The Bright Healthy Chicken Salad Lemon Dill and Greek Yogurt

Say Goodbye to Soggy Lunches! Meet the Ultimate No-Mayo Chicken Salad

Oh my gosh, raise your hand if you’ve had a truly rubbish, gloopy chicken salad. You know the kind it’s mostly heavy mayonnaise and leaves you feeling a bit sluggish straight after lunch.

Honestly, I love a good classic, but sometimes we need a vibrant, fresh revamp! That’s why I finally perfected this brilliant, lighter version: the ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad .

I was determined to make a proper low-fat chicken salad recipe after a terrible experience at a summer fête a few years back.

The secret is completely swapping out the heavy oil base. We use protein packed Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad For Lunch instead.

It gives you the perfect creamy texture without the calorie overload.

This isn't some bland health food experiment, though. We load it up with fresh lemon and a generous amount of zesty dill , making it a proper Dill Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt .

It’s miles better than anything you can grab from the supermarket deli! Forget heavy dressings; this is bright and full of zing.

Don't panic about the difficulty level. This recipe is dead easy! If you can use a knife and a mixing bowl, Bob’s your uncle.

It takes maybe 15 minutes of hands-on chopping, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s the perfect candidate for easy meal prep chicken salad .

Seriously, make a big batch on Sunday, and you are totally sorted for the week!

Why bother? Well, first off, this is a brilliant high protein chicken salad recipe . Thanks to the Chicken Salad Using Greek Yogurt , you stay satisfied and full for ages.

It’s pure fuel. Secondly, we add juicy red grapes and perfectly toasted pecans. This texture combination is the absolute dream team!

This means every bite of this no mayonnaise chicken salad is a perfect mix of crunch and sweetness. It’s elegant enough to serve at a posh garden party, but simple enough to pop in your kid's lunch box.

You get all the flavour and none of the guilt. We’re about to whip up the best Healthy Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt you’ve ever tasted.

Let's get cracking with the ingredients list!

Seriously Simple Prep for Your Healthy Chicken Salad

Honestly, making this Healthy Chicken Salad is mostly about chopping and stirring. It’s so easy. We’re aiming for an incredible high protein chicken salad recipe that doesn't feel like you’re sacrificing flavour.

This is your ultimate Easy meal prep chicken salad . We ditch the mayo overload for a lighter, brighter vibe.

Building Blocks for the Best Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

This isn't a long list, but the quality of a few key items makes all the difference. Remember, the goal here is a truly satisfying, yet low-fat chicken salad recipe .

You'll need 1.5 lbs (680 g) of cooked, shredded chicken. Quick tip: a rotisserie chicken is my cheat code when I'm feeling lazy.

You definitely need 3/4 cup (180 ml) Plain Greek Yogurt . Don’t skimp on the yogurt quality; I once used a really watery brand, and my dressing split, turning the whole bowl into a watery mess.

Trust me, stick to 2% or 5% fat for the best creaminess.

For that iconic texture, we rely on Chicken salad with grapes and pecans . Grab 1/2 cup (120 g) of red grapes, halved, and 1/4 cup (30 g) of pecans.

Make sure you toast those pecans! It sounds extra, but those few minutes in the pan bring out a lovely, nutty depth.

Flavor Secrets: Essential Seasoning Notes

This is where we transform plain yogurt into the dressing of champions. The whole point of this recipe is the incredible brightness of this No mayonnaise chicken salad .

The essential flavour combo is Dill Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt . You need at least 2 Tbsp of fresh chopped dill.

It gives the salad a lift that dried herbs just can't match. If you absolutely can't find dill, fresh parsley or chives can stand in, but the dill is the star.

Don't skip the Dijon! A teaspoon of Dijon Mustard is the secret weapon. It cuts through the richness of the yogurt and acts as an emulsifier, stopping your dressing from getting runny.

We also use 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice. That double hit of tanginess is key for a killer Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad For Lunch .

Seriously, taste the dressing before you mix it in. If it needs more zing, add a tiny bit more lemon.

Kitchen Kit: Equipment Checklist

Honestly, you don't need anything special for this. That’s the beauty of this Chicken Salad Using Greek Yogurt .

