The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

I’ve got a fantastic and healthy recipe for you today: a delicious Chicken Salad that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep. 

It’s packed with flavors and textures – juicy red grapes, crunchy celery and pecans, and a creamy yet light dressing. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together. 

Let’s dive in and make this tasty salad!

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

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 – 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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!

• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Vegan Thai Red Curry With Tofu
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• Hamburger Patties In The Air Fryer
• Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe
• High Protein Buffalo Chicken Crunchwrap

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHICKEN RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails