Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (2024)

Home / Recipes / Dinner / Chicken / Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Published on July 29, 2021 · Updated on June 15, 2023 · By Aysegul Sanford

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy, make-ahead meal that I like to serve throughout the week. Whether you want a salad, sandwich, lettuce wrap or something a little bit in between, this healthy chicken salad recipe with Greek yogurt is made with seasonal fresh ingredients and leftover chicken for a quick and easy meal.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

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Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (1)

Today, I come to you with a Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe that celebrates the deliciousness of plain yogurt and uses it in place of mayonnaise. The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in about 30 minutes and is just as delicious as the mayo-laden classic chicken salad that you eat in every potluck. With just a few creative ingredient swaps, all of which are probably already in your fridge/pantry, you can make the best chicken salad without using a drop of mayo.

Plus, below you will find my four favorite ways of serving it so that it will never get boring and will deserve a permanent place in your weekly meal prep all year round. Packed with fresh produce and tossed in a healthy Greek yogurt dressing scented with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill, every bite is bursting with flavor. And this high protein, low calorie, and low carb salad is so versatile, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (2)

Table of Contents show

Ingredients:

To make this chicken salad with yogurt you will need three sets of ingredients:

  1. The dressing: Grab plain regular yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and salt and pepper.
  2. Salad Ingredients: Get together cooked chicken, crunchy celery, green onions, red onion, sliced almonds, and red grapes.
  3. Optional Add ins: You can pretty much add in whatever you have on hand but my favorite add ins are ripe avocado, cucumber, radishes and chives.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (3)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

  • Chicken: You can cook chicken right before making the salad or use leftover rotisserie chicken (more on this below) for a 30-minute recipe.
  • Yogurt: I like to use full-fat Greek yogurt in this recipe but for more of a Skinny Chicken Salad with Greek yogurt, simply use fat-free or non-fat yogurt instead of whole milk.
  • Fresh herbs: I use a combination of fresh dill and fresh chives but you can use fresh parsley or even fresh mint if you like.
  • Not a fan of grapes? If you prefer your yogurt chicken salad without grapes, simply omit using them.
  • Want to make a chicken salad with no fruit? Replace the apple and grapes with an equal amount of diced fennel and cucumber for a bright, crisp flavor.
  • For a sweeter, fruitier salad, use Honeycrisp or Gala apples. For a tart, crisp chicken salad, use Granny Smith apples instead.
  • Make a shredded chicken salad recipe with Greek yogurt by replacing the cubed chicken with an equal amount of shredded chicken. Just note – it will be softer in texture.

How To Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Without Mayonnaise)

This simple salad recipe comes together in 3 folds.

  1. Make the dressing: Prepare the Greek yogurt dressing by whisking together the plain Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add in the fresh dill, give it a good stir, and set it aside.
    Want to see how I make it? Check out my post on how to make Greek yogurt salad dressing.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (4)
  1. Gather the salad ingredients: Place the prepared chicken, scallions, red onion, celery, apples, grapes, and almonds in a large bowl.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (5)
  1. Assemble: Drizzle the ingredients with the Greek yogurt dressing and give it a gentle toss. I used the whole cup of the dressing, but you can use less of it if you want.

    Taste for seasoning, adjust to your liking, and serve as a salad, sandwich, lettuce wrap, or in a jar (more on that later!).

Step By Step Video of How To Make This Healthy & Light Chicken Salad:

Different Variations

Make It With Seasonal Ingredients:

The beauty of this chicken fruit salad is that it is so versatile. I used apples and grapes mixed with sliced almonds as I took some inspiration from my Waldorf Chicken Salad. But feel free to use fresh, seasonal ingredients so you can make this recipe any time of year.

For the Spring/Summer months, use fresh blueberries and diced strawberries instead of apples and grapes. For the Fall/Winter months, use dried cranberries or raisins instead of grapes and replace the sliced almonds with more robust nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

PRO TIP: To bring out the flavor in the sliced almonds (or whatever nut you’re using), lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown and fragrant (no more than 5-7 minutes). Cool completely before tossing with the remaining ingredients.

Make Chicken Salad With Leftover Chicken

Like most chicken salad recipes, using leftover chicken makes this come together quick and easy. Luckily, I have a local market that makes some of the best rotisserie chicken in the area. It’s a great way to make this a rotisserie chicken salad with Greek yogurt in under 30 minutes.

When I have time, I usually roast 2 or 3 split chicken breasts and use them in this salad. I like breast meat because it is easy to flavor and low in calorie compared to other parts of chicken. If you need a foolproof recipe, be sure to try my Oven-Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast recipe.

With that being said, you can use an equal amount of roasted chicken thighs as well.

PRO TIP: For this recipe, I purchase about 3 large rotisserie chicken breasts, since one breast will give you roughly 1 cup of cubed chicken. If you don’t mind a mix of light and dark meat in your salad, 1 whole rotisserie chicken will yield about 5-6 cups cubed chicken. You can either double the recipe or use the other half for another use.