Your must haves are a decent cutting board and a sharp knife for all the celery and grape chopping. You’ll need one large mixing bowl to combine everything.

If you're cooking the chicken from scratch, a medium saucepan is necessary. If you hate shredding chicken by hand, you know the stand mixer trick? Throw the cooled chicken in there with the paddle attachment and give it 30 seconds on low.

It’s a revelation. Otherwise, two forks will do the trick. Bob's your uncle.

Ditch the Mayo Drama: How to Nail the Bright, High Protein Mix-Up

Honestly, for ages, I avoided chicken salad because it felt like eating a bowl of cold lard. But once I realized the secret was swapping out the heavy stuff, everything changed.

We're talking about a true Healthy Chicken Salad game changer here. This isn't just a no mayonnaise chicken salad ; it’s a flavour explosion thanks to that zingy Greek yogurt base.

Prep Steps: Cold Chicken, Happy Kitchen

Listen up, this first bit is crucial for the best texture. You cannot rush the chicken. If you poached the chicken yourself, make sure it is completely cold before you even think about shredding it.

Trust me, I once tried to mix slightly warm chicken into my dressing. Oh my gosh! The Greek yogurt went runny immediately.

It turned into soup, not salad. Complete disaster.

This is the key to Easy meal prep chicken salad : get your mise en place sorted first. While the chicken chills (that takes about 20 minutes after poaching to cool completely), get your crunch on.

Toast the pecans briefly in a dry pan it only takes about 3- 5 minutes until they smell nutty and warm.

Then dice the celery and halve those sweet red grapes. Having everything ready saves so much time later.

step-by-step: Building the Perfect High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

This is where the magic happens. We're creating a bright, satisfying Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad For Lunch .

1. Shred the Chicken: Once cold, shred the 1.5 lbs of chicken breast. You can use two forks or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer if you’re feeling fancy.
2. Whisk the Tang: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt, 2 Tbsp light mayo (we need a tiny bit for texture, but this is still a low-fat chicken salad recipe ), lemon juice, and Dijon. Whisk until it is super smooth.
3. Add the Good Stuff: Fold the crunchy, vibrant ingredients the toasted pecans, celery, grapes, and, crucially, the fresh dill into the chicken. This ensures every bite has that perfect "pop." We are making the ultimate Chicken salad with grapes and pecans .
4. Dress Gently: Pour your Chicken Salad Using Greek Yogurt dressing over the mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold it gently. You want everything coated, but don't stir aggressively, or the chicken turns mushy.
5. The Chill Factor: Cover the bowl. This is a non-negotiable step. Pop it in the fridge for a 30 minutes minimum chill time. This allows the flavours to have a good chinwag and for the yogurt to firm up.

Pro Tips for the Dill Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt

Did you know that by using Greek yogurt, you instantly boost the protein content by almost double compared to using just mayonnaise? It's genius!

First tip: Don't skip the Dill Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt . The dill is the superstar herb here. It adds a fresh, slightly anise like note that really cuts through the richness of the pecans and grapes.

If you don't have fresh dill, honestly, just make something else. Okay, I’m kidding, but it’s essential!

Second tip: The flavour will drastically improve overnight. If you are making this for Easy meal prep , make it the night before.

You will find that the Healthy Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt tastes even better the next day. I always make a double batch for my work lunches; it keeps perfectly for three or four days in the fridge.

Perfect for those busy mid-week moments, you know?

Right then, you've mixed up the best no mayonnaise chicken salad ever. Now what? Honestly, the key to loving a healthy meal is how you serve it.

I always say, "Presentation is half the meal, darling." This recipe is so good, it deserves a spotlight.

Serving Up Sunshine: Plating Your Healthy Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt

Forget the soggy sandwich bread. This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad For Lunch is far too posh for that!

Try scooping it into halved avocados. It looks amazing and adds great healthy fats. Plus, it's zero effort plating. Or, my personal fave: serve it on a simple bed of peppery rocket (arugula).

The peppery bite cuts through the creamy texture perfectly. This really highlights the crunch of the chicken salad with grapes and pecans .

