Imagine a salad that captures the very spirit of summer, bursting with juicy berries, herby chicken, and tangy, creamy dressing. That’s exactly what you get with this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe, a bowlful of vibrant color and irresistible textures that feels utterly satisfying and so fresh. This isn’t your everyday salad — it’s nourishing without skimping on indulgence, perfect for healthy lunches, lively picnics, or a light dinner that surprises you with every forkful. Trust me, once you try the combination of marinated chicken, sweet fruit, crisp greens, and creamy feta, you’ll be reaching for this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where every component plays a starring role: the chicken takes on loads of flavor, the yogurt-based dressing keeps things luscious and light, and the mix of greens and fruit makes every bite an adventure. Here’s what you need, and a little why behind each!

Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breast soaks up the vibrant marinade and holds the salad together with hearty bites.
Greek Yogurt: Used in both the marinade and the dressing, Greek yogurt adds creaminess, subtle tang, and extra protein without heaviness.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop golden color on the chicken while lending silkiness to the dressing.
Minced Garlic: Fresh, punchy garlic brings out savory depth in both the chicken and the dressing.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that sharpen every other flavor in the bowl.
Oregano: Earthy and aromatic, just a bit enhances the classic Mediterranean vibe of the chicken.
Paprika: Subtle smokiness and a warm hue—paprika gives our chicken beautiful color and extra dimension.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dressing perfectly and balances the rich yogurt.
Dill: Fresh dill in the dressing adds herby springtime flavor that pairs wonderfully with everything in the salad.
Water: Just a touch helps loosen the dressing until velvety and pourable.
Pecans: Roughly chopped for crunch, these sweet, nutty morsels are little treasures in every bite.
Strawberries: Juicy, tangy, and sweet, strawberries add the prettiest pops of flavor.
Blueberries: Bursts of juicy blue complement the berries and add antioxidants, too.
Romaine: Chopped romaine gives a satisfying, crisp foundation.
Spinach: Tender, vibrant spinach brings deep green color and gentle earthiness.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, a little salty, perfectly crumbly—feta is the secret to a salad that tastes “finished.”

How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken pieces, making sure every morsel is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or, if you want deeper flavor, leave it overnight in the fridge. This step packs the chicken with all those aromatic, tangy notes, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the chicken is soaking up flavor, make the Greek yogurt dressing. Stir together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, a bit of salt and pepper, fresh lemon juice, and dill. Gradually incorporate water, whisking until it’s smooth and you like the thickness—just thin enough to drizzle generously over your salad. This dressing is refreshingly creamy without a hint of heaviness!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and drizzle in some olive oil. Once shimmering, lay the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for around 5 minutes without disturbing, then flip and let it finish for another 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring it’s golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 70°C). If your pan is crowded, do this in batches; you want each piece to brown, not steam.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Layer chopped romaine and spinach in your biggest salad bowl or on a stunning platter. Next, pile on the hot chicken, followed by strawberries and blueberries for bursts of juicy sweetness. Scatter the chopped pecans and crumbled feta over everything for that irresistible blend of crunch and cream.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle your homemade Greek yogurt dressing all over and toss everything gently to coat (or serve with the dressing on the side for drizzling at the table). Serve immediately while the flavors and textures are at their peak!

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate the final look and flavor with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill, a few twists of cracked black pepper, and maybe a handful of microgreens on top. For even more color, reserve a few berries or pecans to scatter over the very last moment.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to shine solo, but it pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, a crisp flatbread, or a simple cup of gazpacho. Fresh fruit on the side rounds out the meal wonderfully in the warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or portioned into lettuce cups for a picnic-friendly, portable lunch. You can also arrange the toppings in colorful rows for an eye-catching, deconstructed platter that invites everyone to build their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge—just store the dressing separately to preserve the crunch of the greens. This way, your salad stays fresh and inviting for up to two days.

Freezing

Because of the yogurt dressing, fresh greens, and berries, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing. The textures will change and the vibrant flavors can get lost. For best results, enjoy your Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe fresh or from the fridge.

Reheating

Most salads aren’t designed to be reheated, but if you want to warm up the chicken, remove it from the salad and gently reheat in a skillet or microwave until just heated through. Then add it back to the greens and finish with your dressing and toppings.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken makes a fantastic shortcut. Just toss it in a bit of the marinade (minus the raw chicken step) before adding to your salad for that same herby, tangy flavor.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Definitely—walnuts or almonds work great if pecans aren’t your favorite. For a nut-free version, try roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that necessary crunch.

What greens work best besides romaine and spinach?

You can use any hearty greens you love! Arugula, kale (massaged with a bit of olive oil), or even mixed baby greens all bring their own personality and work beautifully in this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip up the Greek yogurt dressing up to three days in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before pouring—it’ll only get better as the flavors mingle.

How do I make it dairy-free?

For a dairy-free twist, swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use a vegan feta alternative. The salad is just as delicious and inclusive for all kinds of diets.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about a recipe that feels as nourishing as it is beautiful, and this Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe nails it every time. I hope this salad brightens up your mealtimes and becomes a new favorite in your kitchen too. Go ahead—gather those fresh ingredients and give it a try!

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Salad recipe is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken with a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables, all topped with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing: Mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dill. Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
Assemble the Salad: Layer romaine and spinach in a bowl. Top with cooked chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
Drizzle with Dressing: Finish the salad by drizzling with Greek yogurt dressing before serving.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding your favorite fruits or nuts.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the marinade and dressing to suit your taste preferences.
This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours before serving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Marinating, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean