Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

Zesty Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer Lunches

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that satisfy without weighing you down, and this tangy greek yogurt chicken salad recipe delivers pure culinary delight.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp vegetables and tender chicken pieces.

Fresh herbs add a vibrant punch of flavor to every forkful.

Lean protein meets delectable creaminess in this simple yet elegant dish.

The yogurt-based dressing creates a zesty backdrop that makes each bite memorable.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this chicken salad transforms an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises both nutrition and incredible taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

For Dressing Base:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy foundation that adds tangy richness and protein to the salad, choose full-fat version for better texture and flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, zesty kick and helps emulsify the dressing, opt for smooth, high-quality French-style mustard.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds fresh citrusy notes, select ripe, juicy lemons for maximum zest.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, aromatic depth without raw garlic intensity, look for pure, finely ground spice.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers that balance and elevate overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
For Protein and Crunch:
  • Chicken: Lean protein star of the dish, use rotisserie or freshly poached chicken for tender, easy-to-shred meat.
  • Celery: Adds delightful crisp texture and subtle fresh flavor, choose firm, bright green stalks with no wilting.
For Sweetness and Freshness:
  • Grapes (or Apple): Introduces natural sweetness and juicy pop, select ripe, firm fruits for best texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Provides vibrant, aromatic finish, mix parsley, chives, or dill for complex herbal notes.
  • Red Onion: Delivers mild sharpness and colorful crunch, thinly slice for balanced integration.

Tools to Mix a Smooth and Tangy Chicken Salad

  • Mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients and mixing dressing.
  • Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping celery, onion, and herbs.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
  • Measuring spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Measuring cups: Helps measure yogurt and other ingredients precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and coating ingredients evenly with dressing.

How to Prepare Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Easily

  • Whip Up the Tangy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend creamy Greek yogurt with zesty Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of garlic powder, a squeeze of bright lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering dressing.

  • Toss Together Flavor Makers

Gently fold shredded chicken, crisp celery, chopped onion, sweet grapes, and fragrant fresh herbs into the creamy mixture, ensuring every morsel gets a perfect coating of the delectable sauce.

  • Perfect Your Palate

Give your salad a taste test, adjusting seasonings with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice. For an enhanced flavor experience, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.

  • Serve with Style

Scoop this delightful chicken salad onto toasted bread, stuff it into soft pita pockets, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl for a quick and satisfying meal.

Tips for Mixing In Fruits, Nuts, or Herbs

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or curry powder to the dressing for an unexpected twist that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prepare this salad up to 2 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.
  • Swap chicken with canned tuna, rotisserie chicken, or shredded turkey for easy protein alternatives that work perfectly.
  • For gluten-free version, serve in lettuce cups instead of bread. Dairy-free friends can use coconut yogurt as a Greek yogurt replacement.
  • Experiment with different mix-ins like toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped water chestnuts to add extra texture and excitement to the salad.

Serve Chicken Salad on Lettuce, Bread, or Crackers

  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Spread this chicken salad on a checkered blanket with crisp crackers and fresh cucumber slices for a delightful outdoor lunch.
  • Mediterranean Wrap Adventure: Roll the salad inside warm whole wheat pita bread with extra spinach leaves for a hearty, portable meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
  • Elegant Lunch Presentation: Serve atop mixed greens, garnish with chopped almonds, and pair with a light white wine for a sophisticated midday dining experience.
  • Protein-Packed Lunch Box: Pack in a compartment container with cherry tomatoes and whole grain crackers for a balanced, nutritious lunch that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Best Storage Methods for Chicken Salad

  • Store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch option.
  • Prepare chicken and chop vegetables separately, keeping dressing on the side until ready to mix. This prevents soggy ingredients and maintains maximum crunch and freshness.
  • Always keep the salad chilled below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use cold ingredients and return to refrigerator quickly after preparation to maintain food safety standards.
  • Avoid freezing this recipe as Greek yogurt tends to separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed. Fresh preparation works best for optimal taste and consistency.
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Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

Tangy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
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Description

Greek twist meets classic comfort in this creamy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad, blending tangy yogurt with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Refreshing herbs and zesty seasonings create a light, protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (cups) chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie)
  • ½ (cup) Greek yogurt, plain (whole or low-fat)
  • ½ (cup) red grapes (halved) or apple (diced)
  • ½ (cup) celery (diced)
  • ¼ (cup) red onion (chopped, optional)
  • 2 (tbsps) parsley or dill (chopped, optional)
  • 1 (tbsp) lemon juice
  • 1 (tsp) Dijon mustard
  • ½ (tsp) garlic powder
  • ¼ (tsp) salt
  • ¼ (tsp) black pepper

Instructions

  1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Salad Assembly: Gently fold shredded chicken, diced celery, chopped onion, sliced grapes (or diced apple), and fresh herbs into the yogurt mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with the tangy dressing.
  3. Flavor Refinement: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor profile. For a more harmonious taste, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld together.
  4. Serving Suggestion: Present the chicken salad by nestling it atop crisp toast, tucking it into soft pita pockets, wrapping it in crisp lettuce leaves, or enjoying it directly from the bowl as a refreshing and protein-packed meal.

Notes

  • Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for richer, creamier texture and better binding of ingredients.
  • Use pre-cooked, cooled chicken and shred or dice into uniform bite-sized pieces for even coating and easy eating.
  • Chop herbs just before mixing to maintain maximum flavor and prevent wilting.
  • Let salad rest in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and ingredients to marinate thoroughly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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