Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Greek yogurt chicken salad is my go to when I want something refreshing yet hearty for lunch or a picnic. Packed with juicy grapes crunchy celery and a creamy tang from Greek yogurt this salad always disappears fast at family gatherings or weekday meal prep.

I first whipped this up for a summer block party and was amazed how even picky eaters asked for seconds. Now I bring it for road trips and crowd pleasing potlucks.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken: tender and easy to coat with creamy dressing Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor
• Grapes: add juicy sweetness Make sure they are firm for best texture
• Chopped celery: brings crunch and brightness Look for pale green crisp stalks
• Diced red onion: for a punch of savory zip Soak slices in cold water if you want a milder flavor
• Plain Greek yogurt: makes the base creamy and tangy Choose whole milk yogurt for extra richness
• Chopped salted almonds: for nutty crunch and a salty bite Toast briefly for even more flavor
• Dijon mustard: brings a sharp subtle kick Opt for the real French kind if you can
• Chopped parsley: fresh flavor and color Fresh flat leaf is best for fragrance
• Black pepper: adds finishing warmth Crush fresh for maximum aroma
• Fine sea salt: brings balance and highlights flavor Try a light hand and taste as you go

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Make sure your chicken is fully cooked then shred it using forks or your hands Grapes should be halved celery chopped onion diced and almonds roughly chopped

Build the Salad Base:

In a large bowl pile in the shredded chicken halved grapes chopped celery diced red onion chopped almonds and chopped parsley

Mix the Dressing:

Add Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard to the bowl Sprinkle with black pepper and fine sea salt

Combine and Toss:

With a sturdy spoon fold everything together until all the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy dressing Make sure the yogurt is fully incorporated to prevent dry bites

Taste and Adjust:

Take a spoonful If you want extra creaminess add a little more yogurt Adjust salt and pepper if needed to your preference

Chill or Serve:

The salad tastes great right away but chilling it for 30 minutes lets the flavors meld perfectly It works beautifully served on a bed of greens in a sandwich wrap or with crunchy crackers

The sweet snap of the grapes always reminds me of summers at my aunt’s house where she grew vines right outside her kitchen window It is now a tradition in our family to use only the ripest juiciest grapes because that really makes each bite pop

Storage Tips

Store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge It will taste best within three days but can be kept up to five Give it a good stir before serving if any separation happens The salt and fresh herbs may intensify as it sits

Ingredient Substitutions

No Greek yogurt Use regular plain yogurt or a half and half mix of yogurt and sour cream Almonds can be swapped with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken to save time

Serving Suggestions

Pile the salad onto crusty whole grain toast or stuff into pita pockets for an easy hand held lunch It also shines spooned onto fresh greens for a light main course I love serving it as a scoop with crackers whenever I am hosting a brunch buffet

Cultural Inspiration

Chicken salad recipes are found everywhere from Southern kitchens to casual cafes The Greek yogurt twist comes from my family’s love for the tangy yogurt based sauces of Mediterranean cuisine It is a lighter take compared to traditional mayo based salads

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap grapes for diced apples or pears when grapes are not in season Stir in diced fresh herbs like dill in spring or tarragon in early summer Toss in roasted sweet potatoes during autumn for a heartier salad

Success Stories

Friends once confessed they started making their own lunches just to have this salad all week It is a game changer for people wanting to add protein and crunch without feeling weighed down My kids even happily take it in their lunchboxes

Freezer Meal Conversion

While this salad is best fresh you can freeze it if needed Thaw gently in the fridge and stir well before serving Fair warning The yogurt based dressing may separate and lose some of its creamy texture after freezing so it is best to make it ahead only a few days

This salad brings a fresh spin to classic chicken salad and is sure to be a staple for easy lunches. Try it once and you will want it on repeat all year round.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that adds great flavor and saves time.

→ What type of Greek yogurt works best?

Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is ideal for a creamy and tangy base without added sugars.

→ Can I replace grapes with another fruit?

Chopped apples or dried cranberries also offer a sweet, fresh contrast to the savory ingredients.

→ How long does this chicken salad keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it remains tasty and fresh for up to 3-5 days.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare ahead and portion for easy, healthy lunches or snacks throughout the week.

→ What are serving suggestions for this salad?

Try serving it on bread, in wraps, with crackers, or atop a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.