Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

$To make a tasty Greek yogurt chicken salad, gather these key ingredients. - Chicken and Dairy Components - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) - Vegetables and Fruits - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - Nuts and Seasonings - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or almonds) - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill) - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a blend of flavors and textures. The chicken provides protein, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Celery gives a nice crunch, and grapes add sweetness. Walnuts or almonds offer a nutty taste, and dill brings freshness. Honey and lemon juice balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness and acidity. {{ingredient_image_1}} Initial Mixing of Ingredients Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix these three until the chicken is well-coated. This gives the salad its creamy base and a hint of sweetness. Combining Vegetables and Seasonings Next, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery, 1/2 cup of halved red grapes, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion to the bowl. Stir everything gently, so you don’t break the grapes. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the top. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Refrigeration for Flavor Enhancement Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key. It allows the flavors to blend and develop. Before serving, taste the salad again. Adjust the seasoning if you need to. Now, you are ready to enjoy a flavorful Greek yogurt chicken salad! Choosing the Best Chicken For this salad, use cooked chicken breast. You can roast, boil, or grill it. I prefer using leftover chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Make sure the chicken is tender and juicy for the best result. Picking Fresh Produce Fresh produce makes this salad shine. Look for bright, crisp celery and ripe grapes. The celery adds a nice crunch. The grapes bring sweetness. Fresh herbs like dill are key for flavor, so buy them just before you make the salad. Finding the Right Greek Yogurt Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. It has a thick texture and tangy taste. This adds creaminess without extra sugar. Check the label. Look for yogurt with live cultures for added health benefits. How to Modify Ingredients for Taste You can adjust this salad to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer a tangy flavor? Squeeze in extra lemon juice. If you like spice, try adding some black pepper or cayenne. Thickening or Lengthening the Salad If you want a thicker salad, add more Greek yogurt. This makes it creamier. If you need it lighter, mix in some chopped lettuce or spinach. This adds volume without changing the taste much. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds for a different texture and taste. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh dill instead of dried elevates the flavor profile significantly, making the salad more aromatic. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors, making it more delicious when served. {{image_2}} You can make Greek yogurt chicken salad in many ways. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt. It offers a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. This swap keeps the dish tasty and light. For a nut-free version, skip the walnuts or almonds. Instead, you can use sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch without the nuts. This makes the salad safe for those with nut allergies. Adding spices or fresh herbs can change the flavor game. Try adding paprika or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the dish. They make it fresh and lively with every bite. You can also mix in different fruits and veggies. Swap grapes for diced apples or pears. Add chopped bell peppers for a sweet crunch. These simple changes keep the salad exciting and fun. To keep your Greek yogurt chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place the salad in the fridge right after making it. This keeps it cool. Always seal it well. It stays fresh longer this way. - Freezing Options and Tips: You can freeze this salad, but it may change texture. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to eat it within three months for the best taste. Thaw it in the fridge before eating. - How Long Does It Last?: In the fridge, this salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Check the date you made it. If you freeze it, it lasts longer but tastes best within three months. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for changes in color or smell. If it smells sour or looks weird, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your nose and eyes. If in doubt, throw it out. How can I make it ahead of time? You can prepare this salad a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and store in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just remember to taste it again before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning. What can I serve with this salad? This chicken salad pairs well with many sides. You can serve it on a bed of greens. It also works great in a sandwich or on whole-grain crackers. You could even scoop it into avocado halves for a fun twist. Is Greek yogurt healthier than mayonnaise? Yes, Greek yogurt is often healthier than mayonnaise. It has less fat and more protein. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics that benefit gut health. This makes it a great choice for a lighter meal. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the yogurt and other ingredients. This makes your meal quick and easy. In this blog post, we explored the core ingredients for Greek yogurt chicken salad, including chicken, vegetables, and nuts. I walked you through the steps to prepare it perfectly. Tips for choosing quality items and adjusting flavors added more depth. Variations showed how to create healthier options, while storage tips ensured freshness. In the end, this salad is versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy trying new flavors and making it your own.$

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A refreshing and healthy chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables, and nuts.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
0.5 cup celery, finely chopped
0.5 cup red grapes, halved
0.25 cup chopped walnuts (or almonds)
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and honey. Mix until the chicken is well-coated in the yogurt.
Add in the finely chopped celery, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and red onion. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Sprinkle the fresh dill over the mixture and drizzle the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve on a bed of fresh greens and garnish with extra dill and whole grapes.

Keyword chicken salad, Greek yogurt, healthy