Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High Protein Chicken Salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or light dinners. Packed with lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this salad delivers a delicious balance of taste and muscle-fueling protein. It’s creamy without being heavy, and versatile enough to enjoy on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)plain Greek yogurtdijon mustardceleryred onioncucumberfresh parsley or dilllemon juicegarlic powdersalt and pepper to taste
directions
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Add in the shredded or diced chicken, celery, red onion, and cucumber.
Mix everything until well coated in the dressing.
Fold in the chopped fresh herbs.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serve on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce or a low-carb tortilla.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes
Variations
Swap Greek yogurt for mashed avocado for a different texture and flavor.
Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Mix in chopped apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
Include hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
storage/reheating
Store High Protein Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Best served cold; reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture and freshness of the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well—just be sure to drain it thoroughly.
Is this salad good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for many weight loss plans.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the yogurt-based dressing may separate.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt is ideal for its protein content and creaminess, but you can use light mayo or a mix of both.
What veggies can I add?
Bell peppers, carrots, and radishes are great crunchy additions.
How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, it adds great flavor and saves time.
What can I serve this with?
Serve with crackers, in a wrap, over greens, or in a sandwich.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
How can I increase protein even more?
Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder or additional egg whites.
Conclusion
High Protein Chicken Salad is a versatile, filling, and flavorful option that fits into a healthy lifestyle with ease. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick lunch, this salad has the power to keep you full and energized without sacrificing taste.
PrintHigh Protein Chicken Salad
A hearty and nutritious chicken salad packed with protein-packed ingredients, perfect as a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre‑cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No‑cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Greens or whole‑grain bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, almonds, dried cranberries (if using), and parsley.
- Gently fold until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld (optional but recommended).
- Serve the chicken salad over a bed of greens, in a wrap, sandwich, or alongside whole‑grain crackers.
Notes
- Make it extra protein‑rich by adding 1/4 cup cottage cheese or additional Greek yogurt.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Swap almonds for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut‑free option.
- Make ahead: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a tangier flavor, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or chopped pickles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg