If there’s one meal I make more than any other when I need something satisfying, nutritious, and ridiculously flavorful, it’s this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe. Brimming with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish manages to be both wholesome and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just want an easy, delicious lunch, this salad will have you coming back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward, but each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect bite — creamy, crunchy, herbal, and full of protein. Here’s what makes this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe truly exceptional:
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Lean and protein-packed, this is the absolute star of the show. Shredded or chopped, it’s the foundation of our salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess with a big boost of protein and tang, lightening up the dressing without losing that classic texture.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Just enough for a touch of richness and smoothness in every bite.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of heat and complexity, making the flavors pop.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds everything out with a subtle savory kick.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle onion flavor that melds beautifully into the background.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in this protein-packed combo.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a little bite and depth.
- Celery, diced (1/2 cup): Crunchy and fresh, this gives the salad its irresistible texture.
- Red onion, diced (1/4 cup): Adds color, vivid flavor, and a gentle bite without overpowering.
- Chopped almonds or walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): If you’re a fan of crunch and nutty richness, toss these in!
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Fresh herbs brighten it all up, lending a herby, fragrant finish.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until you get a smooth, dreamy dressing. The Greek yogurt makes it lighter and more protein-rich, while mayo and mustard round out the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Fold in the Good Stuff
Toss in your cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and if you’re adding them, the nuts. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together so the creamy dressing coats every piece. Don’t rush — you want every forkful packed with flavor and texture!
Step 3: Taste and Tweak
Give your High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe a taste, and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt, a few cracks of black pepper, or an extra squirt of mustard if you love bold flavors. This is your salad, so make it perfect for your palate.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This short chilling time lets all the flavors meld together and gives you that refreshing, just-made feeling. If you can wait longer (up to a day), it only gets better!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once chilled, your protein-powered chicken salad is ready to shine. Spoon it into lettuce wraps, pile it high on toasted whole grain bread, or scoop it up with your favorite crackers — each approach makes this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe a winner.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill and maybe a dusting of cracked black pepper. For extra color and crunch, try a few toasted nuts or even a handful of pomegranate seeds on top. These little touches take the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This salad is hearty all on its own, but it also plays beautifully with a simple green salad, crisp cucumber slices, veggie sticks, or a side of whole grain pita. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Lettuce wraps are always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also serve this in scooped-out avocados or in halved bell peppers for a colorful, low-carb twist. Hosting friends? Spoon the salad into mini phyllo cups for a seriously chic appetizer. The possibilities for presenting this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe are as endless as your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe keeps like a dream! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even better.
Freezing
Chicken salad with a yogurt-based dressing doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can get watery and separate. If you absolutely must, freeze just the cooked chicken mixture and add the dressing fresh after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
This salad is truly meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it a bit less chilled straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat — that’s part of the fresh, satisfying charm of the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe!
FAQs
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese blended until smooth makes a great high-protein alternative, or you can use traditional mayo if you’re after a more classic flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is completely gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free crackers or wraps if needed!
What are some ways to add even more protein?
For an extra boost, double the amount of chicken, use nonfat Greek yogurt, or toss in some cooked quinoa or hard-boiled eggs. This salad is extremely flexible and can be tailored for your protein goals.
Can I add fruit to this chicken salad?
Definitely! Diced apples or halved grapes add just the right touch of sweetness and pair beautifully with the savory, herby flavors of the salad.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative and make sure your mayo is dairy-free as well. The flavor remains stellar, while making the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe perfect for any dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s nourishing, wildly adaptable, and something you’ll genuinely crave, this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is calling your name. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself whipping it up on repeat for lunches, meal prep, and snack attacks alike. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every creamy, crunchy, protein-packed bite!
Print
High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a satisfying meal. Packed with lean protein and flavorful ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and nuts (if using). Stir until everything is well coated.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve in lettuce wraps, on whole grain bread, or with crackers.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can swap Greek yogurt for cottage cheese for extra protein.
- Add diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
