high-protein chicken salad

High-Protein Creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad packs roughly 35–40g of protein per serving by swapping heavy mayonnaise for protein-dense Greek yogurt and blending tender chicken breast with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds.

It’s perfect for meal prep, holding up remarkably well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days without getting watery.

Pro-Tips for Maximum Protein & Best Texture

  1. Use Plain 0% or 2% Greek Yogurt: Replacing traditional mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt triples the protein content while cutting overall fat and calories by more than half.
  2. Add a Touch of Dijon & Lemon: Greek yogurt can be tangy on its own. Balancing it with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a splash of lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey rounds out the richness into a classic deli-style dressing.
  3. Shred or Fine-Dice the Chicken: Poached or roasted chicken breast absorbs the dressing much better when shredded or cut into small ½-inch cubes rather than large chunks.

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (approx. 1 lb / 450g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • ¾ cup plain non-fat or 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved (or diced green apples)
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper
1.Whisk High-Protein Dressing:Provides a smooth, macro-friendly base.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
2.Fold in Chicken & Mix-Ins:Combines lean protein with fresh crunch.

Add the shredded cooked chicken breast, diced celery, halved grapes, toasted almonds, and fresh chopped dill into the bowl with the dressing.
3.Toss Gently:Ensures even distribution without crushing fruit.

Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and fruit are evenly coated in the yogurt dressing.
4.Chill & Serve:Allows flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed. For the best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy over a bed of greens, wrapped in a high-protein tortilla, or scooped into lettuce cups.

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