For drinks? I always grab a sparkling water. Add a big squeeze of lime. It’s light, clean, and keeps the energy going strong.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage & Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad Magic

This is where this recipe truly shines as an Easy meal prep chicken salad . Because we use Greek yogurt instead of tons of mayo, it holds up brilliantly.

Pop it immediately in an airtight container. It lasts beautifully for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Crucially, remember food safety: Keep it below 40° F ( 4° C) .

That yogurt needs to stay chilled. Do not freeze it! I tried freezing a batch once. The celery and grapes turn watery and mushy when thawed.

Trust me, I learned that the hard way during one very sad picnic.

Swapping and Tweaking: Making the low-fat Chicken Salad Recipe Yours

Want to adapt your low-fat chicken salad recipe ? Easy peasy.

For a dairy-free version, use a thick, plain cashew cream. It works as an excellent substitute for the yogurt. If you can't find fresh dill , swap it for fresh basil and chives.

This gives the Dill Chicken Salad With Greek Yogurt a completely different, summery Italian vibe. In the autumn, ditch the grapes and add finely diced Granny Smith apples.

Apples give an amazing tartness and great crunch.

The Health Scoop: Why This Is a High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

This isn't just tasty; it’s genuinely good for you. Swapping the heavy fats for Chicken Salad Using Greek Yogurt rockets up the protein count.

That high protein is key. It keeps you full and avoids that awful 3 PM energy slump. It truly is a phenomenal high protein chicken salad recipe .

We get healthy fats from the pecans, and essential vitamins from all those fresh herbs. It’s fuel, not filler.

Honestly, ditching the typical heavy ingredients for this Healthy Chicken Salad means enjoying a delicious meal without the guilt. Go ahead, make a big batch. You deserve a lunch this good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely ditch the light mayonnaise and just use Greek yogurt for the dressing?

You absolutely can, but we recommend keeping the small dash of light mayonnaise for a specific reason! The bit of fat provided by the mayo gives the dressing essential richness and improves the overall mouthfeel, preventing the salad from tasting too dry or virtuous.

If you cut it out entirely, you might find the salad lacks that satisfying creaminess, or that the yogurt tends to split slightly after a day or two in the fridge.

How long will this Healthy Chicken Salad keep in the fridge? Is it good for meal prepping?

This Healthy Chicken Salad is a genuine champion for meal prepping and is ready for your lunchboxes! When stored properly in an airtight container, it will happily keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

However, a little tip: if you are planning on keeping it for longer than two days, it’s best to add the toasted pecans or walnuts right before serving, as they can lose their lovely crunch and go a bit soft.

I’m short on time can I use leftover roast chicken or a shop bought rotisserie bird?

Yes, please do! Using pre-cooked chicken is a brilliant time saver a true 'Bob's your uncle' moment, cutting the prep time in half. The crucial rule here is that the chicken must be completely cold before you shred it and mix it into the yogurt base.

If it’s warm, the residual heat will melt the yogurt, resulting in a runny disaster! If using rotisserie chicken, remember to remove the skin to keep the fat content down as intended by this recipe.

My salad looks a bit runny. How do I make the Greek yogurt dressing thicker?

If your salad seems runnier than anticipated, it often means the chicken wasn’t chilled completely, or your yogurt contained a lot of whey. The easiest fix is to let it chill for the full recommended 30 minutes, as the cold firming up the dressing is absolutely critical.

If it’s still too loose, stir in a small teaspoon of tapioca flour or add a dollop of fresh, very thick Greek yogurt that has been drained of excess liquid (or use full fat Greek yogurt next time, as it holds its texture better).

What are some easy, tasty ways to vary the flavour profile?

The beauty of this chicken salad is its versatility! For a lighter, tropical kick, swap the dill for coriander and add 1/2 teaspoon of mild curry powder to the dressing, along with diced fresh mango instead of grapes.

Alternatively, swap the dill for fresh tarragon and a pinch of smoked paprika for a sophisticated French country vibe. Just remember to always keep that lemon and Dijon for sharpness!