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A red bowl, sitting on a countertop, with the mixed up Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad sitting inside of it. A gold fork can also be seen sitting inside of the bowl, sticking out of a bite of the chicken salad
  • Gluten Free
  • Grain Free
  • Paleo Friendly
  • Refined Sugar Free

4.73 from 29 votes
Home | Recipe | Salads

The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad

Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Protein 33g
Carbs 19g
Fats 9g
Are you in need of a quick and healthy lunch option that doesn't skimp on flavor? Well, then look no further than The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad! This delicious chicken salad recipe is packed with protein and nutrition, making it perfect for those on-the-go. It's packed with protein to keep you feeling fuller, longer, and is perfect for those weekly meal-preps.

Recipe by:

Nicole Modic

May 8, 2023
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    Are you in need of a quick and healthy lunch option that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Well, then look no further than The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad! This delicious chicken salad recipe is packed with protein and nutrition, making it perfect for those on-the-go. It’s packed with protein to keep you feeling fuller, longer, and is perfect for those weekly meal-preps.

    A plate, sitting on a countertop, with two pieces of crispy toast on top of it, and a heaping scoop of the Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad, on top of each one. A single lemon wedge sits on the plate, and you can see the rim of a water glass, sitting alongside the plate, on the countertop

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    As someone who often doesn’t have time to make a complicated lunch, I am always on the lookout for easy and healthy lunch options. Whether that’s a delicious tuna salad or a quick & easy salmon, I love a lunch recipe that keeps me full and satisfied without sacrificing taste. That’s where this recipe comes in.

    This truly is the ULTIMATE chicken salad, because it’s healthy, protein-packed, and loaded with flavor. I’ve always loved chicken salad, but the traditional recipe can be heavy on the mayo and lacking in nutritional value. That’s why I was thrilled to create a version that swaps out mayo for Greek yogurt, which adds a creamy texture while also providing a protein boost.

    In addition, this recipe is truly SO easy to throw together. Simply cook and shred your chicken, chop up some veggies, mix in the Greek yogurt and seasonings, and you’re good to go! It’s the perfect option for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days. If you are someone who loves to meal prep, then this is truly the perfect recipe for you.

    All of the ingredients needed to make this Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad, sitting on a cutting board on top of a countertop
    To make this Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad, you will need cooked and shredded chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, parsley, sliced almonds, greek yogurt, lemon, dijon mustard, sea salt and crackers.
    A large, white bowl, sitting on a countertop, with all of the ingredients needed to make the Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad, diced and sitting inside of the bowl. Smaller bowls of greek yogurt, lemon wedges, dijon mustard, and shredded chicken can be seen off to the side of the image. A hand is actively pouring the lemon juice on top of the ingredients.
    Once you have prepared all of your ingredients, add them to a large bowl and pour the lemon juice on top of them.

    Three Ways to Enjoy Chicken Salad

    If you find yourself wondering, “Nicole, how should I eat this chicken salad?” then let me be the first to tell you that there are so many different ways! No matter which way you choose to enjoy this chicken salad, it will be absolutely delicious, every time and every way. Guaranteed!

    • Put it in a sandwich: A chicken salad sandwich is a classic dish that you truly can never go wrong with. Simply toast up some sourdough bread, add in a few lettuce leaves, and top this chicken salad on top. It’s delicious!
    • Eat it on lettuce wraps: Want a lower-carb way to enjoy this chicken salad? Wrap it up in some romaine lettuce leaves for a crunchy, refreshing, and delicious way to eat this recipe!
    • Scoop it with crackers: My favorite way to eat this chicken salad is alongside crackers. It’s the classic way to enjoy this recipe!
    • Eat it with a spoon: This chicken salad is perfectly delicious, right out of the bowl. No other accompaniments required! Eat it with a spoon, right out of the bowl, for the perfect high protein snack.
    A red bowl, sitting on a countertop, with the mixed up Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad sitting inside of it. A gold fork can also be seen sitting inside of the bowl, sticking out of a bite of the chicken salad
    Mix to combine all of your chicken salad ingredients together. Be sure to taste and adjust salt levels, as needed.

