Zesty Herb Chicken Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

If you're craving a quick, flavorful lunch that's both refreshing and satisfying, this Zesty Herb Chicken Salad is your answer. The combination of bright herbs and creamy dressing makes it a standout choice for any meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Herb Chicken Salad

Chicken breasts are the protein base, providing a lean and versatile canvas for flavors. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess with a tang, while the mayonnaise balances it with richness. Dijon mustard brings a subtle kick, and the lemon juice and zest add brightness. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and basil infuse the salad with a garden-fresh taste. Celery and red onion give a crunchy texture and a bit of bite. Optional lettuce leaves can turn it into a wrap, and avocado slices add creaminess if you choose to include them.

Tips & Tricks

  • To save time, grill extra chicken earlier in the week and use leftovers for this salad.
  • If you don't have a grill, a skillet or grill pan works just as well.
  • Let the chicken rest before dicing to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to make it a more filling meal. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a light dinner or stuff it into a whole grain wrap for an easy on-the-go lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely, it's a great way to save time. Just make sure to remove the skin and dice it up.
How long does this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are best for this recipe, but if you must use dried, reduce the quantity by half.

Zesty Herb Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First up, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, season your chicken breasts with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Once the grill's hot, place the chicken on it and let each side cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You'll know it's done when the juices run clear and it's no longer pink inside.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it cool down a bit. This is a great time to prep the rest of your ingredients. Once cooled, chop the chicken into small cubes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Now, sprinkle in your freshly chopped dill, parsley, and basil. Give it all a good stir until everything's mixed well.

Now, toss the chopped chicken, celery, and red onion into the dressing. Stir until the chicken and veggies are nicely coated. Taste and season with a bit more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it.

For serving, you can scoop the salad onto lettuce leaves for a healthy wrap or enjoy it with some sliced avocado on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Refreshing mix of herbs adds a burst of flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep and easy to pack for lunches.
  • Light yet filling, ideal for a summer meal.
  • Grilled chicken adds a smoky depth.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
8 lettuce leaves (optional)
1 avocado, sliced (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear.
3. Remove chicken from grill and let it cool slightly before dicing into small cubes.
4. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parsley, and basil.
5. Add diced chicken, celery, and red onion to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. For serving, place a scoop of chicken salad onto a lettuce leaf or serve alongside sliced avocado if desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!