Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Greek yogurt chicken salad is a refreshing twist on the classic favorite. Creamy and tangy with a pop of sweetness from grapes and a hint of fresh dill, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner packed with protein.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper to create a creamy base.
- Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, diced red onion, celery, and halved grapes to the bowl. If using, add the chopped walnuts as well.
- Step 3: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture.
- Step 4: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or enjoy it on its own.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, substitute walnuts with slivered almonds or pecans.
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an added tangy kick.
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken to save time and enhance flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and, if needed, add a splash of lemon juice or yogurt to refresh the creaminess. This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after resting for at least 30 minutes as the flavors blend. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated.
What can I serve with Greek yogurt chicken salad?
This salad pairs well with fresh greens, whole grain bread, pita pockets, or crunchy crackers for a satisfying meal or snack.
PrintGreek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe
This Greek yogurt chicken salad is a creamy, tangy, and protein-packed twist on the classic chicken salad. Featuring shredded chicken, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, fresh dill, and a zesty lemon-infused Greek yogurt dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or an easy dinner option. Enhanced with optional walnuts for a crunchy texture, this dish is refreshing, healthy, and simple to prepare, with no cooking required beyond having cooked chicken on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy, tangy base for the salad.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, finely diced red onion, celery, and halved grapes into the bowl with the dressing. If using, add the chopped walnuts now for extra crunch.
- Combine Gently: Carefully fold all ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are fully coated with the creamy yogurt dressing, being gentle to maintain the grapes’ shape.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired to suit your flavor preferences.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled, either on a bed of fresh lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or enjoyed straight from the bowl for a quick, wholesome meal.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- Red grapes add a sweet, juicy contrast; green grapes can be used if preferred.
- Walnuts add texture and healthy fats but can be omitted or substituted with slivered almonds or pecans.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Keywords: Greek yogurt chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, protein packed salad, low-fat chicken salad, Mediterranean chicken salad
