Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Fresh and Healthy Meal

Name: Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 0.5 cup celery, finely chopped; 0.5 cup red grapes, halved; 0.25 cup almonds, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; to taste salt and pepper

by Elizabeth on November 30, 2024

Looking for a fresh and healthy meal? Try my Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad! This dish is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrition, too. From tender chicken to creamy Greek yogurt, every bite is a treat. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, easy steps, and tasty variations. Let’s dive in and create a salad you’ll want to make again and again!

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved - 1/4 cup almonds, sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked chicken breast: This is a great source of protein. It helps build and repair muscles. - Plain Greek yogurt: This yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics. It aids in digestion and keeps you full. - Celery: Low in calories, celery adds fiber and crunch. It helps keep you hydrated. - Red grapes: These grapes are high in vitamins and antioxidants. They support heart health. - Almonds: Almonds provide healthy fats and protein. They are good for your heart and skin. - Fresh dill: Dill adds flavor and is full of vitamins. It can help with digestion. - Honey: This natural sweetener gives a touch of sweetness. It has antioxidants and can boost energy. - Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and flavor. It is high in vitamin C and supports the immune system. - Salt and pepper: These enhance the dish's flavor. Use them to taste. - Cooked chicken: You can use turkey or rotisserie chicken. - Greek yogurt: Substitute with regular yogurt for a lighter option. - Celery: Chopped cucumber can add crunch as a swap. - Red grapes: Use diced apples or dried cranberries for sweetness. - Almonds: Walnuts or sunflower seeds work well if you want a different nut. - Fresh dill: Use dried dill or parsley if fresh is not available. - Honey: Maple syrup can be a good alternative for sweetness. - Lemon juice: Lime juice can replace lemon for a different zing. These choices help you customize the salad while keeping it tasty and healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by shredding the cooked chicken breast. You want about two cups of it. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and one cup of plain Greek yogurt. Mix them well until the chicken is fully coated. 3. Next, chop half a cup of celery into small pieces. Add this to your bowl. 4. Take half a cup of red grapes and cut them in half. Add these to the mix. 5. Slice a quarter cup of almonds and toss them in. 6. Chop two tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the mixture. 7. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour this over your salad. 8. Gently fold everything together. Be careful not to break the grapes. 9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it one last time. 10. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. Mixing gently is key. You want to keep the grapes whole for a nice bite. Use a spatula to fold the salad. This keeps everything intact and tasty. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more yogurt. It helps to balance the flavors. Make sure each ingredient gets some love during mixing. You can serve this chicken salad in many ways. Try it on whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich. You can also put it in lettuce wraps for a fresh touch. If you prefer, serve it on a bed of mixed greens. This adds more color and crunch. Pair it with some fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a complete meal. To make your Greek yogurt chicken salad even creamier, you can add more yogurt. I suggest adding a little extra Greek yogurt. This will give the salad a rich taste. You can also mix in a bit of mayo for added creaminess. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Store your chicken salad in a tight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Make sure to chill it in the fridge right away. Leftovers taste best within three days. If you wait too long, the flavors may fade. For shredding chicken, I love using two forks. Hold one fork steady with your non-dominant hand. Use the other fork to pull the meat apart. It's fast and easy! If you have a stand mixer, you can use it too. Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low. It shreds the chicken in seconds! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a wonderful flavor. Add More Crunch: Feel free to mix in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers to enhance the texture of the salad. Grape Substitutes: If you prefer a different fruit, diced apples or dried cranberries can be great alternatives to grapes. Make It Ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this salad. Turkey is a great choice. It adds a nice flavor and is leaner than chicken. Just shred cooked turkey breast and use it the same way. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it lightly. Mix it with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Adding spices and herbs can enhance this dish. Try a pinch of paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add freshness. You can also use garlic powder for a savory twist. Mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend. If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, you can make this salad fit. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick base. Swap the grapes for diced cucumbers or bell peppers. This keeps the crunch without the carbs. You can also ditch the honey or use a low-carb sweetener. This way, you keep the taste while sticking to your meal plan. To keep your Greek yogurt chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. If you plan to eat it later, avoid adding any crunchy toppings, like almonds, until you're ready to serve. Greek yogurt chicken salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade, and the texture might change. Always check for any strange smells or changes in color before eating. If it looks or smells off, it's best to toss it. You can freeze Greek yogurt chicken salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion as it freezes. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, stir it well and check the texture before serving. Yes, you can use regular yogurt. However, Greek yogurt is thicker. It gives a creamier texture. This makes the chicken salad rich and satisfying. Regular yogurt may make it runny. If you use regular yogurt, you might need less. This chicken salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it cool. The longer it sits, the flavors blend more. But be mindful of freshness. If it smells off, discard it. There are many great side dishes to pair with chicken salad. You can serve it with: - Fresh fruit salad - Veggie sticks with hummus - Whole-grain crackers - Quinoa salad - Leafy green salad These sides add more color and nutrition to your meal. They balance the creaminess of the chicken salad. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! This blog post covers everything you need to make delicious Greek yogurt chicken salad. You learned about the key ingredients and their health benefits. We discussed step-by-step instructions for preparation and serving. I shared tips to make your salad creamier and how to store leftovers. You also discovered variations to fit your taste. Lastly, I answered common questions to help you choose the best options. With this guide, you can create a tasty and healthy meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Healthy and Creamy: This chicken salad combines the protein-rich goodness of chicken with the creamy texture of Greek yogurt, making it a nutritious choice.
Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens, this salad fits any meal occasion.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh dill, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds adds a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup red grapes, halved

