Name: Healthy Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 6-ounce container fat-free Greek yogurt; ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese; ½ cup chopped celery; ½ cup diced apple; ¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons chopped onion; 2 tablespoons chopped pecans; ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1¼ cups cooked chicken (cubed); Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you love classic chicken salad but want a lighter, healthier, high-protein version, this Healthy Chicken Salad is going to be your new favorite. It’s creamy, fresh, slightly sweet, and crunchy — without using mayonnaise.

Instead of mayo, this recipe uses fat-free Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese, which keeps the salad rich and satisfying while boosting protein and cutting unnecessary fat. Apples and dried cranberries add a sweet-tart bite, while pecans bring the perfect crunch in every spoonful.

It’s quick, no-cook, and ideal for meal prep, lunches, or light dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Salad

No mayonnaise — lighter but still creamy
High in protein, great for fitness & weight goals
Sweet & savory balance with apples and cranberries
Ready in just 15 minutes
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or bowls

Healthy Chicken Salad (High-Protein & Creamy Without Mayo)

What Makes This Chicken Salad Healthier?

Traditional chicken salad relies heavily on mayonnaise. This version swaps it out for:

Greek yogurt → tangy, creamy, protein-rich
Cottage cheese → adds body and extra protein

You still get that satisfying texture — just with fewer calories and more nutrition.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try it:

On whole-grain crackers
Stuffed into pita bread
On a croissant or sandwich bread
Wrapped in lettuce for low-carb meals
Straight from the bowl with a fork

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Best within 4–5 days
❌ Not freezer-friendly (yogurt separates when frozen)