This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a high protein, low calorie version of a classic. This quick and easy lunch is loaded with crunchy cashews, chewy raisins, and a hint of Dijon.
Once the weather gets warmer, comfort food takes a back seat to lighter, fresher, cooler foods. This greek yogurt chicken salad is the perfect example! It’s full of lean protein, crunchy cashews, chewy craisins, and tangy greek yogurt. Be sure to see my “Additional Add-Ins” section for variation ideas!
Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken – use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand. I love grabbing a rotisserie chicken to keep things even quicker and easier.
- Greek Yogurt – I use a non-fat plain greek yogurt but full fat greek yogurt or even blended cottage cheese works.
- Dijon Mustard – or your preferred mustard.
- Craisins or Raisins – or your favorite dried fruit such as dried cherries or dates. Fresh fruits such as grapes or apples are also delicious.
- Roasted, Salted Cashews – any salted, roasted nut would be great: pecans, almonds, pistachios etc.
- Spices: Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder – fresh herbs would be an amazing addition as well!
Is greek yogurt healthier than mayo?
Yes, greek yogurt is healthier than mayo, because it’s higher in protein, has fewer calories, and contains less fat. If you’re missing the mayo flavor, add in a tablespoon or two!
Here are a few more of my lightened-up greek yogurt recipes:
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- Healthy Greek Yogurt Lemon Parmesan Tilapia Recipe
- Walnut and Greek Yogurt Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Light Greek Yogurt Lemon Pasta
Can i use regular yogurt instead of greek yogurt?
Yes, but the consistency, flavor, and nutritional information won’t be the same. Greek yogurt is thicker, has a stronger flavor, and contains more protein than “regular” yogurt.
If using regular yogurt, your chicken salad mixture may be slightly looser.
Additional add-in ideas
If you want to bulk up your chicken salad a bit, try adding a few other ingredients:
- Diced Red Onion – add a nice zip. If you add these, make sure you chop them super small because they have such a strong flavor.
- Chopped Celery – adds crunch, freshness, and more veg!
- Diced Green Apple – adds a tart flavor and crisp texture.
- Halved Red Grapes – use grapes instead of raisins/craisins for less of a chewy texture.
- Avocado – mash into the greek yogurt for an ultra creamy flavor and healthy dose of fat!
- Mayo – just a tablespoon or two to give more of that traditional flavor.
How to serve
I love serving this for lunch or dinner on toasted bread with spinach! Here are some other super yummy ways to serve greek yogurt chicken salad!
- On a sandwich. Served warm or cold with avocado and tomato slices!
- As an appetizer. Serve them in wonton cups like I do in my southwestern chicken salad recipe.
- In a pita. With avocado, spinach, or both!
- On a bagel. Everything bagels for the win!
- On apple slices. Spread this over granny smith apple slices for extra crunch. Yum!
- As a salad. Serve this over a bed of your favorite greens for a lower carb variation.
- On crackers. Use this as a dip for your favorite cracker.
How to store
Leftovers can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days!
Can i freeze greek yogurt chicken salad?
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, because greek yogurt (and mayo for that matter) separates when frozen which can cause the chicken salad to be watery when thawed.
– Jennifer
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup non fat plain greek yogurt plus more if too dry
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound cooked and cubed chicken about 1 small rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup salted, roasted cashews roughly chopped
- â…“ cup craisins or raisins
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl whisk together greek yogurt, mustard, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in chicken, cashews, and craisins until fully coated, then taste and re-season, if necessary.
- Serve immediately or cover and place in the fridge to chill.
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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