A rich, creamy, deli-style chicken salad loaded with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a perfectly balanced dressing. This version is upgraded with high-protein ingredients, making it ideal for weight loss, meal prep, or quick healthy meals.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 5–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (if cooking fresh chicken)
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 260
Protein: 32g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 3–5g
Ingredients
Protein Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, high-protein)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crunch & Flavor
- ¾ cup celery (chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup pickles or relish (optional but recommended)
Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
How to Make Chicken Salad
1. Cook & Prepare Chicken
- Cook chicken (boil, bake, or pressure cook)
- Let it cool completely
- Shred using forks or hands
2. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix:
- Mayo
- Greek yogurt
- Mustard
- Lemon juice
Whisk until smooth
3. Add Vegetables
Stir in:
- Celery
- Onion
- Pickles
4. Combine
- Add shredded chicken
- Mix until evenly coated
5. Season
- Add spices and herbs
- Taste and adjust salt
6. Chill
- Refrigerate for 2–4 hours
- This step improves flavor and texture
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Add cottage cheese for extra protein
- Add grapes or apples for sweetness
- Use avocado instead of mayo for healthier fats
- Add nuts (almonds/walnuts) for crunch
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce wraps (low carb)
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Stuffed in cucumbers or bell peppers
- With crackers or toast
Tips for Best Results
- Use both shredded and chopped chicken for texture
- Don’t skip chilling—it makes a big difference
- Adjust mayo/yogurt ratio based on preference
- Use fresh celery for crunch
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: 4–5 days in airtight container
Freezer: Not recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it without mayo?
Yes, replace with Greek yogurt completely.
Q: How to make it more creamy?
Add more yogurt or a little extra mayo.
Q: Is it good for weight loss?
Yes—high protein and low carb make it very filling.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken salad is simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick lunch, it delivers big flavor with high protein benefits.