    What You Need to Make This Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe

    • Chicken: Of course, you will need chicken in order to make this chicken salad! You will need pre-cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe. I like using a rotisserie chicken for this recipe, but if you want to prepare your own chicken, follow my tips for making this perfectly juicy chicken!
    • Celery: Not only does celery add the perfect crunch to this chicken salad, but it also adds fiber to keep your gut feeling happy!
    • Red Onion: I love lots of diced onion in my chicken salad, because it adds so much flavor and crunch!
    • Grapes: Grapes are loaded with potassium and Vitamin A, making them not only delicious, but healthy as well! I love adding grapes into my chicken salad to give it just the right amount of sweetness.
    • Parsley: I highly recommend using fresh parsley, if possible. Not only does it give the best flavor, but it also adds the most beautiful pop of color!
    • Sliced Almonds: Sliced almonds add the perfect amount of healthy fats and plant-based protein to keep your tummy feeling full and satisfied.
    • Greek Yogurt: Traditional chicken salad gets its creaminess from mayonnaise. But as someone who isn’t the biggest fan of mayo, and prefers her food to be packed with protein, I love using greek yogurt in this recipe! It makes this salad perfectly creamy and adds a heaping dose of protein, making it the perfect addition for a healthier chicken salad recipe!
    • Dijon Mustard: The dijon mustard adds the perfect tangy flavor that helps the “dressing” for this chicken salad perfectly come together.
    • Lemon: A splash of lemon juice keeps this chicken salad feeling bright and refreshing, even after a few days in the fridge!
    • Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt truly helps this chicken salad come together.
    • Crackers: My favorite way to serve this chicken salad is alongside crackers! My favorite crackers are by Moonshot – they are absolutely delicious!
    A plate, sitting on top of a linen table cloth on a table, with fresh lettuce leaves, crispy crackers, a lemon wedge, and a big scoop of the ultimate healthy chicken salad, topped on the plate. A gold fork can be seen resting alongside the chicken salad
    A close-up image of a crispy cracker, sitting on a plate, topped with a fresh lettuce leaf and a heaping scoop of the ultimate healthy chicken salad. Flecks of parsley and a lemon wedge can be seen off to the side of the chicken salad.

    5 Steps to Making This 10-Minute Chicken Salad

    This chicken salad recipe takes less than 10 minutes to throw together, making it the perfect easy lunchtime recipe! To make it, simply start by washing and preparing your grapes. Rinse them with water, then add them to a bowl of water with baking soda and sea salt and let them soak for 5 minutes to remove the film.

    Next, chop and shred your cooked chicken, then set it to the side. Chop and prepare all of your veggies- the celery, red onion, grapes, and parsley- then add them to the bowl with the chicken alongside the greek yogurt, dijon mustard, sliced almonds, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Mix well and taste. Adjust the sea salt and pepper as needed!

    Once done, serve with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or on toast and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to four days.

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

    ** Photography by Gayle McLeod
    A red bowl, sitting on a countertop, with the mixed up Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad sitting inside of it. A gold fork can also be seen sitting inside of the bowl, sticking out of a bite of the chicken salad

    Home | Recipe | Salads

    4.73 from 29 votes

    The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad

    • Gluten Free
    • Grain Free
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Refined Sugar Free
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Are you in need of a quick and healthy lunch option that doesn't skimp on flavor? Well, then look no further than The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad! This delicious chicken salad recipe is packed with protein and nutrition, making it perfect for those on-the-go. It's packed with protein to keep you feeling fuller, longer, and is perfect for those weekly meal-preps.
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    Servings: 4 Servings
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    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ Cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
    • 3 Stalks Celery, chopped
    • ½ Red Onion, finely chopped
    • 1 Cup Grapes, cleaned and chopped
    • ¼ Cup Parsley, chopped
    • ½ Cup Sliced Almonds
    • ¾ Cup Greek Yogurt
    • 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
    • 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
    • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
    • 1 Teaspoon Crackers

    Instructions 

    1. Start by washing and preparing your grapes. Rinse them with water, then add them to a bowl of water with baking soda and sea salt and let them soak for 5 minutes to remove the film.
    2. Next, chop and shred your cooked chicken, then set it to the side.
    3. Then, chop and prepare all of your veggies- the celery, red onion, grapes, and parsley- then add them to the bowl with the chicken alongside the greek yogurt, dijon mustard, sliced almonds, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper.
    4. Mix well and taste. Adjust the sea salt and pepper as needed!
    5. Once done, serve with crackers and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to four days.
    Nutrition Hide Nutrition
    Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 33gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 2198mgPotassium: 868mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 493IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 2mg
    Hey I’m Nicole!

