healthy chicken salad recipe

This version of healthy chicken salad swaps heavy mayo for protein-rich Greek yogurt and bright lemon, combining tender cooked chicken with crunchy celery, juicy grapes and sliced almonds for a light, flavorful classic. It’s quick to assemble, simple to scale for a crowd, and versatile serve it in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.

Why this recipe works

Creamy without the heaviness: Greek yogurt and a touch of Dijon provide creaminess and tang with less saturated fat than mayonnaise.

Balanced texture: Celery and almonds add crunch while grapes bring bursts of sweetness that contrast the savory chicken.

Meal-prep friendly: It stores well in the refrigerator and makes a protein-packed lunch for several days.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken is ideal for speed)

2 stalks celery, diced

1 cup red grapes, halved (or substitute diced apples or dried cranberries)

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted if desired

3 green onions, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp celery seed

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

Tip: Use a quality rotisserie chicken to save time and maximize flavor.

Servings: 6 | Prep: 10 min | Total: 10 min

How to Make a Healthy Chicken Salad

1.Prep the mix-ins. Dice celery, halve grapes, slice green onions, and chop parsley. Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet if you like deeper flavor.

2.Make the dressing. Whisk Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery seed, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

3.Combine. In a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, vegetables, grapes and almonds. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.

4.Chill & serve. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (or serve immediately). Adjust seasoning before serving.

This method keeps the chicken moist and ensures the flavors are well balanced exactly what makes this healthy chicken salad so appealing for lunches and buffets.

How to serve

Pile onto whole-grain bread or croissants for a classic sandwich.

Spoon into a tortilla or collard wrap for a portable meal.

Serve atop mixed greens for a lighter entrée salad.

Offer with crackers as a dip at parties

Variations & swaps

Make it dairy-free: Substitute unsweetened plain dairy-free yogurt and add a little extra olive oil.

Add crunch: Swap almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts.

Add heat: Stir in a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika.
More protein: Fold in a drained can of white beans or an extra cup of shredded chicken.

Nutrition

Storage

Store chilled in an airtight container for 3–4 days. For best texture beyond the first day, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. If you must store fully dressed, expect the almonds and celery to soften slightly over time.

Final note

This light, adaptable healthy chicken salad delivers the familiar comfort of a classic chicken salad with cleaner ingredients and a fresher profile — ideal for quick lunches, picnic spreads, or easy entertaining.