Moroccan-Spiced Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad (15-minute lunch)

Truth be told, I’ve never been a fan of chicken salad as I found it too full of mayo for my own liking, and I was never a fan of the grapes either.

After getting a taste of chicken salad at a party years ago, I kept thinking about how delicious it was and knew my own chicken salad recipe needed to happen! We put an AK twist on chicken salad that’s a bit lighter than the traditional version and packed with unique spices and tons of flavor.

When I first posted this greek yogurt chicken salad back in 2019, it was such a huge hit with AK readers that I knew I had to share it again. Get this on your weekday lunch menu ASAP!

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The AK take on traditional chicken salad

If you grew up on the mayo-and-grape-filled chicken salad, you know what I mean when I say chicken salad could use a little upgrade. We lightened up this healthy chicken salad recipe by using protein-packed greek yogurt instead of mayo, which adds the perfect creaminess and tang.

Delicious, Moroccan-inspired spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin take the flavor of this greek yogurt chicken salad to the next level. It’s super fresh while having that cozy, comforting flavor. AMAZING.

What’s in this greek yogurt chicken salad?

This greek yogurt chicken salad recipe is made with minimal, fresh ingredients and is packed with protein thanks to plain greek yogurt. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this healthy chicken salad recipe:

• Chicken: you’ll need some cooked, diced, or shredded chicken breast. Try one of our easy ways to cook chicken before making this recipe, or use a rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have!
• Yogurt: you’ll need some plain greek yogurt, which will act as the base (and traditionally, the mayo) in this recipe.
• Tahini: this is optional, but I love the flavor and extra creaminess that tahini gives the chicken salad.
• Mustard: a little dijon mustard adds the perfect tangy element.
• Spices: we’re adding some warming, Moroccan-inspired spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin to create a wonderful flavor. Add some cayenne if you want a hint of spice, and don’t forget plenty of fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste.
• Herbs: for a lovely freshness, you’ll need parsley, cilantro, and green onion.
• Mix-ins: finally, we’re swapping the traditional grapes for sweet dried cherries and crunchy pecans!

Make it your way

As I mentioned, this greek yogurt chicken salad is absolutely delicious as-is, but feel free to customize with what you have on hand:

• Make it vegetarian: if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for mashed chickpeas or even cubed tofu.
• Make it dairy-free: simply use your favorite plain, dairy-free greek yogurt.
• Use mayo: if you are a big mayo lover, no shame! Feel free to use it in place of the greek yogurt, or do half and half.
• Choose your mix-ins: feel free to also use toasted, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or raisins.

How to toast nuts

I love the flavor that toasted almonds and pecans add to the salad, and it’s so easy to toast them right at home!

1. Add nuts to a skillet and place over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until they are slightly golden brown.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding them to the salad.

Healthy chicken salad in 3 easy steps

This healthy greek yogurt chicken salad recipe is incredibly easy to make, which makes it the perfect meal prep lunch.

1. Mix the base. Combine the yogurt, tahini, mustard, and all of those spices in a large bowl. Mix until they’re well combined.
2. Add the mix-ins. Add in the chicken, herbs, tart cherries, and nuts until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you like.
3. Serve & enjoy! Serve the greek yogurt chicken salad with crackers, in lettuce cups, on bread, and more.

It’s a great way to get in a good amount of protein for lunch. You can also double the recipe and bring it to potlucks, BBQs, and picnics!

Our fav ways to enjoy greek yogurt chicken salad

As I mentioned, the options are truly endless for serving and enjoying this salad! Here are some of our favs:

• Serve it at your next BBQ with your favorite crackers like these 4-Ingredient Paleo Crackers or pita chips
• Add it to lettuce cups or even a collard wrap for a low-carb, grain-free lunch option
• Top your go-to sandwich bread (homemade, anyone?), add it to a bun, or fill a pita pocket

Storing tips

This healthy greek yogurt chicken salad should last 3-5 days in the fridge. After you make it, just be sure to cover it and place it in an airtight container. Once ready to serve, simply place in lettuce cups, on a bun, or in a sandwich! Yum.

More lunch recipes you’ll love

Get all of our delicious lunch recipes here!

I know you’re going to love this healthy greek yogurt chicken salad recipe, please let me know if you make it by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on June 20, 2019, republished on July 25, 2021, and republished on February 24th, 2026.