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Home Recipes Course Lunch & Dinner Sandwiches & Wraps Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad
GF Gluten-Free

Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad

Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe
Posted:7/21/21
Updated:7/22/21
chicken salad bowl, wrap and halved sandwich on cutting board

A new healthy spin on chicken salad using dried cherries, pecans and yogurt. An updated classic for wraps, croissants, sandwiches and more.

cherry chicken salad sandwich on board

If I am being completely honest I don’t love the typical chicken salad recipe – mainly because MAYO. Eek. I am just not a big fan of mayo… Unless it’s being disguised as aioli and/or mixed with other super flavorful ingredients that dissolve any idea of mayo being present whatsoever.

Anyone else know what I mean? 

But I still love the IDEA of chicken salad and I love changing things up.

Why You’ll Love This

If you’re looking for a healthy chicken salad you must try this recipe!

It is:

  • Easy to make (and quick)
  • Made healthier with greek yogurt instead of mayo
  • Can be made gluten-free using your favorite bread, wrap, or lettuce wrap
  • Makes for a great meal prep recipe for a healthy lunch

I think you need this in your life!

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

cut chicken salad wrap on wooden board

A fun twist on the classic recipe, using dried cherries instead of grapes/raisins, throwing some pecans in there and mixing it all up with some seasoning and YOGURT.

I actually used a 1.5% milkfat Skyr but you can use a 2% Greek yogurt as well. I personally wouldn’t do a 0% here because I think the fat helps add more creaminess and keeps it from being too tart. But up to you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • cubed cooked chicken breast
  • dried cherries
  • diced celery
  • chopped pecans
  • skyr or Greek yogurt
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • salt & pepper
  • bread, wraps, salad greens, etc. for serving
How to make Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad

How to Make Chicken Salad

For the chicken I poached (boiled in water) about 1.5lbs organic chicken breast until the internal temperature reached 165ºF. Then cut it into chunks after it cooled.

While the chicken is boiling you dice the celery and chop the pecans.

Next is just throwing it all in together and serving it up on your choice of bread, wraps or even on a bed of salad greens.

I opted to add avocado as well because why not?

ways to enjoy healthy cherry chicken salad

Ways to Enjoy

Chicken Salad Sandwich – Use your favorite gluten free bread or ciabatta bread if you’re looking for more of a restaurant style meal. Or even a pretzel bun!

Chicken Salad Wrap – Place chicken salad in a whole wheat tortilla, top with lettuce and your favorite toppings, carefully rollup, and slice wraps in half.

Chicken Salad Bowl – Add salad greens, chicken salad, avocados, and green onion to a bowl if you’re looking for a lighter meal.

Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap – Serve chicken salad mixture and favorite toppings in lettuce wraps. Enjoy!

Storing

Chicken salad is the perfect go-to healthy meal prep recipes because it lasts almost a full week in the fridge. If you want to make it last longer you can prep it separately and mix together when you are ready to eat it.

This recipe keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 5 days. 

I hope you enjoy this chicken salad as much as we did!

Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx, Ashley

Print

Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad

cherry chicken salad sandwich on board
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Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad – the classic go-to for wraps, croissants, sandwiches and more. This recipe is made healthier using yogurt, dried cherries, celery, pecans and seasoning. Perfect for packed lunches, picnics, meal prep and more.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: lunch
  • Method: mix
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed (about 1lb package)
  • 1 cup plain 2% or full-fat skyr or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 salt & pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 1 stalk)
  • 3/4 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • for serving: wraps, lettuce cups, salad greens, sandwich bread, etc.

Instructions

  1. Add chopped chicken, yogurt, and spices to bowl first. Then add diced celery, cherries, and chopped pecans. Using large rubber spatula or spoon, stir together until well combined.
  2. Distribue cherry chicken salad onto bread for sandwiches, wraps, into lettuce cups, on top of salad greens, and more.
  3. Store leftovers in covered container about 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th
  • Calories: 194
  • Sugar: 14
  • Sodium: 224
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 22
  • Cholesterol: 47

Keywords: healthy chicken salad, no mayo chicken salad, easy lunch

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitmittenkitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #fitmittenkitchen

About Ashley

"Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy."

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Reader Interactions

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  1. Danielle Brinks says

    8/17/2018 at 8:27 am

    How many servings does this recipe make?

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      8/24/2018 at 9:25 am

      Should serve about 4 large portions or 6 medium – I updated the recipe card. Thanks!

      Reply

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