Low Calorie Chicken Salad (Greek Yogurt Base!)
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Traditionally calorie-laden chicken salad gets a healthy upgrade using Greek yogurt and spices. Celery, grapes, and walnuts add the perfect crunch and flavors to insure you won’t miss the “real” thing!
This Chicken Salad Recipe with Greek Yogurt is basically perfect!
Tell me, friend… Are you a chicken salad fan or no?
I think it’s one of those things you either love or hate, and then if you’re a lover, you’ve got your specifics.
Right?
Level of creaminess, add-ins vs no add-ins, shredded vs cubed chicken, and the list goes on.
You may even have the perfect chicken salad in your mind right now and you know exactly where to get it, if it’s served at a restaurant/store, or you know exactly which relative makes it the best and are contemplating running to their house right this moment in order to have some.
TELL ME, I am not alone in my dear love for chicken salad!
The truth is, one of my very favorite chicken salads is no longer a staple in my diet, available in my corner of the state of Pennsylvania, or even on my mind all that much since I discovered a second fav that my coworkers and I have deemed “heaven on a roll.”
(Yeah. It’s that good.)
HEALTHY OPTION AND STILL DELICIOUS
BUT, when I got a few requests last May (2016!) for some easy and healthier options for summer eating, my version of my first chicken salad love made its way onto my editorial calendar and floated around until this past weekend when I attended a bachelorette party in which a request from the bride was that we all bring “snacks.”
I figured we could all use something a little different, and it was easily transportable (bowl with a lid, DONE), so I deemed it time to put my floating “skinny chicken salad” tab on my calendar to work.
Thank you, procrastination.
GREEK YOGURT BRINGS THE CREAMINESS WITHOUT ALL THE CALORIES
The “secret” is Greek yogurt, which takes the creamy place of mayo. Because the yogurt really has no specific flavor or anything really to offer to complement all of the tasty things in this chicken salad, a little sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder get the job done.
The yogurt becomes perfectly flavored without taking away from the chicken, celery, grapes, or walnuts, and the creaminess is so perfect, you’ll barely notice it isn’t mayo.
You don’t have to feel guilty for indulging in loaded chicken salad any more.
Hoorayyyyyy!
What you’ll need for Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
- cooked chicken
- celery
- seedless grapes
- walnuts
- Greek yogurt
- black pepper
- sea salt
- onion powder
How to make Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, pepper, sea salt, and onion powder until evenly dispersed.
- Pour the seasoned Greek yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture until everything is coated. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
How to serve Low Calorie Chicken Salad
Crackers, bread, pretzels, over lettuce, plain as a side… All are appropriate vehicles for consuming this skinny chicken salad, and you’ll be happy all you had to do was cook up some chicken and cut up some add-ins. The recipe writes itself!
Grab this easy recipe for your next picnic, to pack for lunches, or for that time you need a snack with ALL the texture but without all the crap. And if you’re not into walnuts, consider pecans!
Red and green grapes? Go for it.
What pairs with chicken salad?
Chicken salad can serve as the main event or as a side dish. It goes well on top of greens, in a sandwich or wrap, or as a dip. You can also just eat it with a fork as a side dish.
Load it up and make your next chicken salad one to add to the top of your favorite chicken salads list!
Because everyone has one of those… Right?!
Chicken Salad Greek Yogurt storage
How good is chicken salad after you make it?
Chicken salad will last about 5 days if all of your ingredients are fresh. If you are using leftover chicken, take care to pay attention to how old it is when you make the chicken salad.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad FAQs
How long should chicken salad sit?
If chicken salad is sitting out, it should be consumed or placed back in the refrigerator after about 2 hours for food safety.
What is chicken salad dressing made of?
Chicken salad dressing typically includes mayonnaise and sour cream. By using Greek yogurt and spices, we are able to make a lighter dressing with just as much flavor.
Low Calorie Chicken Salad Recipe with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds diced cooked chicken approximately 2 and 1/2 cups
- 2-3 large stalks celery chopped celery about 3/4 cup
- 1 cup seedless grapes halved
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, pepper, sea salt, and onion powder until evenly dispersed.
- Pour the seasoned Greek yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture until everything is coated. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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Love this healthy swap! Counting down the days until I can try it….
Would love to know the nutrition information in this recipe.
Hey, Pat! I don’t share nutrition information because everyone’s ingredients will be slightly different. You’re more than welcome to plug your ingredients into a nutrition information calculator, though, and share your specific recipe’s notes here!
Would love to have your recipe for your first or second (non skinny) chicken salad! For my cheat days of course 😉
HAHA! I have to get working on those ones!!
Love it!! Very, very good!!
Thank you,
Renee’
Holy god, I really don’t want to read your tedious life story just to get the recipe. No one cares.
Such a shame your email address is “uptheshitter@gmail.com,” Bob. No wonder you’re miserable enough to be a keyboard warrior! I hope someone gives you a hug soon.