How to Serve? – 4 Creative Ways To Serve It

Now comes the fun part. This chicken salad with Greek yogurt and grapes can be served in a few different ways. Below are a few to get you started.

As A Part Of Your Meal Prep

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Portion the chicken salad into 4-5 reusable meal prep containers for a super fast grab-and-go meal. When I make the meal prep version, I really enjoy transforming it into a complete salad.

To do this, add the cubed avocado, sliced cucumbers, and radishes, and a sprinkling of fresh chives, put the lid on, and store in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week.

BONUS: If your chives are in season, don’t forget the fresh chives flowers. They pack tons of fresh onion flavor and add a pop of color to your chicken salad.

Healthy Chicken Salad Sandwich

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Take two slices of bread, drizzle a few tablespoons of the yogurt dressing on each piece of bread, scoop your chicken salad onto one half (about a ½ cup), top with sliced avocado, place the other piece of bread on top, cut in half, and enjoy!

Keto Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt

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For a light chicken salad that is keto-friendly and low carb, place the prepared salad in buttery Boston lettuce cups. Gently wash and dry your Boston lettuce cups and lay out flat on your counter. Place a large spoonful of the salad (about a ¼ cup) into each lettuce cup and drizzle with the remaining dressing.

Salad In A Jar With Greek Yogurt Dressing On The Side

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (9)

In a mason jar, place a bed of chopped Boston lettuce in the bottom. Then top with the salad, drizzle with the remaining Greek yogurt dressing, and place another handful of chopped Boston lettuce on top. Repeat it until you are finished with all the chicken salad.Seal and store in the fridge for the week.

When ready to eat, place it in a bowl and give it a good stir.

How To Store:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. As it sits in the fridge, it may dry out a little bit. Feel free to add in a tablespoon of yogurt to the leftovers for a creamy chicken salad before serving.

FAQs

Can You Substitute Greek Yogurt For Mayo?

Yes, you can. Using plain, full-fat Greek yogurt and mixing it with fresh ingredients like fresh garlic, olive oil and lemon juice helps imitate the tangy flavor of mayo giving this chicken salad with yogurt a healthier and protein-packed twist.

How To Make Yogurt Taste Like Mayonnaise?

After a lot of trial and error, I found the best way to make Greek yogurt taste like mayo is to add fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. These two ingredients provide an added burst of savory flavor, getting it as close to mayo as we can.

Another great example of using this yogurt dressing in a recipe is my Greek Yogurt Coleslaw dressing recipe. Again, by mixing lemon juice and garlic with yogurt I was able to omit using mayonnaise.

How Long Does Chicken Salad Last In The Fridge?

The chicken salad recipe with greek yogurt and dill will last in the fridge for 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad? Is It Safe?

I do not recommend freezing chicken salad as Greek yogurt has the tendency to separate in the freezer. Plus, there is the added risk of bacteria build-up if kept out on the counter for longer than 2 hours.
Therefore, in my opinion, I think it’s best to enjoy this chicken salad the week it is made. As I mentioned earlier, as long as it is kept in an airtight container, it should keep fresh up to 5 days in the fridge.

How Many Calories in Homemade Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt?

There are only 419 calories in Greek yogurt chicken salad. This is a light, low-calorie recipe since 1 cup of Greek yogurt only has 200 calories versus 1 cup of mayo, which has a whopping 1,500 calories!

Here Are A Few More Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes

It wasn’t until my trip with Stonyfield Yogurt to organic farms in Northern Vermont when my eyes really opened. On my trip, I was introduced to the organic process of dairy farming. I was so inspired by the farmers and quality of ingredients, I had to come up with a super healthy recipe where Organic Greek Yogurt was the star. That’s where this healthy chicken salad with Greek yogurt came in.

Below are a few other healthy chicken salads that you might also like:

  • Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing
  • Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
  • Sesame Asian Salad
  • Kale Waldorf Salad
  • Need more inspiration? Check out all our easy salad recipes and chicken recipes

Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

By Aysegul Sanford

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Whether you serve it as a sandwich, for meal prep, in a jar, or just by itself, this healthy and easy to make Greek Yogurt chicken salad is perfect for any time of the year. Made with rotisserie chicken, apples, grapes, celery, and sliced almonds, it is guaranteed to please everyone in your family.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (10)

5 from 17 votes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For The Dressing:

  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill optional or parsley

For The Salad:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken cut into small cubes
  • 3 scallions thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery sliced
  • ½ cup cubed apples
  • ½ cup red grapes halved if they are large
  • cup sliced almonds preferably roasted

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 small avocado cubed
  • ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 3 tablespoons chives with flowers if they are in season

Instructions

  • To make the dressing: Whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add in the fresh dill, if using. Set it aside.

  • To make the salad: Place chicken, scallions, red onion, celery, apples, grapes, and almond into a bowl. If you are adding the additional toppings feel free to do that now.

