Finding the perfect meal for a busy day can feel like a chore. You want something that tastes good but does not take hours to make in the kitchen.
This is where a classic dish comes into play. Most people think of heavy mayo when they hear the name. However this version changes the game for everyone.
Making a great Chicken Salad at home is a skill that saves time and money. It is one of those Healthy Lunch Ideas that you will actually enjoy eating.
You can whip this up in about ten minutes if you have your ingredients ready. It is a reliable choice for anyone who needs a quick and filling meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to adore this recipe because it is incredibly light. Instead of using traditional mayonnaise we are using a Greek Yogurt Dressing to keep things fresh.
This swap adds a wonderful tang that cuts through the richness of the meat. It also provides a nice boost of protein which helps keep you full all afternoon.
Another reason to love this is the texture. We have crunchy celery and salted almonds mixed with juicy grapes. Every single bite offers a different and exciting sensation.
It is also a fantastic option for Easy Meal Prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday and have lunch ready for the next few days without effort.
Honestly it is just so versatile. You can eat it with a spoon or put it on a piece of toasted bread. The possibilities are truly endless for your kitchen.
Busy parents will appreciate how kid friendly this dish is. The sweetness from the grapes usually wins over even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table or lunch box.
Lastly this recipe is very budget friendly. You can use leftover chicken from a previous dinner to make this Shredded Chicken Salad. It helps reduce food waste in your home.
Ingredients
Before you start mixing you need to gather your supplies. Most of these items are likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge right now waiting to be used.
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup grapes halved
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped salted almonds
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Using a Shredded Chicken Salad base is the secret to a great texture. You can pull the meat apart with two forks or use a stand mixer if you want.
The Greek Yogurt Dressing relies on the Dijon mustard for a little bit of a kick. Do not skip the parsley as it adds a necessary pop of color.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine The Main Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl from your cupboard. You want plenty of space to toss everything without making a mess on your counter. It makes the process much easier.
Place your Shredded Chicken Salad base into the bowl first. Follow this with the halved grapes and the chopped celery. The colors will already start to look very beautiful together.
Add the diced red onion and the salted almonds. The almonds provide a smoky saltiness that balances the sweet grapes perfectly. It is a combination that simply works well.
Step 2: Add The Dressing Components
Now it is time to create that creamy texture we all love. Spoon the plain Greek yogurt directly into the bowl over the chicken and vegetables. It looks so thick.
Add the Dijon mustard and the chopped parsley next. Sprinkle in the fine sea salt and the pepper. These small additions are vital for a well seasoned Chicken Salad.
Step 3: Toss And Coat
Use a large spoon or a spatula to gently toss everything together. You want to ensure that every piece of chicken is coated in the Greek Yogurt Dressing for flavor.
Be careful not to mash the grapes while you stir. You want them to stay whole so they pop when you take a bite. It adds a nice juicy element.
Step 4: Taste And Adjust
This is a very important part of cooking at home. Take a small bite of the mixture. Does it need more salt or perhaps a little more pepper for heat?
If you prefer a creamier consistency you can add another dollop of yogurt. Everyone has different tastes so feel free to make it your own during this final stage.
Step 5: Chill And Serve
You can eat this Chicken Salad immediately if you are hungry. However letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
When you are ready serve it with your favorite crackers or on a bed of greens. It is one of the best Healthy Lunch Ideas for a sunny afternoon.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have extra food left over do not worry at all. This recipe stores quite well in the refrigerator for a few days. Just follow these simple steps.
Place the salad in an airtight container. This prevents it from picking up other smells from your fridge. It also keeps the chicken from drying out too much.
You should try to eat the leftovers within three days. After that the celery might lose some of its crunch and the yogurt can start to separate a bit.
Before you eat the leftovers give the mixture a quick stir. This redistributes the Greek Yogurt Dressing and makes everything look fresh again. It is perfect for Easy Meal Prep.
Do not leave the salad sitting out on the counter for too long. Since it contains dairy and meat it needs to stay cold to remain safe and tasty.
Tips
One great tip is to use a rotisserie chicken from the store. This saves you the time of cooking the meat yourself. It is a massive help for busy days.
If you do not like red onions you can use green onions instead. They have a milder flavor that is less sharp. It still adds a nice bit of color.
For those who like a bit of heat try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. It provides a nice contrast to the sweet grapes in the Chicken Salad.
Make sure your celery is very fresh. Soft celery will make the whole dish feel less exciting. You want that audible crunch in every single bite you take today.
You can also swap the almonds for walnuts or pecans if you prefer. Just make sure they are toasted or salted to get the best flavor profile possible for lunch.
If the yogurt is too tangy for your liking add a tiny drop of honey. This balances the acidity and makes the dressing taste more like a traditional mayo base.
Conclusion
There you have it a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic meal. This Chicken Salad is proof that you do not need fancy tools to eat well.
By using a Greek Yogurt Dressing you are making a choice that is both smart and tasty. It fits perfectly into any list of Healthy Lunch Ideas you have.
Whether you are doing Easy Meal Prep for work or just making a quick snack this recipe delivers. It is fast and comforting and full of great textures.
I hope you give this Shredded Chicken Salad a try very soon. It might just become your new favorite way to use up leftover chicken in your kitchen pantry.
FAQ
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead Of Mayo?
Yes you absolutely can. In fact this recipe specifically uses a Greek Yogurt Dressing to provide a tangy and high protein alternative to traditional heavy mayonnaise bases.
How Long Does This Last In The Fridge?
This salad will stay fresh for about three days when kept in an airtight container. It is one of the best Healthy Lunch Ideas for those who prep ahead.
Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish. The yogurt and the vegetables will change texture once thawed. It is much better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
What Is The Best Chicken To Use?
A Shredded Chicken Salad works best with poached chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken. Any cooked chicken that is tender and easy to pull apart will work perfectly.
Healthy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This quick and easy chicken salad recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It swaps heavy mayo for a tangy Greek yogurt dressing and is packed with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and salted almonds for amazing texture in every bite. Perfect for meal prep!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, diced red onion, and salted almonds.
- Add the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, fine sea salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the grapes.
- Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or yogurt to your preference.
- For best results, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on bread, with crackers, or on a bed of greens.
Notes
Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
You can swap the almonds for toasted walnuts or pecans.
For a milder flavor, use green onions instead of red onions.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
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