Greek Yogurt Rotisserie Chicken Salad

The first time I made this Greek yogurt chicken salad, I was halfway through eating it straight from the bowl before I remembered to actually serve it properly. That's how good it is.

Last summer I brought this to a picnic and my friend Sarah asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite. Something about the tangy yogurt with crisp vegetables just works.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: Store bought rotisserie chicken is perfectly seasoned and already cooked, saving you so much time
• Greek yogurt: Use whole milk Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture, though low fat works well too
• Fresh vegetables: Finely dicing the celery, red onion, and bell pepper creates the perfect crunch in every bite
• Dijon mustard: This adds a sharp tang that cuts through the rich yogurt beautifully
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and prevents the apples from browning if you add them later

Instructions

Prep your chicken and vegetables:

Pull the rotisserie chicken meat from the bones and shred it into bite sized pieces, then finely dice your celery, red onion, and bell pepper into uniform pieces

Whisk together the dressing:

In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth

Combine everything:

Pour that creamy dressing over your chicken and vegetables, then fold everything together gently until each piece is coated

Add the extras and chill:

Stir in the sliced almonds and dried cranberries if you are using them, then refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to let the flavors meld together

Save

This has become my go to for Sunday meal prep because it keeps beautifully in the fridge for days and tastes even better on day two.

Making It Your Own

Once you have the basic ratio down, try swapping in diced apples for extra crunch or adding fresh grapes for sweetness bursts. I have even made this with curry powder mixed into the yogurt for an entirely different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this scooped onto butter lettuce cups, piled between slices of sourdough, or simply eaten with a spoon straight from the bowl. My grandmother used to serve chicken salad on hollowed out tomatoes, which sounds fancy but is actually just smart.

Storage And Make Ahead Tips

This chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, though the nuts will lose their crunch if added too far in advance. Add those right before serving if you are prepping this days ahead.

• Store in an airtight container to prevent the yogurt from absorbing other fridge flavors
• Give it a quick stir before serving as the dressing may settle slightly
• This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or larger gatherings

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a recipe that comes together this quickly yet tastes like you spent much more time on it.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it excellent for meal prep.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use mayonnaise for a traditional version, or try sour cream for similar tanginess. For a dairy-free option, mashed avocado works well and adds healthy fats, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

→ How do I shred rotisserie chicken?

Remove the skin and bones, then use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands once the chicken has cooled slightly. A stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed can shred chicken quickly in seconds.

→ What vegetables work best in this salad?

Celery, red onion, and red bell pepper provide excellent crunch and color. You can also add diced cucumber, grated carrots, finely diced apples, or even chopped grapes for sweetness. Keep vegetables uniformly diced for the best texture.

→ Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this chicken salad are naturally gluten-free. However, always check labels on packaged items like Dijon mustard and rotisserie chicken, as some seasonings may contain gluten-containing additives.

→ How can I reduce the calories?

Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of whole or low-fat versions. You can also reduce or omit the olive oil and honey, though this will affect the dressing's consistency and flavor balance. Adding more vegetables increases volume without adding many calories.