Oh boy, do I have a delightful recipe to share with you today! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also refreshing and healthy, you’ve stumbled into the right place. Let me tell you about my all-time favorite Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad!
I first discovered this gem during a summer picnic years ago. I was going to bring my usual pasta salad, but my friend Sarah surprised all of us with her version of chicken salad. The moment I tasted it, I was hooked! Gone were the heavy mayo-laden versions I grew up with; this one was creamy and zesty without weighing me down. Ever since then, I’ve been making this salad almost every week. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a snack. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!
Let’s dive into the ingredients and see what makes this salad truly special!
What’s in Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad?
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded or diced chicken. I usually grab a rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience, but leftover grilled or poached chicken works wonders too.
Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the show! Not only does it give the salad a creamy texture, but it’s also packed with protein and probiotics. I lean towards plain, whole milk Greek yogurt for that extra richness.
Celery: Crisp and crunchy, this adds a nice texture to the salad. Diced celery not only enhances the freshness but also gives that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Red Grapes: Sweet and juicy, halved grapes bring a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. If you prefer something sweeter, go for raisins!
Red Onion: Just a bit of chopped red onion gives a flavorful bite to the mix. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste—less for mildness, more for a punch!
Apple: I love using a Granny Smith for its tartness, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of the grapes. But any crisp apple will do!
Dijon Mustard: This is an optional ingredient, but it adds a lovely zing to the salad. It balances the creaminess of the yogurt wonderfully.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up! It’s like a little ray of sunshine in every bite.
Salt and Pepper: Of course, no dish would be complete without seasoning! Just enough to enhance all those fresh flavors.
Fresh Herbs: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped dill or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Is Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is not just tasty; it’s quite nutritious. The base of Greek yogurt provides a hefty dose of protein and probiotics, which are fantastic for gut health. Plus, using Greek yogurt instead of mayo cuts down on calories and fat while ups the protein.
The added veggies like celery, grapes, and apples not only increase the fiber content but deliver essential vitamins and minerals. However, keep in mind that if you’re watching your sugar intake, the grapes and apples do add natural sugars, so you might want to adjust the quantities to suit your needs.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or raisins for sweetness)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 apple, diced (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), chopped (optional for garnish)
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it ideal for a family meal or to pack for your work lunch!
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, grapes, red onion, and apple.
2. If using, add Dijon mustard and lemon juice to the mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
3. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
4. If desired, add fresh herbs for extra flavor and garnish.
5. Mix everything well until all ingredients are coated with the yogurt mixture.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve on its own, in lettuce wraps, or on toasted bread as a sandwich.
Chicken Salad Secrets to Success
Okay, my friend, here are some little tips to elevate your Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad:
– Feel free to experiment with different fruits—apricots, pineapple, or even citrus can add a fun twist!
– If you’re in a rush, precooked chicken from the store cuts down on prep time dramatically.
– For a bit of crunch, you might even toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
– And let’s not forget—the longer this salad sits in the fridge, the more the flavors meld together! If you can, make it a day in advance.
So, there you have it! Light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious—this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is a winner in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it out, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your experiences and tweaks; it’s always fun to swap notes in the kitchen! Happy cooking! 🍽️