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    What others are saying

    1. C
      May 3, 2023

      I have never eaten chicken salad in my life, because I don’t like mayo, but for some reason this recipe looked so good to me when I saw it on your page. I’m so glad I tried it! I love it with the Greek yogurt, and the combination of the celery, grapes, and almonds is so perfect. It also worked great as a meal prep option to pack for lunches. This is will definitely be a repeat. Thanks for all the great recipes!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        May 4, 2023

        Colleen, this makes me SO happy to hear! I am thrilled that you loved this chicken salad recipe so much. Thank you so much for all of your support, and for leaving such a kind review!

    2. Ericka Perez
      May 11, 2023

      Will 5% Greek yogurt work in this le should I do non fat?

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        May 12, 2023

        5% is totally fine! ☻

    3. Ashley
      July 3, 2023

      5 stars
      I just made this chicken salad and it was perfect. I love how the parsley makes the whole salad taste super fresh. I am not a fan of Greek yogurt but I followed this recipe exactly and it was perfect, I didn’t miss the mayo at all. This will be on rotation all summer in this house!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        July 5, 2023

        Yay! I am thrilled to hear that, Ashley! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review!

    4. Angela
      July 30, 2023

      4 stars
      This is probably the best chicken salad Ive made! It is delicious!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        July 30, 2023

        I am so happy you enjoyed this recipe, Angela! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!

    5. Meg
      January 28, 2024

      5 stars
      Incredible. Didn’t have parsley but subbed some flakes and it did the trick. I ate with crackers and can’t wait to have it in a wrap tomorrow!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        January 29, 2024

        I’m so glad it turned out well for you, Meg! Thank you so much for your review!

    6. Anne
      February 4, 2024

      5 stars
      Wow! This really is delicious! I’ve been looking for a healthy – but tasty – chicken recipe and I’m so glad I found this! The only thing I did different was add a little garlic powder because I’m a garlic-a-holic, but I followed the rest of the recipe exactly as written. LOVED IT! Thank you!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        February 7, 2024

        Woohoo! I am so thrilled you loved this recipe, Anne! Thank you so much for your kind review!

    7. Susan Deneweth
      February 19, 2024

      I love this recipe! I was just wondering if you had the nutritional content and serving size?

      Reply
    8. Ashley
      March 14, 2024

      5 stars
      I was shocked at how delicious this was! Best chicken salad I’ve ever had. I made it for dinner and my whole family loved it.

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        March 29, 2024

        Woohoo! I love hearing that, Ashley! Thank you so much for your review!

    9. Kim Brohn
      March 22, 2024

      5 stars
      This is by far the best chicken salad recipe I’ve ever had! You will not miss the mayo!
      I put this on a HERO Bread Croissant for an absolutely delicious, nutritious high protein lunch!
      Thank you for this delicious recipe!

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        March 29, 2024

        Kim, I am so thrilled to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!

    10. noah smith
      April 5, 2024

      Delicious and nutritious! This healthy chicken salad is packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. A perfect guilt-free meal option!”

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        April 8, 2024

        I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed it, Noah! Thank you so much for your review!

    11. Kate Reid
      April 8, 2024

      Delish! Do you have nutritional facts you can share on this recipe?

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        April 8, 2024

        Hi Kate! Unfortunately I do not provide nutritional information for my recipes, and you can read more about why, here: https://kalejunkie.com/why-i-decided-not-to-include-nutrition-information-on-my-blog/

    12. Charles Sanchez
      May 2, 2024

      3 stars
      I made this and it’s delicious, but when you call something the ultimate healthy anything, you should include calorie counts.

      Reply
      1. kalejunkie
        May 16, 2024

        Hi Charles, calories aren’t the only measure of whether or not something is healthy. ☻ here is more info on why I don’t include nutritional information on my recipes: https://kalejunkie.com/why-i-decided-not-to-include-nutrition-information-on-my-blog/

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