Irresistible 10-Min Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Crave

I still remember the first time I whipped up this chicken salad recipe – it was a sweltering summer afternoon, and I desperately needed something cool, creamy, and quick for dinner. Little did I know that simple combo of Greek yogurt and fresh chicken would become my go-to meal prep miracle!

This chicken salad with grapes and almonds hits all the right notes – the juicy sweetness against that earthy crunch is just perfection. What I love most about this chicken salad recipe is its chameleon-like abilities. Some days I’m craving it piled high on toasted sourdough, other times I’ll scoop it into crisp butter lettuce cups for a lighter bite.

The Greek yogurt twist makes all the difference – it gives that same satisfying creaminess as traditional mayo-based versions, but leaves you feeling energized rather than weighed down. Pro tip from my weekly routine – letting it chill for at least 30 minutes (though overnight is even better!) lets those flavors deepen beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

Oh friends, let me count the ways! This chicken salad recipe has saved my lunch game more times than I can remember. Here’s why you’ll adore it too:

• Lightning fast – The 10-minute prep means you can throw it together while the coffee brews (I’ve totally done this while half-asleep)
• Guilt-free creamy – That Greek yogurt base gives you all the lush texture without the usual mayo-heavy guilt trip
• Your canvas – Swap in whatever you’ve got! Last week I used peaches instead of grapes when my kids raided the fruit bowl
• Meal prep MVP – Makes enough for three days of delicious lunches that actually get eaten (no more sad desk salads!)

The best part? It tastes like you spent hours when really, you barely broke a sweat. Now that’s my kind of kitchen magic!

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Ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Let me show you what goes into my favorite chicken salad recipe – each ingredient is there for a reason! Here’s everything you’ll need for that perfect creamy-crunchy-sweet combo:

• 2 cups cooked chicken – Shredded or diced (I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe about 75% of the time)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt – Full-fat gives the creamiest texture in this chicken salad
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise – Optional, but adds richness (my grandmother would disapprove if you skip it!)
• 1 cup red grapes – Halved (their pop of sweetness makes this recipe special)
• 1/2 cup celery – Finely chopped (the greener stalks give the best crunch)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds – Toast them for extra flavor in your chicken salad
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed brightens all the flavors
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Kosher salt is my go-to for this recipe
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill – Chopped (optional but highly recommended)

That’s it – just ten simple ingredients for the best chicken salad recipe you’ll taste this summer! Swap-outs? I’ve got plenty pinned on my Pinterest board.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt

Let me walk you through making this fabulous chicken salad recipe step by step – it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind! The secret is in how you combine everything to create that perfect creamy, crunchy texture.

1. Start with your creamy base: In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise (if using) until smooth. This chicken salad recipe gets its velvety texture from properly blended dairy – trust me, taking an extra minute here makes all the difference!
2. Gently fold in your mix-ins: Now add your shredded chicken, halved grapes, celery, almonds, lemon juice, and seasonings. Here’s my key trick with any chicken salad recipe – use a wide rubber spatula and fold rather than stir to keep those grapes intact and the chicken fluffy.
3. The magic happens in the fridge: Cover your bowl tightly (I swear by these reusable silicone lids) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chicken salad recipe benefits enormously from a short rest – it lets the yogurt soften the chicken while the flavors harmonize beautifully.

Pro Tip for Extra Flavor

If you can resist digging in right away (no judgment if you can’t!), letting this chicken salad recipe rest overnight takes it to superstar status. The grapes release subtle juices that mingle with the dressing in the most delightful way!

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Meal Prep Chicken Salad Variations

One of my favorite things about this chicken salad recipe is how easily it transforms into completely new meals! Over countless lunchboxes and picnic baskets, I’ve discovered these delicious variations that keep my meal prep exciting all week long:

Curry Chicken Salad: For an instant flavor trip, stir in 1 teaspoon of curry powder (I love Madras-style) and swap grapes for plump golden raisins. The warm spices pair amazingly with leftover roasted chicken. Storage tip: The curry flavor intensifies overnight – perfect for meal prep!

Creamy Avocado Lime: Mash one ripe avocado into the yogurt base and add lime zest and juice instead of lemon. Skip the grapes and almonds – the avocado gives plenty of richness. Storage tip: Eat this variation within 1-2 days before the avocado browns (bonus: press plastic wrap directly on the surface).

Festive Cranberry Pecan: Replace grapes with dried cranberries and almonds with toasted pecans. I add a dash of orange zest for holiday flair – it’s basically Christmas in a chicken salad recipe! Storage tip: Dried fruit keeps beautifully – this version stays fresh for 4 days in the fridge.

The possibilities are endless with this chicken salad recipe – what variations will you create? I’ve got tons more pinned on Pinterest just waiting to inspire your next batch!

Serving Your Chicken Salad Recipe

Now for my favorite part – serving this chicken salad creation like a total rockstar! Some days I’m all about that sandwich life – thick slices of whole-grain bread piled high with salad is pure comfort food magic. But when I want something lighter, those silky butter lettuce cups make the perfect edible bowl – just scoop, crunch, and enjoy!

For a heartier meal, I’ll spoon it over a bed of mixed greens with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes – suddenly it’s a full salad! Simple sides make everything better: crisp veggie sticks, salty pretzels, or even some sweet strawberry slices create that perfect lunchtime balance. Honestly? Half the time I just grab a fork straight from the fridge – no judgment here!

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Storing and Reheating Chicken Salad

Here’s the scoop on keeping your chicken salad recipe fresh and tasty! I always stash mine in an airtight container – I’m partial to those glass ones with the silicone lids you can find at most stores. Trust me, this stuff stays perfect in the fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never lasts that long!). One important heads up: don’t freeze this chicken salad recipe – the Greek yogurt separates and gets weirdly grainy when thawed. The good news? No reheating needed – just grab and enjoy cold straight from the fridge!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Salad

Here’s the skinny on what’s in each delicious serving of this chicken salad recipe (based on my typical ingredients – yours might vary slightly): A heaping half-cup portion clocks in at just 220 calories, packing 20g protein to keep you full! You’ll get 12g carbs (with 2g fiber), plus 10g healthy fats from the yogurt and almonds. I always say – when food tastes this good AND keeps you feeling great, that’s what I call a win-win!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked these questions all the time by friends making my chicken salad recipe – here are the answers straight from my sauce-stained recipe notebook:

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Share Your Chicken Salad Creations

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your brilliant twists on this chicken salad recipe! Snap a pic of your masterpiece and share it with me on Pinterest – I’m always hunting for new meal-prep inspiration. Trust me, I’ll be pinning your genius ideas right alongside my own creations!

Easy Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Grapes

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A lightened-up chicken salad recipe with Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and almonds. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or lettuce wraps.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins (includes chilling)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt and mayonnaise (if using) until smooth.
2. Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill. Stir gently to combine.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
5. Serve on bread, lettuce wraps, or over greens.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Swap grapes for apples or dried cranberries.
• Add curry powder for a spiced variation.
• For more meal-prep ideas, check out Sophia’s Pinterest board.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg