High Protein Chicken Salad: A Delicious, Nutritious Power-Packed Meal
Crunchy, creamy, and loaded with lean protein, High Protein Chicken Salad is a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds. Combining tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is designed to keep you full, energized, and ready to tackle the day. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, looking for a post-workout recovery meal, or simply craving a nutritious lunch, this chicken salad delivers protein without compromising flavor.
High Protein Chicken Salad isn’t just about nutrition—it’s a versatile dish that appeals to everyone. The combination of protein-rich chicken, crisp veggies, and healthy fats from ingredients like Greek yogurt, nuts, or avocado makes it balanced and filling. Each bite is packed with texture and taste, offering the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements. With a few simple steps, you can create a salad that’s both satisfying and vibrant, making healthy eating enjoyable and effortless.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a table with the ingredients and approximate calorie count per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast, shredded | 2 cups (300 g) | 330 |
| Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat) | ½ cup | 60 |
| Celery, diced | ½ cup | 8 |
| Red onion, finely chopped | ¼ cup | 15 |
| Bell pepper, diced | ½ cup | 15 |
| Avocado, diced | ½ medium | 120 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | 4 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Optional: chopped almonds or walnuts | 2 tbsp | 100 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Use cooked, shredded chicken breast. You can poach, grill, or bake it for added flavor. - Prepare the Vegetables
Dice celery, red onion, bell pepper, and avocado. For a creamier texture, mash the avocado slightly with a fork. - Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth. - Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced vegetables, and optional nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture. - Mix Thoroughly
Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if necessary. - Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add More Protein: Include boiled eggs, edamame, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Low-Fat Version: Skip the olive oil or nuts and use non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep avocado separate until serving to avoid browning.
- Flavor Variations: Try fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to enhance freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~360 |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a complete salad.
- Use as a filling for whole-grain wraps or sandwiches.
- Pair with quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy as a high-protein snack with celery sticks or cucumber slices.
High Protein Chicken Salad: A Delicious, Nutritious Power-Packed Meal
2-3
servings15
minutes10
minutes360
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Cooked chicken breast, shreddedt2 cups (300 g)
Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)t½ cup
Celery, dicedt½ cup
Red onion, finely choppedt¼ cup
Bell pepper, dicedt½ cup
Avocado, dicedt½ medium
Dijon mustardt1 tsp
Lemon juicet1 tbsp
Olive oilt1 tbsp
Saltt½ tsp
Black peppert¼ tsp
Optional: chopped almonds or walnutst2 tbsp
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Use cooked, shredded chicken breast. Poach, grill, or bake it for added flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice celery, red onion, bell pepper, and avocado. Mash avocado slightly if desired.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, vegetables, and optional nuts. Pour dressing over the mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly
- Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
Add extra protein with boiled eggs, edamame, or chickpeas.
Spice it up with cayenne, smoked paprika, or hot sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make High Protein Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the salad in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
2. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, making this salad ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
3. How can I increase the protein content?
Add extra shredded chicken, boiled eggs, edamame, or chickpeas for a higher protein boost.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado to maintain creaminess without dairy.
5. What vegetables work best in this salad?
Celery, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado are classic, but cucumbers, carrots, or radishes also work well.
Conclusion
High Protein Chicken Salad is more than just a healthy meal—it’s a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying dish that fits perfectly into any lifestyle. Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, it keeps you energized while delighting your taste buds. Whether for lunch, post-workout recovery, or a quick and nutritious dinner, this salad proves that healthy eating can be easy, delicious, and satisfying.
