Is chicken salad good for protein?

Yes, especially when made with lean chicken breast and a light, nutrient-rich dressing. A high protein chicken salad can easily deliver over 25 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery and satiety. Choosing a Greek yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise can also increase the protein content while keeping calories lower. For more ideas, check out our High-Protein Cottage Cheese Dinner Bowls which follow the same balanced approach.

How to add high-protein to salad?

Boosting the protein in your salad is simple, start with a lean protein base like grilled chicken, turkey, or tuna. Then, layer in additional high-protein ingredients such as cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, edamame, or quinoa. For dressings, skip the mayo and opt for Greek yogurt or a cottage cheese-based sauce like our High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce to add creaminess and extra protein in one step.

Which chicken dish has the highest protein?

Grilled or baked chicken breast dishes typically have the highest protein content per calorie because they’re lean, low in fat, and easy to portion. For example, a 4-ounce serving of plain grilled chicken breast packs about 26–28 grams of protein. If you want a flavor-packed option that still delivers big on protein, try recipes like our Buffalo Chicken Dip or high protein chicken salad , which combine lean chicken with other protein-rich ingredients.

Are protein salads good for weight loss?

Absolutely. High-protein salads help control appetite, preserve muscle mass during calorie deficits, and stabilize blood sugar, all of which are important for weight management. A high protein chicken salad can be especially effective for weight loss because it’s filling without being calorie-heavy, especially when served over greens or paired with healthy fats like avocado. You can also try variations like our Cottage Cheese Recipes for Weight Loss for more inspiration.

Ultimate High Protein Chicken Salad Recipe: 25g of Delicious Protein in Every Serving

Description

This High Protein Chicken Salad is a light, creamy, and nutritious recipe made with lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt, crunchy celery, crisp apples, juicy grapes, walnuts, and a zesty Dijon dressing. Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a protein-packed lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 ribs celery, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 apple, chopped
½ cup red grapes, halved
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked diced chicken.
Stir in Greek yogurt until the chicken is coated evenly.
Add celery, red bell pepper, apple, grapes, and walnuts.
Drizzle in lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Enjoy on its own, in sandwiches, or wrapped in lettuce.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt with light mayo or cottage cheese for a different twist.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Great for meal prep – keeps in the fridge up to 3 days.
Serve in pita pockets, on whole-grain bread, or over leafy greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Lunch, Salad
Method: No-Cook, Mix
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg