Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, satisfying lunch or a light dinner that won’t leave you feeling heavy, let me introduce you to a Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that balance indulgence and nutrition perfectly. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and so easy to whip up—you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy yet Light: The blend of Greek yogurt and avocado creates a luscious texture without the heaviness of mayonnaise.
- Balances Flavor & Nutrition: Fresh dill and lime juice brighten the dish, making every bite refreshing.
- Easy to Customize: Simple spices and versatile ingredients mean you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling and can be prepped ahead for quick meals throughout the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe uses ingredients that complement each other nutritionally and flavor-wise. From tender chicken to creamy avocado and tangy yogurt, it’s all about wholesome goodness and bold taste. Plus, picking the right avocados and quality Greek yogurt really makes a difference—freshness is key!

- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed, chicken adds hearty protein—great for meal prep or using leftover chicken.
- Ripe Avocado: Brings creamy richness and healthy fats; perfectly ripe means it’ll mash easily without lumps.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy creaminess while boosting protein and cutting down fat compared to mayo.
- Fresh Dill: Imparts that classic Greek flavor—bright and herbaceous.
- Onion Powder: Mildly sweet and savory, it blends seamlessly without adding crunch, perfect for picky eaters.
- Garlic Powder: Offers subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the salad.
- Lime Juice: The zesty acidity lifts all the flavors and helps prevent the avocado from browning quickly.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Seasonings that bring everything together with a balanced finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is how flexible it is—I love mixing it up to suit whatever mood or ingredients I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Add Crunch: I sometimes stir in chopped celery or diced red onion to add a crunch, especially when serving it in a sandwich.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Onion: Feel free to swap powders for fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion if you want bolder, fresher flavors.
- Herb Variations: While dill shines here, parsley, basil, or chives can also introduce lovely complementary notes.
- Spice it Up: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne adds a kick if you enjoy a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start with cooked chicken—my go-to method is poaching chicken breasts in broth with simple seasonings (garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder) for about 20-30 minutes until tender. After shredding, I like to chill the chicken so it’s ready to blend smoothly with the creamy ingredients. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time!
Step 2: Mash the Avocado
In a large bowl, I mash the ripe avocado until silky smooth but still a bit chunky—this texture makes the salad so satisfying. A good tip is to use a fork and stop mashing before it gets too liquidy; you want it creamy but with some body.
Step 3: Mix Greek Yogurt and Spices
Next, add the plain Greek yogurt to your mashed avocado and stir carefully until combined. This is when I add dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly—don’t rush here, so the flavors have a chance to meld.
Step 4: Combine with Chicken and Chill
Finally, fold in your shredded chicken until it’s fully coated with the creamy mixture. I recommend refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors blend beautifully. It’s always better the next day, and chilling also helps keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Avoid Overmashing: Leaving a little texture in the avocado keeps the salad from feeling too mushy.
- Chilling is Key: I never skip the resting time in the fridge—it lets the flavors marry and makes the salad more cohesive.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adding lime juice is not only for flavor; it slows down avocado browning, so don’t skimp on it.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go with salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning or underwhelming flavor.
How to Serve Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh dill or finely sliced green onions on top before serving. Sometimes a few cherry tomato halves or sliced cucumbers around the plate add extra freshness and a pop of color. These little touches really make it feel like a special, vibrant meal.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with crisp mixed greens, whole-grain crackers, or toasted pita bread. For a heartier meal, I like to serve it alongside quinoa salad or roasted veggies to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to jazz things up is scooping the salad into halved avocados or stuffed tomatoes for a stunning, healthy appetizer. It’s also fantastic as a filling in lettuce wraps when you want a gluten-free option that’s light and refreshing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this recipe features avocado, it’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight plastic wrap layer pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and browning. Keep it refrigerated and aim to eat within 24 hours for the freshest taste and color.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad because avocado’s texture turns watery and unappealing once thawed. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately if you want to prep your protein in advance!
Reheating
This chicken salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you want warm chicken, heat it separately before mixing it in, but I love this salad chilled—it’s refreshing and comforting all at once.
FAQs
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Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in this chicken salad?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise if you prefer, but using Greek yogurt keeps the salad lighter and adds extra protein. The tanginess of Greek yogurt also complements the avocado and dill much better, making it fresher in taste.
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How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?
The lime juice in the recipe helps slow browning, but to further prevent it, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface before sealing the container. Also, try to consume it within a day for best freshness.
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Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead and assemble the salad the night before. Just remember to keep it chilled and consume within 24 hours due to the avocado.
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Can I add veggies to this chicken salad?
Definitely! Adding diced cucumber, celery, or bell peppers can boost texture and nutrition. Just fold them in gently to keep that creamy balance.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t just an easy, nourishing meal—it’s one I’ve come to rely on whenever I want something that tastes as good as it feels to eat. The creamy avocado and tangy yogurt combo is pure magic with tender chicken and herbs. I hope you give it a try and see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen; I’m confident it’ll find a place in yours too!
Print
Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with shredded chicken, ripe avocado, and protein-rich Greek yogurt, it’s seasoned with fresh dill, garlic and onion powders, lime juice, and spices for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or over salad greens for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mash the avocado: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe avocado until creamy but slightly chunky for texture.
- Combine yogurt and seasonings: Add the plain Greek yogurt to the mashed avocado and stir until well combined. Then add fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Add chicken: Fold in the shredded or cubed cooked chicken into the avocado-yogurt mixture. Stir gently until the chicken is fully coated and the salad looks uniform.
- Chill the salad: Transfer the chicken salad to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Enjoy this healthy salad on its own, use it to fill sandwiches or wraps, or serve it atop fresh salad greens for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cooking Chicken: Poach chicken breasts by covering them with water or chicken broth, add your favorite spices, bring to a boil and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and easily shredded. Cool chicken thoroughly before shredding.
- Yogurt Substitution: Any plain Greek yogurt variety works well. Use full-fat for creamier texture or sour cream as an alternative.
- Dill Substitution: Freeze-dried dill is a great option when fresh dill is unavailable.
- Onion & Garlic Alternatives: Substitute onion powder with raw diced onion for extra crunch, and garlic powder can be replaced with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within one day due to avocado browning. To prevent browning, drizzle extra lime juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg

