1Prepare Chicken
Use poached, baked, or rotisserie chicken breast that has been chilled completely. Dice or shred the chicken into uniform bite sized pieces and place into a large mixing bowl.
High Protein Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt and Crisp Celery
Packed with 38 grams of protein per serving and zero mayonnaise, this high protein chicken salad uses tangy Greek yogurt, crisp celery, and fresh dill.
Quick Answer • Test Kitchen Standard
- Prepare Chicken: Use poached, baked, or rotisserie chicken breast that has been chilled completely. Dice or shred the chicken into uniform bite sized pieces and place into a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk Greek Yogurt Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain whole milk Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced celery, finely minced red onion, and fresh chopped dill to the bowl with the chicken. Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the top.
Quick Look
| Recipe | High Protein Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt and Crisp Celery |
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Got chicken? Never wonder what’s for dinner again.
Looking for a clean, satisfying lunch that delivers serious satiety without heavy mayonnaise? This high protein chicken salad packs an incredible 38 grams of protein per serving, using creamy whole milk Greek yogurt, fresh lemon, aromatic dill, and crunchy celery to create a vibrant test kitchen favorite.
Chickeeen At A Glance: High Protein Standards
- Protein Power: 38 grams of clean protein per 1 cup serving
- Zero Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt and Dijon emulsion delivers velvety richness with zero refined seed oils
- Chicken Base: Poached or baked chicken breast cooked to exactly 165°F (74°C) for maximum tenderness
- Meal Prep Life: Holds beautifully in the refrigerator for 4 full days without weeping or separating
- Brining Tip: Use our 15 minute Quick Chicken Breast Brine before cooking breast meat for unbeatable moisture
Why Greek Yogurt Beats Mayonnaise for Chicken Salad
Traditional chicken salad relies on heavy mayonnaise, which adds calories from inflammatory seed oils without offering any protein. By substituting thick plain Greek yogurt, you gain 15 to 20 grams of high quality dairy protein per cup while infusing the salad with clean, refreshing lactic acidity. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a touch of extra virgin olive oil round out the dressing, providing that silky mouthfeel you expect from classic deli salads.
The Texture Formula for Exceptional Chicken Salad
Great chicken salad is a study in texture contrasts. Tender, succulent chicken cubes must be balanced with satisfying crunch and sharp aromatic brightness. Finely diced crisp celery ribs provide refreshing crunch in every mouthful, while minced red onion adds gentle piquant contrast. Freshly chopped dill and bright lemon zest lift the creamy dressing, cutting through the rich poultry.
For more healthy meal prep inspiration, explore our collection of 12 High Protein Ground Chicken Recipes.
Ingredients for High Protein Chicken Salad
Cooked Chicken Breast: Four cups of diced boneless skinless chicken breast. Poached chicken, grilled breast, or cold leftover rotisserie breast work wonderfully.
Plain Greek Yogurt: We recommend 2% or 5% milkfat Greek yogurt. Nonfat Greek yogurt can taste overly chalky and watery, whereas whole milk yogurt produces a velvety dressing that clings tightly to chicken cubes.
Dijon Mustard and Lemon: Emulsifiers that brighten the yogurt and add sophisticated French deli flavor.
Celery and Red Onion: Essential aromatics that provide crunch and color.
Fresh Dill: Brings unbeatable garden freshness that elevates simple chicken salad into gourmet fare.
Ways to Enjoy This High Protein Chicken Salad
This versatile salad fits into any nutrition plan:
- High Protein Sandwich: Layer between toasted slices of rustic sourdough or whole grain seeded bread with crisp butter lettuce and ripe tomato slices.
- Keto and Low Carb Wraps: Scoop into crisp romaine hearts or bibb lettuce cups for a zero carb, high protein lunch.
- Protein Power Bowl: Serve over a bed of baby arugula with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and toasted almond slivers.
How to Store and Meal Prep
Transfer chicken salad to an airtight glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because Greek yogurt contains live cultures, the flavors will actually deepen and meld by day two. If any liquid separates after a few days, simply give the salad a quick stir before serving.
The Technique
Mastering High Protein Chicken Salad comes down to precise temperature control and key technique cues.
2Whisk Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain whole milk Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3Combine Ingredients
Add the diced celery, finely minced red onion, and fresh chopped dill to the bowl with the chicken. Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the top.
4Fold Gently
Use a rubber spatula to fold the chicken and vegetables with the dressing until evenly coated without crushing the chicken pieces.
5Chill and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if needed. For optimal flavor development, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy on toasted sourdough bread, wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, or scooped over a garden salad.
Test Kitchen Standards
Essential Benchmarks for Perfect Poultry
Every recipe on Chickeeen relies on these four core culinary physics principles. Use our tested reference cards before you start cooking.
🌡️
Safety & Juiciness
Safe Pull Temp
165°F White / 175°F Dark
Exact target internal pull temperatures by cut to lock in maximum moisture.
Read Full Guide
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⏱️
Moisture Lock
Resting Time Formula
5 to 15 Minutes
Retain up to 40% more natural juices with proper carryover heat resting.
Read Full Guide
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🧂
Deep Flavor
Salt Ratio & Timing
1% by Total Weight
Dry brining science and salt penetration window for deeply seasoned poultry.
Read Full Guide
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🍗
Maximum Crunch
Crispy Skin Science
Surface Dehydration
The baking powder secret, high heat Maillard reaction, and fat rendering rules.
Read Full Guide
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📋
Get Printable Chart
→
Master Chicken Cooking Times and Temperature Chart
Every cut, cooking method, and safe pull temperature on one printable page.
Practical notes
Substitutions
You can customize seasoning with lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, or Italian herb seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator. Do not freeze or heat.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
380
Protein
32g
Fat
26g
Carbs
1g
Sodium
620mg
Sugar
0g
Calculated by Nutrifox · estimates only · varies by brand
Frequently asked
High Protein Chicken Salad, your questions.
What makes High Protein Chicken Salad worth making?
Packed with 38 grams of protein per serving and zero mayonnaise, this high protein chicken salad uses tangy Greek yogurt, crisp celery, and fresh dill.
How long does High Protein Chicken Salad take to make?
Check the quick-look box above for timing.
What equipment do you need for High Protein Chicken Salad?
A heavy-bottomed pan, tongs, and an instant-read thermometer are a solid baseline for most chicken recipes.
What is the key technique for High Protein Chicken Salad?
**Chill and Serve**: Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if needed. For optimal flavor development, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy on toasted sourdough bread, wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves, or scooped over a garden salad.
Technique Guides
Related Techniques
- Chicken Internal Temperature Pull temps by cut
- How to Brine Chicken Wet & dry brine times
- Crispy Chicken Skin Maillard at 280°F+
- How Long to Rest Chicken Up to 40% more juice
- How to Season Chicken 45 min before cooking
- Chicken Cuts Guide Breast vs thigh vs drum
- How to Spatchcock a Chicken 30% faster, 100% crispy skin