Ah, the classic chicken salad sandwich—so versatile, delicious, and downright comforting! I can’t tell you how many memories I have of sitting around the kitchen table as a kid while my mom whipped up her famous chicken salad. She always made it with mayonnaise, but over the years, I’ve shifted to a healthier (and tastier, if I do say so myself) version using Greek yogurt instead. This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich is my go-to recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful picnic treat.
What I absolutely love about this recipe is its adaptability. You can throw in whatever you have on hand, whether it’s crunchy celery, juicy grapes, or even that lone apple sitting in the fruit bowl. Plus, it happens to be a great way to use up leftover chicken from last night’s dinner! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be coming back to this recipe time and time again.
What’s in Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich?
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! I prefer using shredded chicken (store-bought rotisserie is a lifesaver), but you can dice it if you like. It provides the protein that makes this sandwich a filling meal.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Say goodbye to heavy mayonnaise! Greek yogurt keeps it creamy while adding a delightful tang. For a healthier option, look for non-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt—whichever suits your dietary needs.
Celery: Adding a nice, crunchy texture, diced celery provides a freshness that brightens up the salad. It’s hard to go wrong with this classic ingredient!
Grapes: Sweet and juicy, grapes are a delightful contrast that really elevates the flavors. Feel free to substitute with dried cranberries for a chewy texture that’s also delicious.
Chopped Nuts: I love adding chopped walnuts or almonds for some extra crunch and healthy fats. Toast the nuts if you can; it brings out their flavor beautifully!
Green Onions: A little bit of sharpness that adds depth to the salad. If you’re not a fan, you can easily omit them!
Apple: Optional, but I highly recommend it for a touch of sweetness and a hint of crispness.
Dijon Mustard: A splash of this adds nice complexity and enhances all the other flavors. It’s optional but oh-so-good!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for taste! Don’t forget to season to your preference.
Whole Grain or Sesame Seed Bread: I prefer whole grain for a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Sesame seed bread is also a fantastic choice for a little crunch!
Lettuce Leaves: These add a refreshing bite and make the sandwich look extra pretty. Don’t skip this step!
Is Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich Good for You?
Absolutely! This sandwich is not only scrumptious but also boasts numerous health benefits:
– **Protein-Packed**: With cooked chicken and Greek yogurt, this sandwich provides a hefty dose of protein—perfect for keeping you full and satisfied throughout the day.
– **Healthy Fats**: Thanks to the nuts, you’ll get healthy fats that are good for your heart.
– **Vitamins & Fiber**: Crunchy veggies like celery and grapes, as well as optional fruits like apples, deliver essential vitamins and fiber to your meal.
However, if you’re watching your sodium intake or are sensitive to certain ingredients, always remember to adjust seasonings and ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or diced)
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
– 1/2 cup plain or toasted chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds)
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
– 1 apple, diced (optional, for sweetness)
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Whole grain or sesame seed bread, for serving
– Lettuce leaves, for layering
*Serves:* 4 generous sandwiches
How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, diced celery, halved grapes (or dried cranberries), chopped nuts, green onions, and diced apple (if using).
2. Add the Dijon mustard, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Toast the whole grain or sesame seed bread slices if desired.
4. Lay out slices of bread and add a generous layer of the chicken salad mixture on one slice.
5. Top the chicken salad with fresh lettuce leaves and place another slice of bread on top.
6. Repeat the layering for additional sandwiches if desired.
7. Cut the sandwiches in half or quarters for easier handling and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Sandwich Shenanigans!
Feel free to get creative! Swap out ingredients based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:
– Add some spices like paprika or garlic powder for an unexpected kick.
– Swap the nuts for seeds if you’re nut-free!
– Serve it open-faced on a bed of greens for a lighter lunch option.
So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich. It’s one of those dishes that feels good to eat, and it’s so simple to throw together. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—post a picture or share your own twist on it! Happy cooking!