  • Drizzle it with the dressing. Give it a gentle toss. Taste for seasoning and add in if necessary.

  • Serve.

Video

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (11)

Notes

  • A Note on the Calorie Information Below: The nutrition values listed below do not include any of the additional toppings listed in the recipe.
  • What if I want to cook my own chicken? You can also roast 2 or 3 split chicken breasts and use them in this salad. If you need a foolproof recipe, be sure to try my Oven-Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast recipe.
  • How Long Does Chicken Salad Last In The Fridge? It should last in the fridge for 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
  • Can You Freeze Chicken Salad? Is It Safe?This is an interesting challenge and one I am still testing out in my kitchen. I have read a number of articles that say you can freeze chicken salad and still keep its integrity. However, after doing some research and actually freezing some in my own freezer, I know that Greek yogurt has the tendency to separate in the freezer. Plus, there is the added risk of bacteria build-up if kept out on the counter for longer than 2 hours. Therefore, in my opinion, I think it’s best to enjoy this chicken salad the week it is made.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 556mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 504IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @FoolproofLiving or tag #foolproofeats!

This recipe was originally published in June 2019. It has been updated with minor edits and no changes to the original recipe in July 2021.

Like this recipe? Consider sharing:

You might also like:

  • Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing

  • Waldorf Chicken Salad

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About Aysegul Sanford

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (15)

Hello Friend! I’m Aysegul but you can call me “Ice.” I’m the cook/recipe-tester/photographer behind this site.

If you’re looking for approachable yet creative recipes made with everyday ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re all about recipes that have been meticulously tested to provide you with a truly foolproof cooking experience regardless of your level of cooking.

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Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply

  1. Julie Ertmann

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (18)
    So good! I used the canned members mark chicken. I had lime juice on hand so I substituted that and added radishes, grapes, craisins and walnuts. I added a half teaspoon of equal to sweeten it just a little. Fabulous!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      This makes me so happy to hear Julie. Thanks for coming by and taking the time to leave a review.

      Reply

  2. Gina Ruben

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (19)
    I made this chicken salad and served it to my husband who adores mayonnaise and slathers it on everything. He’s currently on his 3rd helping. Didn’t have grapes so I doubled the apples and I added walnuts and the radishes you suggested. This is my new go-to chicken salad. Thanks for posting this.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Gina,
      I LOLed when I read this. He is in his 3rd helping!!!!
      Love it!
      I am so happy to hear that you guys enjoyed this healthy chicken salad recipe.
      It is on rotation in our house as well.
      Thanks for coming by and taking the time to leave a review.
      Cheers!

      Reply

  3. Marlen

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (20)
    Dear “Ice”,

    ..you just made my upcoming brother/cousin reunion luncheon planning…I will double up on this salad and know it will be gone in two sweeps….hence my *****.

    Marlen

    PS Making the Galette (from your cooking school)

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      YAY! This makes me so happy!Thanks for coming by!

      Reply

  4. Diana Sadler

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (21)
    This was incredibly flavorful! So much better than traditional mayo recipes. I love all of the options to change it up as well.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Diana,
      I am happy to hear that you liked it.
      Thanks so much for coming by. Cheers!

      Reply

  5. Marty Schubert

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (22)
    I love the salad recipes that you’ve given. The tastes and the mixtures are very delicious. Thanks for you ideas.

    Reply

  6. Tiny Grubert

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (23)
    The combination of the sauce and the grapes-apples are fantastic 🙂

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Can’t agree more. Thank you!

      Reply

  7. Benita Grocy

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (24)
    I love the sweet and savory taste in this salad. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Same here. I love the combination of chicken with yogurt and grapes. Thanks for coming by Benita.

      Reply

  8. Lindsay Cotter

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (25)
    I love meal prepping my lunches with this chicken salad! It’s so delicious!!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      I do too. Thanks Lindsay.

      Reply

  9. Toni

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (26)
    I really loved everything about this salad! Packed full of delicious flavors!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      So happy to hear that. Thanks Toni!

      Reply

  10. Katie

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (27)
    I love the use of Greek yogurt here- it makes it so much healthier, and the tang of the yogurt is delicious!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Can’t agree more. Thanks for stopping by Katie.

      Reply

  11. Julie

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (28)
    This looks amazing! I love chicken salad and can’t wait to make it for myself!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      YAY! Thanks Julie!

      Reply

  12. Tanya Schroeder

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (29)
    I love salads like this; they leave you feeling satisfied and happy!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Can’t agree more. Thanks Tanya.

      Reply

  13. Liz

    Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (30)
    I love, love chicken salad and trying new recipes. The yogurt sauce was a delicious change of pace and I’ll definitely be making this again!

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      So happy to hear that you liked it Liz! Cheers!

      Reply

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (Healthy & Easy Recipe) - Foolproof Living (2024)

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