Classic High-Protein Chicken & Egg Salad

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken breast provides the main protein source. I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience—it’s already cooked and adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or tofu can be great substitutes.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: These add richness and additional protein. If you’re short on time, store-bought pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs are an option. For a vegan twist, consider using avocado or silken tofu to create a creamy texture without eggs.

Greek Yogurt: This is used for the base. I love it for the extra protein and tangy flavor. If you are lactose intolerant, dairy-free yogurt or a tahini mix would work well here. You might also try cottage cheese for a slightly different flavor!

Celery: It brings a nice crunch to the salad. You can easily replace it with diced bell peppers or cucumbers if you prefer. Both add a refreshing crunch without changing the salad’s essence.

How Do You Make Sure Your Hard-Boiled Eggs Are Perfect?

Cooking the perfect hard-boiled egg can be tricky! Here’s a reliable method: Start by placing eggs in a pot and covering them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover pot for 10-12 minutes. After the time’s up, put them in ice water to stop the cooking. This helps in getting that perfect yolk!

• Cool in ice water for 5-10 minutes to firm up the whites.
• When peeling, gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack them, making it easier to remove the shell.

Using these techniques will help you achieve a bright yellow yolk without the greenish tinge and a tender egg white!

Classic High-Protein Chicken & Egg Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess and protein)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish
• 4 cups fresh lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce), washed and dried

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10 minutes for boiling and cooling the eggs. Overall, plan for around 25-30 minutes to prepare this delicious salad, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:

First, let’s get those eggs ready! Place the eggs in a pot, cover them with water, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes. After that, drain the water and cool the eggs in ice water to make peeling easier.

2. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:

In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, and chopped chives. If you’re using fresh dill, toss that in too! Give it a gentle mix to combine the ingredients.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if you choose to use it), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy; this will be the delicious dressing for your salad!

4. Mix Everything Together:

Pour the dressing you just made over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir until everything is well coated and combined. This is where all the flavors come together!

5. Prepare for Serving:

Arrange your fresh lettuce leaves on a large serving plate or bowl, creating a lovely base for the salad.

6. Add the Chicken Salad Mixture:

Now, scoop and spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the lettuce, spreading it evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.

7. Top with Egg Quarters:

Arrange the quartered hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad, placing them evenly for a pretty presentation!

8. Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the top with extra chopped chives and a light dusting of paprika for a beautiful finish. It adds a touch of color and a hint of flavor!

9. Enjoy:

Now, you’re ready to serve your Classic High-Protein Chicken & Egg Salad! It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy it as is or with your favorite side!

This salad is a perfect high-protein meal option that’s creamy, fresh, and easily adaptable by adding crunchy nuts or fresh herbs for a personalized touch!

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I Make This Salad in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep the chicken salad mixture separate from the lettuce until you’re ready to serve, to keep the lettuce crisp. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day! Just give it a stir before serving.

What Other Ingredients Can I Add?

Feel free to customize your salad! You can add ingredients like diced apples for sweetness, chopped nuts for crunch, or additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra freshness and texture.