This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is creamy and crunchy, and it pairs well with crackers, bagels, breads, and more!
One of my favorite school lunches many moons ago was chicken salad on white bread. They used to sell the sandwiches from vending machines at the cafeteria, and it was always a rush to make sure those hearty chicken sandwiches weren’t sold out. Arrive too late, and you’d be stuck with a sad peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Truth be told, however, that chicken salad was loaded with mayo and not exactly the healthiest option. Yet it was back then that I fell in love with chicken salad. So, over the years, I’ve made quite a few recipes of my own. Healthier takes, and this is one of them.
Grapes and Dijon? Greek yogurt and celery? Shredded chicken and lemon juice? You might be thinking, “What an interesting blend of ingredients.” And that’s precisely it! The sweetness from the grapes mixed with the sharp and mild flavors from the Dijon and yogurt mix—these medleys of flavors are what make this healthy chicken salad taste so great. This dish is easy to make and pairs well with many things, like a toasted bagel, baguette, or whole-grain crackers. You can also enjoy it alone or mix in some crispy greens like arugula or spinach. Even better, it’s extremely versatile—swap proteins and customize veggies. It’s all up to you.
Is This Chicken Salad Healthy?
Full of nourishing ingredients, this salad makes for a great lunch, snack, or early dinner. Chicken and Greek yogurt are good sources of protein, while the Greek yogurt also helps you cut down on fat when used instead of mayo and even contributes some probiotics. Celery, grapes, and scallions add fiber, along with vitamins and minerals. You can also mix in additional fresh herbs like parsley, garlic, or dill, which adds flavors and a little nutrition without adding calories (what a good deal!). Overall, this dish is brimming with wholesome ingredients, but you can always add more! I like to mix in a little more nutrition by tossing in a handful of chopped spinach.
If you’re lactose intolerant, go ahead and use a plant-based, Greek-style yogurt. There are plenty of great options on the market these days.
Make It Your Own
There are so many different ways to prepare this healthy chicken salad recipe. Toss in some toasted almonds, candied pecans or walnuts, a handful of cranberries, and fresh red or white onions. Not a fan of celery? Swap it for shredded carrots. Greek yogurt is an excellent flavor base because it complements a variety of ingredients. For example, a dash of turmeric adds subtle earthiness and transforms this dressing into a vibrant orange. Or, add a dash of beet juice and some chopped pickled beets, and suddenly, you have a bright pink chicken salad that lays beautifully on a thick bed of vibrant greens. Don’t have any lemons? Don’t worry—limes will do (and taste) just fine.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will be affected upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many tasty ways to serve this healthy chicken salad! Keep it simple and make a sandwich using this Potato Bread or Yogurt Flatbread. Place a scoop of healthy chicken salad on leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula, or wrap in a jumbo Swiss chard leaf to create a fun lettuce wrap. If you want something heartier, serve it with Instant-Pot Quinoa, on a bed of brown rice, or with a cup of Lentil Soup and some Fire Crackers.
This salad also makes a great appetizer. For a beautiful grazing board, place the salad alongside raw veggies such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, snap peas, and cucumbers, accompanied by these Gluten-Free Crackers for scooping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 2 scallions sliced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and sliced scallions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, and serve cold.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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