Get ready to fall in love with your lunch routine: this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to for a nourishing, flavor-packed meal that comes together in minutes. Tender chicken breast gets all dressed up with creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy nuts, crisp celery, and a bright hit of lemon, creating a salad that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. Perfectly balanced and loaded with protein, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave again and again—whether tucked into lettuce wraps, piled high on whole-grain toast, or simply enjoyed by the forkful.

High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe showcases simple ingredients that truly shine together. Each one brings something essential, from creamy richness and bright acidity to crunch and color—proving that healthy, delicious meals don’t need to be complicated.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or diced): The star of the show, tender and protein-rich, offering the perfect blank slate for bold flavors.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Gives hearty creaminess and a protein boost, lightening up the classic dressing while keeping it luscious.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds a familiar richness that rounds out the tanginess from the yogurt.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A little tang and zip to wake up every bite; don’t skip this flavor lifter!
Celery stalk (1, finely chopped): Crunchy and refreshing, celery adds a satisfying snap and a burst of green.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): For a pop of color, gentle bite, and subtle sweetness in the mix.
Chopped almonds or walnuts (1/4 cup): Nutty crunch plus extra protein and healthy fats—pick your favorite or mix both.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and lifts all the other flavors.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Subtle savoriness without any harshness, melding seamlessly into the dressing.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the flavors and making them shine.
Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just a touch of gentle heat and earthy depth.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped; optional): Herby freshness and a final pop of color if you love a pretty presentation.

How to Make High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Dressing

Begin by making the heart of this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe: the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and fully combined. This is where all the flavors come together, so don’t be shy about tasting along the way and adjusting the seasonings to fit your preferences.

Step 2: Add Protein and Crunch

Now for the main attraction! Add the cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and chopped almonds or walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Be sure to use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking up the chicken too much—you want those lovely, hearty chunks in every spoonful. The crisp vegetables and nuts add texture and excitement to each bite.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Stir the salad thoroughly until everything is well coated in the creamy dressing. This step is where the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe transforms from a mix of ingredients into a harmonious, scoopable, utterly craveable dish. If you like things extra-creamy, feel free to add a touch more yogurt or a dab more mayo to taste.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Take a second to sample your creation! Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed—sometimes a little extra acid or a pinch more seasoning elevates the whole salad. This is where you can make it truly your own.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the finished salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This not only chills the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe for the most refreshing experience but also lets the flavors meld perfectly. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like an extra burst of color and brightness.

How to Serve High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley or extra chopped nuts over your High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe just before serving. Lemon zest or a crack of black pepper can add more visual appeal and a welcome hint of citrusy aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with whole-grain crackers, a crisp garden side salad, or a medley of fresh fruit for color and sweetness. If you’re after a more substantial meal, serve it inside a soft whole-wheat pita or alongside a bowl of hearty vegetable soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up by scooping your High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe into lettuce cups, filling mini bell peppers, or spooning it into avocado halves for a fun and nutritious twist. You can even serve it open-faced on toasted sourdough, top with sliced tomatoes, or pile it high on a grain bowl for extra staying power.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up beautifully for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or easy lunches during a busy week.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you technically can freeze it, though the texture of the yogurt-based dressing and vegetables may change after thawing. If you do freeze it, be sure to stir thoroughly once defrosted and check the flavor before serving.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, cold-served salad, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let your High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it slightly less chilled, then enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just remove the skin and shred or dice the meat before mixing it in—easy and delicious.

What other proteins can I add to increase the protein content?

For even more protein, try stirring in a chopped hard-boiled egg, a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese, or a handful of cooked chickpeas. Each adds a different twist and keeps the salad satisfying.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as an unsweetened almond or coconut-based yogurt, and use a vegan mayo. Adjust seasonings to taste for the best result.

How can I make this salad even healthier?

You can swap in extra veggies like diced bell pepper or baby spinach, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and opt for unsalted nuts to further reduce sodium and saturated fat while amping up vitamins and fiber.

What’s the best way to transport the salad for a picnic or lunchbox?

Pack the High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe in a sealed container, and keep garnishes or lettuce cups separate until serving. It holds up well on the go, making it perfect for picnics or meal-prepped lunches.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping to add more protein to your meals without sacrificing flavor or fun, this High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. I hope you give it a try, make it your own, and share it with someone who’ll love it just as much as you do!

High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a versatile option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and nuts to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined and coated in the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain toast, in a sandwich, or over mixed greens for a high-protein meal.
For extra protein, stir in a chopped hard-boiled egg or a few tablespoons of cottage cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Course, Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American