Description
How to make creamy high protein chicken salad with Greek yogurt and herbs that’s satisfying, healthy, and perfect for meal prep lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, small curd
Flavor Builders
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Crunch Elements
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then poach in simmering water for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool completely before shredding.
- Prepare Base: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks or your hands, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Aim for chunks that are substantial but not too large for sandwiches.
- Add Crunch: Fold in diced celery, minced red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, toasted almonds, and sunflower seeds. Mix gently to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
- Season Everything: Sprinkle in garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor balance.
- Chill Well: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together and the salad to reach perfect creamy consistency.
- Final Taste: Give it one final stir and taste test before serving. Add more lemon juice for brightness or salt for depth if needed.
Notes
- Don’t skip the chilling time; flavors need at least 30 minutes to properly meld together.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in refrigerator for best quality.
- Substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans if preferred for different flavor profiles.
- Serve on croissants, in wraps, or over greens for complete satisfying meals.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving since cottage cheese saltiness varies by brand.
- Double the recipe easily since this keeps well and makes excellent meal prep.
Allergy Information: Eggs, Dairy, Tree Nuts
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 calories
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 28g