Description

This is a delicious and easy-to-make chicken salad recipe that combines the creaminess of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with fresh ingredients like celery, red onion, and parsley. Perfect for a healthy, high-protein lunch, it requires no cooking and can be served in various ways including sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over greens. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with optional nuts or fruits for added texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad Base

3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Add-ins

1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Add the chicken and vegetables: To the dressing, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, fresh parsley, and the optional sliced almonds or chopped pecans. Mix thoroughly so the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed for balance.
Chill: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Serve: Serve the chicken salad on toasted bread for sandwiches, in crisp lettuce wraps, or over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience and flavor.
You can adjust the mayo-to-yogurt ratio based on your taste and desired creaminess.
Add fruit like grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
For a nut-free option, omit the almonds or pecans.
Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 290
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 70mg