The first time I tossed together this Healthy Chicken Salad, the bright pop of halved grapes against tender chicken felt like a revelation. After three rounds of tweaking the lemon juice and Dijon mustard ratio, I settled on a balance that makes each bite both creamy and lively. My kitchen smelled of toasted almonds and citrus, and I couldn’t wait to share it. If you’re craving more crisp, vibrant salads, check out our Cucumber Tomato Salad for another refreshing side.
About Healthy Chicken Salad
This Healthy Chicken Salad is a no-cook, 10-minute wonder blending shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and almonds. I first tested it on a busy weeknight; the family devoured it before I could grab a fork. It’s budget-friendly, seasonally adaptable, and perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a light dinner.
- Ready in just 10 minutes—ideal for quick lunches.
- Uses simple pantry staples and leftover chicken.
- Kid- and adult-approved flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Greek yogurt swap boosts protein and cuts fat.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups): foundation of protein—use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (½ cup): adds creaminess and tang—substitute with low-fat sour cream if needed.
- Seedless Grapes (1 cup): burst of sweetness and juiciness—swap red for green grapes for color contrast.
- Sliced Almonds (¼ cup): crunch and nutty depth—toast lightly for extra aroma.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp): brightens flavors—freshly squeezed is key.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): subtle heat and emulsifier—feel free to increase to 1½ tsp for more zing.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
- In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 stalk diced celery, 1 cup halved seedless grapes, and ¼ cup sliced almonds to the bowl.
- Gently fold ingredients until every piece is coated, about 30 seconds—look for a creamy, even texture.
- Cover and chill in the fridge at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During testing, I found that halving grapes yields a perfect burst without overpowering sweetness.
- Avoid overdressing—if it looks dry after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice or yogurt.
- For a seasonal twist, swap grapes for diced apple in fall.
- To double the recipe, simply use a 1½-quart bowl and mix in batches for even coating.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—I tested a batch on day three and the celery stayed crisp. Do not freeze. Keep at or below 40°F for safe food handling. If reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Chicken Salad shines over mixed greens or tucked into whole-grain pita pockets. Top with extra almonds for crunch and garnish with fresh dill. Pair it with our Quinoa Salad or a crisp Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad for a well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
- How do I make it dairy-free? Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free mayo or vegan yogurt.
- What’s the best way to prep ahead? Mix dressing and chicken mixture separately, then combine just before serving.
- Can I swap almonds for another nut? Sure—walnuts or pecans both work nicely.
- Is this safe to meal prep? Yes, store in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Chicken Salad has become my go-to for hectic days—its mix of textures and bright flavors always hits the spot. My favorite pairing is on crisp lettuce cups with extra almonds sprinkled on top. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own—drop a comment below!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette – plant-based protein alternative to chicken
- Quinoa Salad – nutrient-packed grain salad that pairs perfectly
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – refreshing side to balance creamy textures
- Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad – crisp, sweet flavors complement savory chicken
Healthy Homemade Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 0.5 cup celery diced
- 0.33 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, and almonds; stir until well coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.