Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken breasts ( about 2 breasts, boiled and cubed ); 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (I used 0% Fage ); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1-2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed); kosher salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste); ½ cup celery (finely diced); ¼ cup shallots (finely diced); 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (toasted)

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by Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh June 26, 2020

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This Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe is easy to make and perfect for warm summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. With simple ingredients and a light dressing, it’s loaded with protein and is much healthier than your average creamy chicken salad recipe.

I like to meal-prep healthy lunch options before the week gets busy, making recipes like Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cottage Cheese, Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps, and Spicy Egg Salad. Of course, my meal-prepped lunches are always loaded with protein and are healthyish!

Healthyish Chicken Salad - Healthyish Foods

However, when I don’t have much time for prepping and cooking, I turn to this healthy chicken salad recipe! With a hands-off cooking method for the chicken and minimal chopping required, the entire recipe is ready in just 35 minutes!

Even better, made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this healthy chicken salad will keep you feeling full and satisfied all day long! Serve this recipe in a lettuce cup to keep it low-carb. Or, tuck it inside a high-fiber sandwich wrap. It tastes great either way!

Table of Contents

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – I usually use two, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Gently boil (poach) the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Greek Yogurt – I used 0% plain FAGE Greek yogurt, but any brand will work. Greek yogurt provides the same creamy texture as mayo but with a fraction of the fat and calories.
Mayonnaise – Mayo and yogurt combine to form the base of the chicken salad dressing.
Dijon Mustard – This adds a subtle tang to the dressing.
Lemon Juice – For the best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Lemon juice provides acidity which brightens the dressing.
Kosher Salt and Pepper – Feel free to adjust these to taste.
Celery – For a crunchy texture. Make sure to thinly slice or dice the celery so that it incorporates into the salad better.
Shallots – These add a subtly sweet, onion-like flavor.
Toasted Almonds – These are optional, but if you like a crunchy bite, I suggest adding them!

How to Make the Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Boil the chicken. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and add the chicken breasts. Boil until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer!
Make the dressing. Add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl, and mix until well combined.
Mix. Gently fold the diced celery and diced shallots into the Greek yogurt dressing.
Chop the chicken. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and add it to the mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
Mix. Toss until the chicken is well coated in the chicken salad dressing, and top with crushed or sliced almonds.
Chill before serving. Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Possible Variations

What I love most about this healthy chicken salad recipe, aside from its amazing flavor and texture, is how easy it is to make it your own! Feel free to get creative by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite mix-ins.

Make it spicy. Try adding diced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes. The jalapeño will create a crunchier texture, too.
Add more creamy texture. Sliced avocado and shredded or crumbly cheeses can make for an even smoother mouthfeel.
Sweeten it up. Red or green grapes and dried cranberries are perfect for this!
Include fresh herbs. Add fresh parsley, dill, or chives for more bright, summer flavors.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many quick and easy ways to serve this healthy chicken salad recipe! Change it up every day so you don’t get bored, and feel free to add a side dish or two!

Serve it chilled over salad or in lettuce cups.
Tuck it inside a whole wheat wrap or pita pocket.
Scoop it up using sturdy crackers or sliced cucumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my healthy chicken salad is too dry? To fix dry chicken salad, add more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition, and keep adding more yogurt or mayo until your desired texture is reached.

How long does this recipe last? Leftover chicken salad will stay fresh for three to four days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is it healthy to eat chicken salad every day? Since this healthy chicken salad recipe contains a very small amount of mayonnaise, it’s perfectly healthy to eat it regularly. It’s a great way to fulfill your daily protein requirements, and the celery and shallots provide some fiber, too. Of course, be sure to consult your doctor with any specific questions or concerns.

posted in: Chicken Recipes, Lunch Recipes, Salad Recipes