Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Did You Know 75% of “Healthy” Chicken Salads Are Packed With Hidden Calories?

It’s true—most store-bought or restaurant chicken salads sneak in sugary dressings, excessive mayo, or processed ingredients that turn this classic dish into a calorie bomb. But what if I told you the best healthy chicken salad recipe could be both light and bursting with flavor? One that’s easy to whip up, packed with protein, and so delicious you’ll crave it all week? That’s exactly what we’re making today—a fresh, vibrant version that proves healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

I discovered this recipe during a summer when I was determined to eat cleaner without giving up my favorite lunches. After one too many sad, dry salads, I realized the secret lies in balancing textures and bright flavors. This version uses creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayo, crisp apples for sweetness, and a hint of lemon zest to make every bite sing. It’s become my go-to for meal prep, picnics, and even elegant tea-time sandwiches—because yes, healthy can absolutely feel indulgent.

What makes this the best healthy chicken salad recipe? It’s not just about cutting calories—it’s about amplifying nourishment. Every ingredient serves a purpose, from the protein-rich chicken to the antioxidant-packed walnuts. And the best part? You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just simple, real food that comes together in minutes.

Healthy Chicken Salad

• Author: Trusted Blog

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Description

A light and nutritious chicken salad packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds to the bowl.
3. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy & Delicious

There’s something so comforting about a well-made chicken salad—creamy yet crisp, hearty but light, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re packing it into a sandwich, spooning it over greens, or just eating it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), this recipe is a staple you’ll come back to again and again. Best of all? It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that taste as good as they make you feel.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy chicken salad—plus a few notes on why these ingredients work so well together:

• 2 cups co
  oked chicken breast, shredded or diced – Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, but if you’re cooking fresh, just season it simply with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking or poaching.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo, if you prefer) – I love using Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed twist, but classic mayo gives that rich, velvety texture we all adore.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – A little punch of flavor that keeps things interesting.
• 1 tablespoon h
  oney or maple syrup – Just a touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced – For that essential crunch!
• ¼ cup red onion, minced – Soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes if you want to mellow its bite.
• ½ cup red
  grapes, halved – Sweet, juicy bursts in every bite. Trust me, they’re non-negotiable.
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds, chopped – A nutty, toasty contrast that adds depth.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped – Brightens everything up.
• Salt & pe
  pper to taste – Season as you go—don’t be shy!
• A squeeze of lemon juice – Just a little zing to tie it all together.

Let’s Make It Step by Step

This recipe comes together in minutes, but here’s how to make sure every bite is perfect:

1. Prep your
   chicken. If you’re not using leftovers, cook your chicken breasts simply—season with salt and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Let them rest before shredding or dicing so they stay juicy.
2. Toast your nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or almonds for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping—this keeps them extra crunchy.
3. Mix the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—maybe a pinch more salt? A drizzle more honey? Make it yours.
4. Fold in the go
   od stuff. Add the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, nuts, and fresh herbs to the bowl. Gently mix until everything is coated in that creamy, dreamy dressing.

At this point, I always sneak a bite (quality control, you know). If it needs a little extra something, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or another squeeze of lemon does wonders. Now, the hardest part—letting it chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can cozy up to each other. But if you simply can’t wait? I won’t tell.

Pro Tips for the Perfe

ct Chicken Salad

Making a truly delicious chicken salad is all about the little details. Here are some insider tricks to take yours to the next level:

• Moisture is key: If using leftover chicken, drizzle with a little broth or olive oil before mixing to prevent dryness
• Chill time matters: Let your salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving – the flavors meld beautifully
• Texture contra
  st: Add some crunch with toasted nuts, seeds, or crisp apple slices
• Herb freshness: Toss in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon right before serving

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about chicken salad is how adaptable it is! Here are some tasty twists:

• Greek Sty
  le: Add feta, kalamata olives, and cucumber with a lemon-oregano dressing
• Curry Version: Mix in curry powder, golden raisins, and cashews
• Avocado Lime: Swap mayo for mashed avocado and add lime zest
• BBQ Ranch: