There’s something magical about a bowl of chicken salad with Greek yogurt. It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine digging into a cold bowl on a warm day after a long run or while lounging by the pool—it’s like a hug in food form. The tender chicken meets the coolness of Greek yogurt in a marriage of flavors that spark joy.
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friend Sarah asked me to bring something light to her summer barbecue. As soon as I set it down on the table, people were diving in like seagulls at a beach picnic! The laughter that followed was just as satisfying as the deliciousness of that bowl.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy chicken salad offers an effortless preparation method that anyone can master
- You can customize it based on what you have in your fridge
- Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing for guests
- This dish is perfect for lunch but versatile enough for picnics or potlucks
The response was overwhelming—everyone wanted the recipe! The combination of savory chicken and refreshing Greek yogurt made it an instant hit and left everyone asking for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Use shredded or diced chicken; leftover rotisserie works wonders too.
- Greek Yogurt: Opt for plain full-fat or low-fat for creaminess without guilt.
- Celery Stalks: Chop finely to add crunch and freshness; they’re essential for texture.
- Red Onion: A little chopped red onion brings sweetness and depth to the mix.
- Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon adds zing; feel free to adjust according to your taste buds.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up; zest it up if you like extra flavor!
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these are crucial for bringing out all those flavors.
- Fresh Herbs (like parsley or dill): Add chopped herbs at your discretion for freshness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chop everything into bite-sized pieces so they’re ready to mingle in the bowl.
Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste-test—you want it zesty!
Add Chicken & Veggies: Toss in your cooked chicken along with chopped celery and red onion into the dressing mixture until every piece is coated in that luscious goodness.
Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in your choice of fresh herbs for that burst of color and flavor. Trust me; they’ll elevate this dish!
Tweak & Serve!: Adjust flavorings if needed—more salt? A dash more lemon? Mix well! Serve chilled over greens or in sandwiches that will make you swoon.
This creamy delight not only checks off “delicious” but also “healthy,” making it perfect for lunch or casual dinners. Enjoy every bite as you share stories around the table!
You Must Know
- This chicken salad with Greek yogurt is a healthier twist on a classic favorite
- It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish for any gathering, and it’s perfect for meal prep, too!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by poaching the chicken to keep it moist. While the chicken cooks, prepare your veggies and mix the dressing to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding nuts for crunch or swapping Greek yogurt for avocado for a different flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so no reheating necessary!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked to avoid any food safety issues
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate flavors
- Don’t skip chilling the salad before serving; it enhances the taste significantly!
Creating this chicken salad with Greek yogurt has become a family favorite at gatherings. Friends rave about how creamy and flavorful it is every time I whip it up!
FAQ
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
You can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to Greek yogurt.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
The chicken salad stays good for about three days when stored properly.
Can I use canned chicken instead of poaching fresh chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well in this recipe if you’re short on time!
Delicious Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy and tangy, this chicken salad with Greek yogurt is a healthy twist on a classic favorite—perfect for light lunches or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 celery stalks (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, optional)
Instructions
- Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken, celery, and red onion to the dressing; stir until everything is well coated.
- Stir in fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
- Chill before serving over greens or as a sandwich filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
