🥗 Low Calorie Chicken Salad (Light, Fresh, and Still Delicious)

So you’re trying to eat lighter, but you refuse to suffer through dry chicken and sad lettuce? Respect. This Low Calorie Chicken Salad is here to prove that cutting calories does not mean cutting flavor. It’s creamy without being heavy, filling without being too much, and easy enough to make when motivation is low.

This is the kind of meal that makes you feel good after eating it—not like you need a nap or an apology. And honestly? That’s the goal.

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Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s clear something up real quick: low calorie doesn’t mean low enjoyment.

• It’s lighter than classic chicken salad, but still creamy
• Packed with lean protein, so you stay full longer
• Perfect for meal prep, lunches, or quick dinners
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have

Best part? It doesn’t taste like “diet food.” It tastes like real food that just happens to be smart. Even better.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, clean, and doing exactly what they’re supposed to do.

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast – lean and filling
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat) – creamy, high-protein, low-cal
• 1 tbsp light mayo or olive oil – just enough for flavor
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped – crunch without calories
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional but helpful)
• 1–2 tsp lemon juice – freshens everything up
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: cucumber, fresh herbs, bell peppers

💡 Key Tip: Stick to plain yogurt. Flavored yogurt will betray you.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the chicken

Use cooked and fully cooled chicken breast. Chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
Cold chicken works best—warm chicken ruins the texture.

2️⃣ Chop the veggies

Finely chop celery and onion. Keep pieces small for better texture and even flavor.

3️⃣ Make the light dressing

In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, light mayo (or olive oil), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine everything

Add chicken and veggies to the bowl. Gently stir until evenly coated.
No aggressive mixing—be kind.

5️⃣ Taste and adjust

Taste it. Add more seasoning or lemon juice if needed.
Low calorie doesn’t mean low salt.

6️⃣ Chill or serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20 minutes. FYI, chilling improves the flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using only non-fat yogurt
  It can taste flat. Low-fat gives better results.
• Skipping seasoning
  This is the fastest way to make it boring.
• Adding too many extras
  Keep it simple to keep calories low.
• Using warm chicken
  Yes, again. Rookie mistake.

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Alternatives & Substitutions

Because flexibility keeps things sustainable.

• No Greek yogurt?
  Use skyr or a dairy-free, unsweetened yogurt.
• Want more volume without calories?
  Add cucumber, lettuce, or shredded cabbage.
• Need extra flavor?
  Mustard, fresh herbs, or paprika add punch without calories.
• Low-carb option?
  Skip fruit and serve in lettuce cups.

IMO, fresh herbs make this taste way fancier than it is.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is this chicken salad actually low calorie?
Yes. It’s much lighter than traditional mayo-heavy versions.

Is it filling enough?
Absolutely. Lean protein keeps hunger away longer.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—just remove the skin for fewer calories.

Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. Yogurt doesn’t freeze well. Texture gets weird.

Best way to serve it?
Over greens, in lettuce wraps, or with whole-grain crackers.

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Final Thoughts

This Low Calorie Chicken Salad proves that lighter eating doesn’t have to feel like punishment. It’s fresh, flavorful, filling, and easy enough to keep in your weekly rotation.

Make a batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a smart, tasty meal ready to go.
Now go enjoy your light-but-satisfying win 🥗✨