Recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Greek yogurt chicken salad is a healthier twist on the classic chicken salad, offering creamy richness with fewer calories and more protein. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick meal or snack.

Ingredients:

• For the salad:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grapes (optional), halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins:
  • Sliced almonds or walnuts for extra crunch
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
   • Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.

2. Mix the Dressing:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy dressing.
   • If you like your dressing a bit sweeter, you can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup.

3. Add the Vegetables:

   • Stir in the finely chopped red onion, celery, cucumber, and any optional ingredients such as grapes or nuts. These add crunch, flavor, and texture to the salad.

4. Combine the Chicken and Dressing:

   • Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl with the yogurt dressing and veggies.
   • Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the dressing.

5. Season:

   • Sprinkle in the fresh dill or parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • If the salad seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or more yogurt to adjust the consistency.

6. Chill (Optional):

   • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. However, it can be served immediately if you’re in a hurry.

7. Serve:

   • Enjoy your Greek yogurt chicken salad on its own, over a bed of lettuce, or as a sandwich or wrap filling. You can also serve it with crackers for a light snack.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad:

• Make it heartier: Add some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or avocado for a more filling salad.
• Use rotisserie chicken: This is a great time-saver for a quick meal.
• Customize the flavors: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the dish, but you can also experiment with tarragon, basil, or cilantro.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt.

This Greek yogurt chicken salad is light, protein-packed, and versatile. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or even as a nutritious post-workout snack!