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Fresh Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans

fresh greek yogurt chicken salad - featured image

A refreshing and healthy chicken salad featuring Greek yogurt, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for quick meals, light lunches, or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 300 grams) cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended, low-fat works too)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
  • ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 small green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, poach or bake about 2 medium breasts (12 oz / 340 grams). To poach, simmer gently in water or broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, shred the meat.
  2. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prep the produce: Rinse grapes and slice in half. Dice celery finely. Thinly slice green onions and chop fresh herbs if using.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine ingredients: Add shredded chicken, grapes, celery, green onions, and toasted pecans to the dressing. Gently fold until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the grapes or overmix.
  6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (optional but recommended).
  7. Final touch: Before serving, stir gently and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve on greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Notes

Poach chicken gently to keep it juicy and tender. Toast pecans just before mixing for best flavor and crunch. Mix grapes in last to avoid bruising. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding. Adjust salt and pepper before serving. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with Greek-style coconut yogurt. Pecans can be swapped with almonds, walnuts, or seeds for nut-free versions.

Nutrition

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