Most of us consider chicken salad one of those delectable healthy recipes for summer, but Greek yogurt chicken salad is more than that…
It’s one of those succulent tangy low carb recipes that changes the way you think about chicken salad!
This isn’t one of those chicken salad recipes where you just substitute Greek yogurt for mayo. This sweet creamy recipe makes one of the best low carb salads with the savory flavor of protein packed chicken.
It’s got a zesty refreshing yum factor that’ll have you looking forward to lunch! Let me show you why!
What I Love About This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Greek yogurt chicken salad is so light and creamy! It fills you up without weighing you down for the rest for the afternoon. This healthy chicken salad has a snazzy quality with a refreshing flavor that just lifts your spirits and I absolutely love it!
Here are some other great qualities:
- Light and refreshing
- Super yummy
- Really simple recipe
- No special gadgets required
- Substitutions allowed
- Serve it multiple ways
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe Notes
Here’s the deal with this super healthy chicken salad…..you have to let it rest. It can be difficult to walk away and let it sit for 30 minutes, especially if you’re hungry.
But it’ll taste so much better if you exercise some discipline and take this extra step – I promise.
Here’s everything else you need to know:
Ingredient Notes
Greek Yogurt – It’s also important to note that Greek yogurt has become something of a nutritional buzzword in recent years. Not all brands labeled as ‘Greek’ yogurt are true Greek yogurts. True Greek yogurts undergo an additional straining process which removes much of the milk sugar, liquid whey and excess water. The result is a super creamy, thick, tangy yogurt that’s protein packed and much lower in carbs.
Keep this in mind and look for added sugars when choosing your base for Greek yogurt chicken salad and other recipes! (It can save you a ton of carbs and added sugars while keeping you satiated longer.)
Chicken – Saving time without sacrificing flavor is simple with this recipe by using canned chicken, rotisserie chicken or even leftover grilled chicken from last night. You won’t believe the stunning layers of flavor you can build into this healthy chicken salad!
Tools To Make
Well, let’s see…..you’ll need a tasting fork and a bib…just kidding (not really, this Greek yogurt chicken salad is irresistible)! All you really need is a whisk for combining the dressing, a knife to do a little chopping (not much), a bowl and a covered container with a secure lid. Easy peesy!
Low Carb Lunch Storing Tips
Greek yogurt chicken salad makes a wonderful mason jar salad, especially if you’re looking for low carb lunch ideas on the go. Keeping it in an airtight container with a secure lid is the key to ensuring that refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.
Of course, it must be properly refrigerated since it’s a cream-based salad.
Can You Freeze This?
Unfortunately, you can’t freeze Greek yogurt chicken salad. Cream-based items just don’t freeze well, and veggies are never quite the same after they thaw.
BUT, this recipe only takes a few short minutes to throw together, so there’s really no need.
Healthy Lunch Meal Prepping Tips
This Greek yogurt chicken salad is AWESOME for healthy lunch ideas during busy work weeks. Simply stash it in the fridge in portioned out containers for a grab and go option!
I like to portion out lettuce, bread or crackers in baggies as well. Store them separately so they stay nice and crisp come lunchtime.
Recipe Variations
Cutting carbs out of this recipe can be accomplished with a few simple variations…not that it has many to start with. Of course, you can substitute mayo for the Greek yogurt. It’ll add more fat but ultimately cut carbs…
Can I Add Herbs And Spices?
By all means! Part of the beauty of this Greek yogurt chicken salad is the flexibility of the recipe. A little chopped basil is a nice addition to the dill in this recipe.
If you love the fragrant aroma of the herbs in your Greek yogurt chicken salad, then you should also try making tarragon chicken salad or curry chicken salad — both utilize aromatic spices to create layers of flavor that’re just too good for words.
What Are Other Healthy Substitutes (Non-Mayo Based)?
Greek yogurt chicken salad is a creamy, refreshing chicken salad without mayo, BUT, if you’d prefer a non-cream-based chicken salad without mayo or Greek yogurt, then opt for a clean wholesome Greek chicken salad instead!
Is This Chicken Salad Recipe Low Carb?
Uh? Yes!! Greek yogurt chicken salad is one of my favorite low carb chicken recipes, especially in the warm summer months. It does have a few carbs in it, but it isn’t loaded by any means.
If you’re on a strict low-to-no-carb diet, then you can make a few changes to your chicken salad to lower the carb count even more:
- Swap the Greek yogurt for mayo
- Cut back on the red onions
- Skip or use less of the sun-dried tomatoes
I wouldn’t completely omit the sun-dried tomatoes because they just add so much flavor to your chicken salad. If they put your carb count over the top, try swapping them for some diced pimentos, or a few cherry tomatoes.
How Can I Make This Healthier?
Making chicken salad healthier doesn’t take too much. It’s already pretty wholesome, but there are other nutritious and delicious chicken salad recipes besides this Greek yogurt chicken salad…
Avocado chicken salad is a popular favorite and it’s totally nutrient dense! Plus, its super creamy and satisfying (I get excited just talking about it)!
Making chicken salad with grapes and pecans is another tasty option. It’s super healthy and completely yummy with lots of different textures and a little sweet yang to enhance the savory chicken ying!
How Can I Make This Low Carb Chicken Salad With More Vegetables?
Adding nutritious veggies to your Greek yogurt chicken salad is a great way to up the nutrition ante! I love dicing a few cucumbers because they really take it to the next level with the dill and Greek yogurt!
Making low carb chicken salad is such a menu game changer and I love how flexible the recipes are. Another easy way to sneak in some greens and still enjoy all the great qualities chicken salad has to offer is to make pesto chicken salad. It has a pretty incredible flavor profile.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1 1/2 Cup Low Carb Greek Yogurt*
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1/4 Cup Dill fresh + chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
Salad:
- 3 Cup Chicken cooked + cubed
- 1/2 Cup Celery chopped
- 1/4 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes* chopped
- 3/4 Cup Red Onion* chopped
- 1 Cup Feta crumbled. Optional, but I LOVE it!
Instructions
- Add dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add salad ingredients to a large bowl and combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and thoroughly incorporate.
- Store in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving** and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Healthy Chicken Recipes
Making healthy chicken recipes is so easy and it gives you so many options to satisfy those sweet and savory cravings. Greek yogurt chicken salad is one of those healthy chicken recipes that makes you look forward to having your lunch!
I love that you can tweak it to your personal taste and dietary restrictions. Here are some other great chicken salad recipes that you can add to the menu rotation for some fun flavor variety.
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Southwest Chicken Salad
- Mexican Chicken Salad
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Conclusion
Greek yogurt chicken salad is simply unparalleled in the world of healthy chicken recipes. It’s light and refreshing qualities offer layers of flavor with the warm undertones of dill.
Enjoy it on a sandwich, in a mason jar or over a bed of crisp greens — just be sure to share with us below! Enjoyyy!
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