– 1/4 cup almonds, sliced

– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Benefits of Each Ingredient

– Cooked chicken breast: This is a great source of protein. It helps build and repair muscles.

– Plain Greek yogurt: This yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics. It aids in digestion and keeps you full.

– Celery: Low in calories, celery adds fiber and crunch. It helps keep you hydrated.

– Red grapes: These grapes are high in vitamins and antioxidants. They support heart health.

– Almonds: Almonds provide healthy fats and protein. They are good for your heart and skin.

– Fresh dill: Dill adds flavor and is full of vitamins. It can help with digestion.

– Honey: This natural sweetener gives a touch of sweetness. It has antioxidants and can boost energy.

– Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and flavor. It is high in vitamin C and supports the immune system.

– Salt and pepper: These enhance the dish’s flavor. Use them to taste.

Substitutions for Common Ingredients

– Cooked chicken: You can use turkey or rotisserie chicken.

– Greek yogurt: Substitute with regular yogurt for a lighter option.

– Celery: Chopped cucumber can add crunch as a swap.

– Red grapes: Use diced apples or dried cranberries for sweetness.

– Almonds: Walnuts or sunflower seeds work well if you want a different nut.

– Fresh dill: Use dried dill or parsley if fresh is not available.

– Honey: Maple syrup can be a good alternative for sweetness.

– Lemon juice: Lime juice can replace lemon for a different zing.

These choices help you customize the salad while keeping it tasty and healthy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Start by shredding the cooked chicken breast. You want about two cups of it.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and one cup of plain Greek yogurt. Mix them well until the chicken is fully coated.

3. Next, chop half a cup of celery into small pieces. Add this to your bowl.

4. Take half a cup of red grapes and cut them in half. Add these to the mix.

5. Slice a quarter cup of almonds and toss them in.

6. Chop two tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the mixture.

7. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour this over your salad.

8. Gently fold everything together. Be careful not to break the grapes.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it one last time.

10. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least thirty minutes.

Tips for Combining Ingredients

Mixing gently is key. You want to keep the grapes whole for a nice bite. Use a spatula to fold the salad. This keeps everything intact and tasty. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more yogurt. It helps to balance the flavors. Make sure each ingredient gets some love during mixing.

