This high-protein chicken salad swaps most of the mayo for Greek yogurt, so you get all the creamy comfort of a classic chicken salad without the usual calorie hit. It comes together in about 15 minutes with a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge for lunches all week. For more lunch ideas like this one, check out our full High-Protein Lunch Meal Prep collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This high-protein chicken salad packs 32g of protein per serving, thanks to shredded chicken breast and Greek yogurt working together.
This high-protein chicken salad uses one bowl and about 15 minutes of hands-on time, no stovetop required if your chicken is already cooked.
Swapping most of the mayo for Greek yogurt cuts the fat without losing the creamy texture people love about chicken salad.
It’s endlessly versatile: eat it in a sandwich, over greens, in lettuce wraps, or straight out of the container with crackers.

Ingredients Overview

High-protein chicken salad starts with shredded cooked chicken breast, which brings roughly 26g of protein per 3-ounce serving on its own, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Greek yogurt stands in for most of the mayo, adding tang and creaminess along with extra protein.

Celery and red onion add crunch and bite, while a squeeze of lemon juice and a little Dijon mustard keep the whole thing bright instead of heavy. Grapes or dried cranberries are optional, but they add a nice pop of sweetness if you like a little contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your High-Protein Chicken Salad from start to finish:

Shred or dice 3 cups of cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add it to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
Add 1/2 cup diced celery and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion to the chicken.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then fold in grapes or dried cranberries if using.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a stand mixer on the lowest speed with the paddle attachment for 10-15 seconds to shred warm chicken breast in seconds — it’s faster and more consistent than shredding by hand with two forks.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

High-protein chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, which makes it one of the easiest lunches to batch on a Sunday. Portion it into individual containers right after making it so lunch is truly grab-and-go. If you’re packing it for a sandwich, keep the bread separate and assemble just before eating so it doesn’t get soggy.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap the Greek yogurt for plain skyr if that’s what you have on hand — the protein count stays about the same. For a lower-carb version, skip the grapes and serve the chicken salad in butter lettuce cups instead of bread. Canned chicken breast works in a pinch if you’re short on time, though rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken has better texture for this high-protein chicken salad.

FAQ

Can I double this High-Protein Chicken Salad recipe? Yes, every ingredient doubles cleanly. Just use a larger bowl and check the seasoning again once everything is mixed, since larger batches sometimes need a touch more salt.

Is Greek yogurt a good source of protein? Yes. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, plain Greek yogurt delivers a substantial amount of protein per serving with relatively few calories, which is why it works so well as a partial mayo replacement here.

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breast? Yes, drained canned chicken breast works fine and saves time, though the texture will be softer than freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge? This high-protein chicken salad stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ready for More Meal Prep?

This high-protein chicken salad is proof that a classic lunch can be both quick and genuinely filling. Prep a big batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunch covered through Wednesday at least.

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