35g Protein High-Protein Chicken Salad That Fights Hunger

You know those days when lunchtime rolls around and you’re staring at the fridge, desperate for something that won’t leave you starving by 3pm? That’s exactly why this High-Protein Chicken Salad became my meal prep hero. I first whipped it up during a crazy workweek when takeout was tempting me daily – and wow, did it save me! Packed with 35g of protein per serving and ready in minutes, it keeps me full for hours without the dreaded afternoon slump. The best part? No cooking required – just toss everything together while your coffee brews in the morning. Trust me, your future self will thank you when lunchtime hits.

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Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is my go-to for so many reasons – let me count the ways:

• Meal prep magic: Whip up a batch on Sunday and you’ve got lunches ready for days
• Protein powerhouse: Packed with 35g of protein to keep you full and focused
• No-cook convenience: Just mix and chill – perfect for hot summer days
• Creamy without the guilt: Greek yogurt gives that rich texture without heavy mayo
• Crunch factor: Those almonds add the perfect satisfying bite

Seriously, it’s the lunch that keeps on giving – tasty, filling, and so easy to make.

Ingredients for High-Protein Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this protein-packed lunch magic happen:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (I like to use leftovers from last night’s dinner)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (the thick, full-fat kind gives the best texture)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for that perfect tangy kick
• 1/2 cup celery, diced nice and small
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (trust me, this makes all the difference)
• 1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped for crunch
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten everything up

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – here’s how to adapt:

• Swap Greek yogurt for mayo if you prefer, or use half of each
• Walnuts or pecans work great instead of almonds
• No red onion? Try green onions for milder flavor
• For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 avocado (add right before serving)
• Vegetarian? Chickpeas make an awesome chicken substitute. Chickpeas work great in salads too.

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is – make it your own.

How to Make High-Protein Chicken Salad

Okay, let’s get mixing. This comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to lick the spoon (not that I’d judge you for trying). Here’s how I make it:

1. Start with the base: In your favorite big mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard. Really get in there with your hands or a spatula – you want every bit coated in that creamy goodness.
2. Add the crunch: Throw in your diced celery, finely chopped red onion (don’t skip this – it adds such great bite), and those chopped almonds. Mix gently but thoroughly – we’re going for even distribution here.
3. Season to perfection: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Taste as you go – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon if it needs more brightness.
4. The secret step: Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors get to know each other and makes the texture absolutely magical.

That’s it, Four simple steps to lunchtime bliss. I told you this was easy.

Tips for the Best High-Protein Chicken Salad

Here are my hard-earned tricks for chicken salad greatness:

• Shred chicken while it’s still warm – it absorbs flavors better
• Toast those almonds first for extra nutty deliciousness
• Letting it chill overnight? Hold back some almonds to add fresh
• Too thick? A splash of chicken broth loosens it perfectly
• Taste after mixing – sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt

Serving Suggestions for High-Protein Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is crazy versatile – here’s how I love to serve it:

• Classic sandwich: Piled high on whole-grain bread with crisp lettuce
• Wrap it up: In a spinach tortilla with avocado slices
• Salad style: Over a bed of mixed greens for extra crunch
• Protein bowls: With quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of balsamic
• Cracker snack: Scooped onto whole-grain crackers for quick bites

My personal favorite? Stuffed into a ripe avocado half – so creamy, so satisfying.

Storing & Meal Prepping High-Protein Chicken Salad

Here’s the scoop on keeping your chicken salad fresh and tasty all week long. I always store mine in airtight glass containers – they keep flavors fresh without any weird plastic tastes. This beauty lasts up to 3 days in the fridge (though mine never makes it that long). Pro tip: Keep the almonds separate if meal prepping ahead, and toss them in right before eating for maximum crunch. For single servings, I love using small mason jars – just grab and go in the morning.

High-Protein Chicken Salad Nutrition

Now, nutrition facts can vary based on your exact ingredients (I’m looking at you, almond-overload version I sometimes make), but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of this powerhouse salad:

• 320 calories – perfect for a satisfying lunch
• 35g protein – hello, muscle fuel
• 10g carbs with 3g fiber – great balance
• 12g fat (mostly the good kind from almonds and yogurt)
• 480mg sodium – easy to adjust by reducing salt

The best part? This keeps you full for hours without the sugar crash. My trainer friends go wild for these numbers – and honestly, so does my growling stomach at 2pm.

FAQs About High-Protein Chicken Salad

Got questions? I’ve got answers. Here are the things people ask me most about this protein-packed lunch lifesaver:

Share Your High-Protein Chicken Salad

Did you make this protein-packed lunch hero? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below with your favorite twists or snap a pic for Instagram – tag me so I can see your delicious creations. Your feedback makes my day. Follow along for more great ideas.