Looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavor, packs in plenty of protein, and feels like sunshine in a bowl? This Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is my go-to for quick lunches, picnic spreads, or meal prep magic! It’s creamy, perfectly spiced, and so refreshing, you’ll never miss the mayo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying: Tender chicken and creamy Greek yogurt make this salad super filling without weighing you down.
- Full of Fresh, Crunchy Veggies: Celery, green onion, and apple bring pops of color and irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Naturally Light (No Mayo!): Tangy Greek yogurt makes this salad lighter but just as creamy and flavorful as classic versions.
- Quick to Prep & Meal Prep Friendly: You can toss it together in minutes—perfect for make-ahead lunches or healthy snacks all week long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is how each ingredient serves a delicious, flavorful purpose—yet you only need a handful of simple staples to create magic! Here’s the lowdown on what makes this salad sing.
- Fully Cooked Shredded Chicken (4 cups): The hearty base—feel free to use leftover rotisserie, slow-cooked, or homemade boiled chicken for juicy results.
- Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt (1½ cups): Offers all the luscious creaminess with a tangy protein punch instead of heavy mayo.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Adds cool, crisp crunch and a pop of freshness in every bite.
- Apple (1 cup, diced): The little cubes of sweetness balance the warm curry spice—no need to peel, just dice and toss in!
- Cilantro (⅓ cup, chopped): Lifts the whole salad with herby brightness (sub parsley if you’re not team cilantro).
- Green Onion (¼ cup, chopped): For a savory snap and colorful flecks.
- Raisins (¼ cup): Sweet, chewy contrast that’s classic with curry.
- Lime Juice (1 teaspoon): Adds zing and keeps the flavors lively.
- Curry Powder (1½ teaspoons): The star of the show—choose a curry you love, mild or hot, and let those spices work their magic.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Simple seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
Variations
One of the beauties of this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is just how endlessly customizable it is. Play around with add-ins or swaps to make it perfect for your own taste buds or pantry!
- Swap the Fruit: Try grapes, dried cranberries, or diced mango instead of apple for a different burst of sweetness.
- Go Nutty: Toss in roasted cashews, almonds, or walnuts for an extra-crunchy twist.
- Make It Vegetarian: Chickpeas or diced tofu stand in wonderfully for chicken to turn this into a plant-based delight.
- Dial Up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño if you love a real kick!
- Change the Herbs: Try mint, dill, or parsley if you want a new herbaceous note in your salad.
How to Make Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
Step 1: Make the Curry Yogurt Dressing
Grab a large bowl and mix together the Greek yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This extra step ensures your dressing is silky smooth and the spices are fully blended so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Goodies
Add the shredded chicken, celery, apple, chopped cilantro, green onion, and raisins straight into the bowl with your flavorful dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated and evenly mixed—the colors will be glorious!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Scoop up a taste and tweak as needed! Maybe a bit more curry powder for extra warmth, or another sprinkle of salt if you crave a bigger flavor punch. Make it truly yours.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
This salad is wonderful straight away, but even better after it chills for 30 minutes (or longer) to let the flavors meld. Store in the fridge until ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
- Shred, Don’t Chop: Shredding the chicken gives you that tender, scoopable texture and lets the creamy curry yogurt soak into every fiber.
- Spice It to Your Taste: Different curry powders can vary big-time—start with less, then add more as you wish for either a mild or bold kick.
- Plan for Chilling Time: If you can, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—the flavors become even brighter and bolder!
- Use Fresh, Crisp Apple: A tart-crisp apple (think Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing and curry spice.
How to Serve Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt
Garnishes
Scatter on a handful of toasted cashews, extra cilantro, or even a sprinkle of red chili flakes before serving. A wedge of lime on the side gives that pop of freshness right at the table—simple touches that make this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad shines paired with warm whole-grain pita, crisp lettuce cups, or a platter of crunchy sliced vegetables. Try alongside a cooling yogurt raita, a simple quinoa salad, or sliced cucumbers to balance the gentle spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad mounded on baby greens for a gorgeous lunch, scoop it onto small crostini for a colorful appetizer, or wrap it in tortillas for on-the-go wraps. If you’re feeling fancy, hollow out mini bell peppers or avocados and spoon in the salad for an edible, show-stopping vessel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt in an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making weekday lunches a breeze (and the flavors just deepen as it rests!).
Freezing
While it’s generally best enjoyed fresh for that crisp celery and apple bite, you can freeze the salad base (chicken and dressing only, no fruit/veggies) for up to 2 months. Just thaw, stir in fresh apples and celery, and enjoy!
Reheating
This dish shines when cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good stir, adjust the seasoning, and serve. If you prefer it slightly warm, lightly microwave in short bursts, but watch the texture doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut and brings extra flavor to your Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt. Just shred or chop and toss it right into the bowl.
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Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt?
Yes—simply substitute your favorite unsweetened plain dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) for a creamy, tangy result that keeps the salad totally dairy-free.
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How do I make the salad spicier?
To amp up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, extra curry powder, or some finely diced jalapeño to the dressing. Taste and build the spice slowly—the flavors will meld as it chills!
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Can I prep this salad ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt only gets better as it sits! It’s the ultimate meal prep recipe—just store in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your lunch routine with something flavorful, nourishing, and so easy to love, give this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt a try. It’s a burst of joy in every bite—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with its zesty, creamy goodness just like I have!
Print
Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 (1/2 cup) servings 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Healthy Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt is a flavorful and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a light meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 cups fully cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 celery ribs)
- 1 cup diced apple (about 1 large apple, unpeeled)
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup raisins
For the Yogurt Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Make the Chicken Salad: Add the shredded chicken, celery, apple, green onion, cilantro, and raisins to the bowl with the yogurt dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more curry powder or salt if needed.
Notes
- If using raw chicken breasts, boil them for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Let them cool, then shred or chop to yield 4 cups of cooked chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
