Lighter California Chicken Salad Recipe

This Lighter California Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic. It’s packed with juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and tender shredded chicken, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing made with a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. If you’re a fan of Whole Foods’ Sonoma Chicken Salad, you’ll love this healthier, homemade version!

This easy salad is perfect for meal prep—make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for quick lunches or light dinners. Serve it on a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Quick & Easy: Takes just 5 minutes to put together
Healthier Twist: Greek yogurt cuts down on the fat while keeping it creamy
Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better as the flavors meld over time
Versatile & Customizable: Serve it in multiple ways—wraps, salads, or sandwiches

Taste & Texture

Creamy & Tangy from the mix of mayo and Greek yogurt
Crunchy & Fresh with celery and walnuts
Juicy & Sweet thanks to the grapes, which add the perfect balance

Dietary Attributes

High-Protein – 38g per serving
Gluten-Free (as long as you skip the bread)
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

16 oz cooked chicken breast (shredded)
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp Greek yogurt
⅓ cup grapes (halved)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
3 tbsp walnuts (chopped)
¼ tsp dried thyme
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of sea salt

Notes on Quality

Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time.
Greek yogurt adds protein and a slight tang—opt for full-fat for the creamiest result.
Red grapes are ideal for sweetness, but green grapes work if you prefer a tart contrast.

Possible Substitutions

Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
Use dairy-free yogurt if you want a completely dairy-free option.
Try canned chicken or leftover roasted chicken if you don’t have time to cook fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shred your cooked chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl.
Add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grapes, celery, walnuts, and thyme. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

For quick shredding, place cooked chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low for about 1 minute.
For extra flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes

Over-mixing can break down the texture too much, so fold gently.
Using too much mayo can make it overly heavy—balance it with Greek yogurt for a lighter taste.

Time-Saving Tips

Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
Make a big batch for meal prep—it stores well for several days.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve with a side of fresh greens, avocado, or a crisp apple for a well-rounded meal.
Pair with whole-grain crackers or pita for a satisfying crunch.

Presentation Ideas

Scoop onto butter lettuce leaves for elegant lettuce wraps.
Serve in a hollowed-out avocado for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Beverage Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy flavors.
For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Avoid freezing, as the mayo and yogurt can separate.

Reheating Methods

This dish is best served cold, so no reheating is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, it’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative or use all mayo.

Troubleshooting

Why is my chicken salad too dry? Add a little extra mayo or Greek yogurt.
Why is it too watery? Drain excess liquid from the grapes before adding them.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

Make it Whole30 or Paleo by using all avocado mayo instead of Greek yogurt.
For a low-fat version, use fat-free Greek yogurt and a light mayo.

Flavor Twists

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples for more sweetness.
Sprinkle in a dash of curry powder for a unique, warm spice.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For fall, add diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon.
For summer, mix in fresh basil or tarragon for a light herbal note.

Conclusion

This Lighter California Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves a fresh, creamy, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick, nutritious lunch, this recipe is a perfect choice.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorites:

Try this Creamy Chicken Marsala for a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner at home

Looking for a quick and easy meal? This Sheet Pan Gnocchi is a game-changer

Want more creamy chicken dishes? This Chicken Marsala will be your new favorite

Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and meal ideas! Check out my boards here

Let me know in the comments how you served your chicken salad, and if you made any fun variations!

Print