Serving Suggestions After Preparation

You can serve this chicken salad in many ways. Try it on whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich. You can also put it in lettuce wraps for a fresh touch. If you prefer, serve it on a bed of mixed greens. This adds more color and crunch. Pair it with some fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

How to Make the Salad Even Creamier

To make your Greek yogurt chicken salad even creamier, you can add more yogurt. I suggest adding a little extra Greek yogurt. This will give the salad a rich taste. You can also mix in a bit of mayo for added creaminess. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

Storing Leftovers Properly

Store your chicken salad in a tight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Make sure to chill it in the fridge right away. Leftovers taste best within three days. If you wait too long, the flavors may fade.

Best Methods for Shredding Chicken

For shredding chicken, I love using two forks. Hold one fork steady with your non-dominant hand. Use the other fork to pull the meat apart. It’s fast and easy! If you have a stand mixer, you can use it too. Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix on low. It shreds the chicken in seconds!

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a wonderful flavor.
Add More Crunch: Feel free to mix in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers to enhance the texture of the salad.
Grape Substitutes: If you prefer a different fruit, diced apples or dried cranberries can be great alternatives to grapes.
Make It Ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Variations

Different Protein Options (Turkey, Tofu)

You can switch up the protein in this salad. Turkey is a great choice. It adds a nice flavor and is leaner than chicken. Just shred cooked turkey breast and use it the same way. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Press and cube firm tofu, then sauté it lightly. Mix it with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.

Flavor Boosting Ingredients (Spices, Herbs)

Adding spices and herbs can enhance this dish. Try a pinch of paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add freshness. You can also use garlic powder for a savory twist. Mixing in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite blend.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Alternatives

If you follow a low-carb or keto diet, you can make this salad fit. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick base. Swap the grapes for diced cucumbers or bell peppers. This keeps the crunch without the carbs. You can also ditch the honey or use a low-carb sweetener. This way, you keep the taste while sticking to your meal plan.

Storage Info

How to Store Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

To keep your Greek yogurt chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. If you plan to eat it later, avoid adding any crunchy toppings, like almonds, until you’re ready to serve.

Shelf Life in the Refrigerator

Greek yogurt chicken salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade, and the texture might change. Always check for any strange smells or changes in color before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it.

Freezing Guidance for Longer Storage

You can freeze Greek yogurt chicken salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion as it freezes. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, stir it well and check the texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt. However, Greek yogurt is thicker. It gives a creamier texture. This makes the chicken salad rich and satisfying. Regular yogurt may make it runny. If you use regular yogurt, you might need less.

How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?

This chicken salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it cool. The longer it sits, the flavors blend more. But be mindful of freshness. If it smells off, discard it.

What are some healthy side dishes to serve with chicken salad?

There are many great side dishes to pair with chicken salad. You can serve it with:

– Fresh fruit salad

– Veggie sticks with hummus

– Whole-grain crackers

– Quinoa salad

– Leafy green salad

These sides add more color and nutrition to your meal. They balance the creaminess of the chicken salad. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

This blog post covers everything you need to make delicious Greek yogurt chicken salad. You learned about the key ingredients and their health benefits. We discussed step-by-step instructions for preparation and serving. I shared tips to make your salad creamier and how to store leftovers. You also discovered variations to fit your taste. Lastly, I answered common questions to help you choose the best options. With this guide, you can create a tasty and healthy meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bit

Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A refreshing and healthy chicken salad made with Greek yogurt and fresh ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
0.5 cup red grapes, halved
0.25 cup almonds, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
Add in the finely chopped celery, halved red grapes, sliced almonds, and fresh dill.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice, then pour this mixture over the chicken salad.
Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure not to break the grapes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and give it one last gentle mix.
Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve on whole-grain bread, in lettuce wraps, or atop a bed of mixed greens.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword chicken salad, Greek yogurt, healthy