat and higher in protein compared to mayo. It’s a great way to make the salad healthier.

WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST CHICKEN SALAD?

The perfect balance of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and pecans combined with a creamy, tangy dressing makes this salad irresistible.

CAN I PREPARE THE CHICKEN IN AN INSTANT POT?

Yes, cooking your own chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to get tender chicken for this recipe. Simply cook the chicken breasts with some seasoning and water until tender.

CAN I USE FULL-FAT GREEK YOGURT?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt can be used if you prefer a richer taste and creamier texture.

Other High Protein Dinner Recipes You May Want To Try!

Yield: 6 servings

The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe made with shredded chicken, red grapes, celery, red onion, and a creamy dressing of light mayo and Greek yogurt. Perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep, this flavorful salad is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, shredded
2 cups red grapes, halved
3 celery sticks, chopped
2/3 cup red onion, diced
2/3 cup pecans, chopped
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
2/3 cup plain greek yogurt
2 tbsp dill
2 tbsp lemon juice
salt + black pepper

Instructions

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Shred your cooked chicken, halve the grapes, dice the celery, finely chop the red onion, and chop the pecans.
In a large bowl, mix together the light mayo, plain Greek yogurt, fresh dill and lemon juice. This dressing is creamy and tangy, but lighter than using all mayo. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until the chicken and veggies are well coated in the dressing.
Give the salad a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. You want to make sure all the flavors are balanced and delicious.
For the best flavor, let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in between slices of bread for chicken salad sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with some whole-grain crackers.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 244Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 265mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 17g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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