High-Protein Chicken Salad
High-Protein Chicken Salad
Getting in enough protein can be a challenge, but smart ingredient swaps can help you hit your targets without adding
a lot of extra calories, fat, or carbs. This high-protein chicken salad is a true “rotation repeater”: creamy, flavorful,
and perfect for meal prep.
Don’t skip the homemade seasonings: they add big flavor and dimension without relying on heavy add-ins.
- Makes: 4 (1-cup) servings
- Per serving: 175 calories, 22g protein, 6g fat, 3g carbs
- Best for: Meal prep, quick lunches, high-protein snacks
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, seasoned with barbecue or buffalo seasoning and baked (see directions below)
Optional swap: 10 oz rotisserie chicken, finely chopped - 3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp avocado mayo
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp pepperoncini, chopped
- Optional: 1 tsp additional buffalo or barbecue seasoning (to boost flavor)
Directions
- Cook the chicken:
Season chicken tenderloins with your preferred homemade seasoning (buffalo or barbecue).
Bake at 375°F for 22 minutes, or until fully cooked. Cool, then chop finely. - Mix the salad:
Add chopped chicken to a large bowl. Add eggs, celery, Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, salt, pepper, and pepperoncini.
Mix until evenly combined. - Adjust seasoning:
For more flavor, add 1 tsp additional buffalo or barbecue seasoning and mix again. - Chill:
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to let flavors develop.
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce cups
- Over mixed greens
- On whole-grain toast
- With sliced cucumbers or whole-grain crackers
Homemade Seasoning Options
Classic Barbecue Seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients and store in a sealed jar for up to 2–3 weeks.
Classic Buffalo Seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Combine all ingredients and store in a sealed jar for up to 2–3 weeks.
Nutrition
Makes: 4 (1-cup) servings
Per serving: 175 calories | 22g protein | 6g fat | 3g carbohydrates