If you’ve been searching for a quick, nutritious lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. This Healthy Chicken Salad is loaded with lean protein, wholesome ingredients, and bright flavors that make every bite satisfying. It’s designed for busy schedules, meal-preppers, and anyone who wants a nutritious lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe delivers everything you want in a balanced meal: a creamy texture, crunchy vegetables, sweet bursts of fresh fruit, and the perfect blend of tangy, bright flavors. And the best part? It comes together in under 10 minutes once your chicken is cooked. Whether you’re heading to work, feeding the family, or planning a week of lunches, this chicken salad checks all the boxes.
Three Ways to Enjoy This Chicken Salad
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer something light and low-carb or you’re craving hearty comfort food, this salad adapts to your cravings.
1. Build a Perfect Sandwich
Toast your favorite bread—sourdough, seeded whole grain, or gluten-free—and layer on fresh lettuce before spooning on a generous serving of this chicken salad. It’s simple, filling, and always delicious.
2. Scoop Into Lettuce Wraps
If you prefer a lighter option, crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves make a refreshing shell. They add crunch, keep things low-carb, and make the salad feel extra fresh.
3. Serve With Crackers
For a snack-style lunch or quick appetizer, serve the chicken salad alongside your favorite crackers. The combination of creamy salad and crunchy crackers is always a win.
4. Enjoy It Straight From the Bowl
Because this recipe is balanced and flavorful on its own, it also makes a fantastic high-protein snack eaten just with a spoon.
What You Need to Make This Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a creamy, crunchy, and refreshing salad. Each ingredient adds its own texture, nutrients, and flavor.
Chicken
Cooked, shredded chicken forms the base. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time, but you can also use grilled, baked, or poached chicken.
Celery
Celery adds the crisp bite that every good chicken salad needs, plus a boost of fiber that supports digestion.
Red Onion
Finely diced red onion brings sharp flavor and freshness. It rounds out the creamy textures with just the right amount of crunch.
Grapes
Sweet grapes offer a bright contrast and balance the savory elements. They’re rich in antioxidants and add juicy bursts of flavor.
Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley is key for color and brightness. It lifts the whole recipe and keeps it feeling vibrant, even after a few days in the fridge.
Sliced Almonds
Almonds add healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a light crunch that makes the salad even more satisfying.
Greek Yogurt
Instead of mayonnaise, this recipe uses thick, creamy Greek yogurt for a protein-boosted base. It creates a luxurious texture and keeps the salad lighter and more nutritious.
Dijon Mustard
A spoonful of Dijon adds tanginess and helps the yogurt dressing come together with more depth.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors, making the salad taste fresh even after several days of storage.
Sea Salt
A pinch of sea salt ties everything together. Adjust to taste once your salad is mixed.
Crackers
Optional but delicious for serving. Choose your favorite brand or a simple whole-grain version.
5 Steps to Making This 10-Minute Chicken Salad
This chicken salad couldn’t be easier. With just a bit of chopping and mixing, your lunch is ready.
Step 1 — Prep the Grapes
Rinse the grapes thoroughly. For an ultra-clean finish, soak them briefly in water mixed with a pinch of sea salt and baking soda. Rinse again and pat dry.
Step 2 — Prepare the Chicken
Shred your cooked chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. If your chicken is freshly cooked, let it cool slightly before combining.
Step 3 — Chop the Veggies
Dice the celery, red onion, grapes, and parsley. Add them directly to the bowl with the shredded chicken.
Step 4 — Build the Creamy Dressing
Add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and sliced almonds. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5 — Serve and Store
Serve immediately with crackers, inside lettuce wraps, or on toast. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep and keeps its freshness remarkably well, making it a reliable option for busy weekday lunches.
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The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad for Busy Days
- Total Time: 10 min
Ingredients
2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 cup grapes, cleaned and chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup sliced almonds
¾ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Crackers for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
Clean the grapes:
Rinse thoroughly. For a deeper clean, soak the grapes in a bowl of water with a small pinch of sea salt and baking soda for about 5 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. -
Prep the chicken:
Shred your cooked chicken and place it into a large mixing bowl. -
Chop the vegetables:
Dice the celery, red onion, grapes, and parsley. Add them to the bowl with the chicken. -
Add the creamy dressing:
Stir in the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and sliced almonds. Mix until everything is evenly combined. -
Taste and adjust:
Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on preference. -
Serve:
Enjoy with crackers, inside lettuce wraps, or on toasted bread. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook your own chicken breast using any preferred method.
- Adjust sweetness by using red or green grapes. Red grapes bring more sweetness; green grapes bring freshness.
- Add crunch by toasting the almonds before mixing them in.
- Make it dairy-free by swapping Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt.
- Meal prep friendly: Stays fresh up to four days and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
