High Protein | Weight Watchers Friendly
Homemade Chunky Chicken Salad is an easy High Protein recipe that’s a favorite. It’s creamy, filling, and is made with just a few basic ingredients: cooked chicken breast, celery, onion, light mayonnaise, and plain Greek yogurt. That’s it.
This is a High Protein lunch that actually keeps you full. Each serving has 39 grams of protein and only 261 calories. You can eat it on its own, scoop it into a sandwich, or serve it over greens.
The Greek yogurt swaps in for some of the mayo, which keeps the dressing lighter without making it taste watered down. You’d never know the difference.
Make a batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunch taken care of for a few days. A large mixing bowl and a sharp chef’s knife are really all you need to prep this one.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chunky Chicken Salad
High Protein
Each serving has 39 grams of protein. It keeps you full and works as a real meal, not just a snack.
Made with Simple Ingredients
Chicken breast, celery, onion, mayo, and Greek yogurt. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find.
Great for Meal Prep
Make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It holds up well for several days and tastes even better after it sits.
Lighter Than Traditional Chicken Salad
Swapping some mayo for Greek yogurt cuts the fat without changing the flavor. You still get a creamy, rich dressing.
Versatile
Serve it as a sandwich, on crackers, over lettuce, or straight from the bowl. It works however you want to use it.
Ingredient Substitutions
Light Mayonnaise
Regular mayonnaise works fine. If you want to avoid mayo entirely, use all Greek yogurt or try avocado-based mayo.
Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Full-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat Greek yogurt, or plain regular yogurt all work. The texture will be slightly different but the flavor stays similar.
Celery
Diced cucumber or diced apple adds a similar crunch. Diced pickles also work well and add a tangy flavor.
Onion
Red onion, green onion, or shallots all work here. If you want a milder flavor, soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it.
Cooked Chicken Breast
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option. Canned chicken works in a pinch. You can also use cooked chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
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Homemade Chunky Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast diced
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
- In a small bowl, add the light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- Using a spoon or whisk, mix the mayonnaise and yogurt together until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Chill before serving: Give the salad at least 30 minutes in the fridge. The flavors come together much better after it rests. Dice the chicken evenly: Aim for consistent, bite-sized pieces. It makes the salad easier to eat and gives it a better texture throughout. Season at the end: Taste the salad after mixing and adjust salt and pepper then. The mayo and yogurt both have some saltiness already. Use a sharp knife: A chef’s knife makes chopping the celery and onion faster and more consistent. Make it ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day once everything has had time to marinate.Storing
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze — the mayo and yogurt dressing will separate and become watery once thawed.Nutrition
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