Easy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy & Refreshing

Let me introduce you to a delightful greek yogurt chicken salad that reimagines classic comfort food.

Creamy textures merge with tender protein in this light yet satisfying dish.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables dance alongside succulent chicken pieces.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a remarkable blend of flavors and nutrients.

Simple preparation makes this recipe perfect for quick weeknight meals or leisurely lunch gatherings.

Crunchy vegetables add delightful contrast to smooth greek yogurt coating.

You’ll love how easily this salad comes together without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Grab a fork and dive into this delicious culinary adventure that promises to become your new favorite meal.

Storing Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad for Later Use

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before serving leftovers, give the chicken salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and revive its creamy texture.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the yogurt and fresh ingredients will separate and lose their original smooth consistency when thawed.
• Always serve directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and food safety, avoiding room temperature storage for more than 2 hours.

What Goes Great with Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, cutting through the creamy chicken salad with bright, zesty notes.
• Lightly toasted sourdough bread adds delightful crunch and subtle tang that enhances the salad's creamy texture and lemony undertones.
• Light, refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy chicken mixture, balancing the overall flavor profile.
• Mineral-infused sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slice cleanses the palate and adds a light, refreshing element to this protein-packed dish.

Fun Twists on Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread or pita with large crisp lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced option perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with diced extra-firm tofu or chickpeas, using plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond-based varieties to maintain creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate additional Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, mint, and dill to enhance the flavor profile, and consider adding kalamata olives for authentic Greek-inspired taste.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, use cilantro instead of traditional herbs, and add a dash of cumin for a zesty southwestern-inspired chicken salad variation.

Questions and Answers About Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

• Is Greek yogurt healthier than mayonnaise for this chicken salad?

Greek yogurt is significantly lower in calories and fat compared to mayonnaise. It provides protein, probiotics, and creates a tangy, creamy base that’s much more nutritious than traditional mayo-based chicken salads.

• Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to use up extra chicken and save time.

• How long can this chicken salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this Greek yogurt chicken salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its quality.

• Do I need to cook the chicken specifically for this recipe?

No, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Whether it’s boiled, grilled, baked, or from a rotisserie, as long as the chicken is cooked thoroughly and chopped into pieces, it will work great in this recipe.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Full of Freshness

• This chicken salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy individuals who want a delicious lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt significantly reduces calories while boosting protein content, creating a nutritious and guilt-free dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Easily transform this chicken salad into multiple meal formats – spread on toast, tucked into pita pockets, wrapped in lettuce, or enjoyed directly from the bowl, providing endless convenient eating possibilities.
• Quickly adapt the recipe by switching fruits (grapes or apples), experimenting with different herbs, or adjusting seasoning to match personal taste preferences, ensuring a personalized eating experience every time.

Ingredients List for Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the salad, best when cooked and cooled.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides protein and tangy flavor, choose full-fat for richness.

• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, sharp flavor to balance the creamy yogurt.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth and balanced taste.

• Celery, Onion: Provides crunch and freshness to the salad.
• Grapes (or Apple): Adds natural sweetness and textural contrast.
• Fresh Herbs: Brings aromatic brightness and additional flavor complexity.

Directions for Making Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Toss in the Main Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Chopped celery
• Diced onion
• Halved grapes (or chopped apple)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or chives)

Stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets a generous coating of the tangy dressing.

Step 3: Perfect the Flavor Profile

Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Sprinkle in extra salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. For maximum taste development, pop the salad in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve with Creativity

• Spread on toasted bread
• Stuff inside soft pita pockets
• Wrap in crisp lettuce leaves
• Enjoy directly from the bowl as a quick and satisfying meal

Tips for Better Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Texture

• Boost Protein Power: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and protein boost, perfect for post-workout meals.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Quick Chicken Prep: Use rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a faster, time-saving meal preparation option.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop more deeply, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan or lactose-free version of the chicken salad.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Greek yogurt chicken salad delivers a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired delight perfect for light lunches. Herbs, crisp vegetables, and tangy yogurt blend seamlessly, promising a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)

Fruits and Vegetables:

• ½ cup (120 ml) diced celery
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped red onion (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) halved red grapes (or diced apple)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Seasonings and Dressing:

• ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt (whole or low-fat)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl to create a tangy, creamy base for the salad.
2. Incorporate diced cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, minced onion, halved grapes (or diced apple), and a handful of freshly chopped herbs into the yogurt mixture.
3. Gently fold all ingredients until each morsel is evenly coated with the zesty dressing, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
4. Sample the salad and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or lemon juice to personal preference.
5. For enhanced flavor development, refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify their taste profile.
6. Serve the chicken salad as a versatile dish – spread on toasted bread, nestled in soft pita pockets, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, or enjoyed directly from the bowl as a satisfying standalone meal.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt to create a vegan-friendly version of this chicken salad.
• Dice chicken into uniform small pieces to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned and consistent in texture.
• Toast nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch and deeper flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian protein option that maintains the creamy, zesty character of the original recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg