Love chicken salad? Here are four healthy, flavorful chicken salad recipes that start with shredded chicken and a creamy Greek yogurt base. These options are great for meal prep, lunches, wraps, or mason-jar salads. Each variation is simple to make and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
One of the best shortcuts for making chicken salad is to use leftover cooked chicken—whether it’s grilled legs, baked breasts, or rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice the meat, chill it, and mix with a tangy, herby Greek yogurt sauce. Below you’ll find tips on what to add, how to serve, storage recommendations, and four recipe ideas to get started.
What is in classic chicken salad?
Classic chicken salad typically includes shredded chicken breast, diced celery, red onion, fruit such as grapes or apple, mayonnaise (or a yogurt alternative), and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This version keeps the familiar flavors while swapping some mayo for Greek yogurt to lower calories and boost protein.
Is chicken salad healthy?
Yes. When made with lean chicken breast and a yogurt-based dressing, chicken salad is high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates. It can be a nutritious choice for lunches, meal prep, or a protein-rich snack, especially when paired with vegetables or whole-grain bread.
It All Starts with Shredded Chicken
Good chicken salad starts with well-shredded chicken. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover baked or grilled chicken, or cook and shred your own. If you prepare the chicken yourself, chill it before combining it with the sauce so the mixture holds together better.
What to Add to Your Chicken Salad
Build flavor and texture by adding fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. A reliable classic combination includes:
- Finely chopped apple (for crunch and sweetness)
- Red onion, finely diced
- Celery, finely diced
- Dried cranberries or Craisins
- A Greek yogurt-based sauce with lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Other fun add-ins to try
Mix and match any of the following to create new variations:
- Bacon or turkey bacon
- Beans or chickpeas
- Raisins or fresh grapes
- Buffalo sauce or hot sauce for heat
- Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickles
- Seeds or chopped nuts for crunch
How to Serve Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few favorite serving ideas:
- Mason jars: Layer greens at the bottom, top with a scoop of chicken salad, seal the jar, and you have a portable lunch that stays fresh.
- Bento boxes: Pack chicken salad alongside raw vegetables, fruit, and a crunchy side for a balanced meal-prep lunch.
- Wraps: Spoon the chicken salad into tortillas with greens and any extra add-ins. Flour or white tortillas usually wrap best for a neat handheld option.
Storage
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, add crunchy toppings like nuts or chips just before serving.
If you love chicken salad, try experimenting with different flavor profiles. Below are four recipe ideas that all use a Greek yogurt-based sauce and shredded chicken as the foundation.
Healthy Chicken Salad – 4 Ways
Each variation uses shredded chicken plus a yogurt-based dressing as its base. Adjust quantities, spice, and add-ins to suit your taste.
Southwest Chicken Salad
A southwestern twist with citrus and spices. Combine shredded chicken with corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, cilantro, and a citrus-infused yogurt dressing. Add a touch of hot sauce or chili powder for heat.
Classic Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This is the classic version with apples and cranberries. It’s similar to a Waldorf-style chicken salad but uses Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon for a lighter dressing.
BLT Chicken Salad
A savory option with bacon, lettuce, and tomato—plus a tangy yogurt-based dressing with a hint of ranch seasoning and lemon juice. Great on toast or wrapped in a tortilla.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad
A basil pesto variation made with a Greek yogurt pesto sauce and Caprese-style add-ins like cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella or bocconcini. Bright, herby, and creamy.
More Chicken Salad Ideas
- Curry-style chicken salad with curry powder, grapes, and almonds
- Smoked chicken salad with pulled smoked chicken and tangy pickles
- Thai peanut chicken salad with a peanut-yogurt dressing and shredded carrots
Best Chicken Salad (Classic Recipe)
Below is a simple, reliable recipe for a classic healthy chicken salad made with shredded chicken, apple, dried cranberries, and a Greek yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 large green apple, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 large celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (or Craisins)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (any fat percentage)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped apple, red onion, celery, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor, or serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 195 kcal; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Protein: 28 g; Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 12 g. Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
These recipes are flexible—swap in your favorite add-ins, adjust the sauce to taste, and try different serving methods to keep lunches fresh and exciting. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make chicken salad a meal-prep staple.