Healthy Chicken Salad: Easy High-Protein Recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad is a light, high-protein recipe made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, meal prep, or healthy lunches.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken
- 2 medium celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 medium scallions chopped (green parts)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green olives optional
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries optional
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast the Almonds
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, scallions, parsley, toasted almonds, green olives (if using), and dried cranberries (if using).
- Make the Dressing
- Add the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, black pepper, sea salt, and fresh lemon juice to the bowl.
- Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined.
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Serve
- Serve the Healthy Chicken Salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Notes
- Avocado oil mayonnaise can replace Greek yogurt for a richer flavor.
- Pecans or walnuts can be substituted for almonds.
- Omit dried cranberries for a lower-sugar option.
- Serve on whole-grain bread, croissants, wraps, lettuce cups, or over mixed greens.
- Add sliced avocado for extra healthy fats.