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15 High-Protein Chicken Salads (Fresh, Filling & Easy)

You know that one meal that actually makes you feel healthy and full? Yep, we’re talking about high-protein chicken salads—the kind that make you forget you’re technically eating something “good for you.”

These recipes aren’t the sad, soggy lettuce situations we’ve all endured. They’re juicy, vibrant, packed with flavor, and loaded with protein to keep you full for hours. Whether you’re on a fitness journey, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to balance out last night’s pizza (no judgment), these salads are the upgrade your kitchen needs.

The best part? They’re super customizable. From Mediterranean bowls with feta and olives to creamy curried chicken with apples and almonds, you’ll find a flavor that fits every mood. Let’s dig in. 🍴

Why High-Protein Chicken Salads Rock

  • They keep you full longer: Protein curbs hunger better than carbs alone.
  • They’re versatile: Eat them cold, warm, or stuffed into wraps.
  • They’re meal-prep friendly: Most last 3–4 days in the fridge.
  • They’re not boring. Seriously—these salads slap.

Course: Main Course / Lunch
Cuisine: Global Fusion
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
Servings: 2–4 depending on recipe
Calories: 350–500 (average per serving)

1. Classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ½ cup light Caesar dressing
  • Optional: 1 boiled egg for extra protein

Instructions:

  1. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  2. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Toss lettuce with dressing and top with chicken, Parmesan, and croutons.
  4. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Simple, fresh, and satisfying.

Pro Tip: Want it lighter? Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas.

2. Greek Chicken Salad Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp oregano

Instructions:

  1. Combine chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
  2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and oregano for dressing.
  3. Toss everything and top with feta.
  4. Chill for 20 minutes before serving—it gets even better as it sits.

Calories: ~420 per serving
Protein: ~35g

3. Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple mix)
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup edamame
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • Dressing: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp ginger paste

Instructions:

  1. Mix veggies and chicken in a bowl.
  2. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour over salad and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Sprinkle with almonds and sesame seeds before serving.

Taste Tip: Add crispy wonton strips if you want crunch!

4. Southwest Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce
  • Dressing: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp cumin, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Stir dressing until creamy and toss everything together.
  3. Serve topped with tortilla strips for texture.

Calories: ~430
Protein: ~40g

5. Chicken Cobb Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 boiled eggs, halved
  • 4 strips turkey bacon, crumbled
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 3 cups lettuce
  • Ranch or balsamic dressing

Instructions:

  1. Arrange lettuce in a bowl.
  2. Line toppings in neat rows (Instagram it if you must).
  3. Drizzle dressing and dig in.

Pro Tip: Swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer something milder.

6. Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
  • 3 cups mixed greens
  • ½ cup celery, diced
  • ¼ cup carrots, shredded
  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
  • Ranch dressing for drizzle

Instructions:

  1. Toss chicken in buffalo sauce until coated.
  2. Layer greens, celery, and carrots.
  3. Add chicken and top with blue cheese and ranch.

Calories: ~380
Protein: ~42g

7. Avocado Chicken Power Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • ¼ cup corn
  • ¼ red onion, finely diced
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • Cilantro, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Add lime juice and toss gently.
  3. Chill 10 minutes before serving.

Note: This one doubles as a dip if you mash the avocado slightly!

8. Berry Chicken Superfood Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 cups spinach
  • ½ cup strawberries, sliced
  • ¼ cup blueberries
  • ¼ cup goat cheese
  • ¼ cup pecans
  • Dressing: 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Toss spinach with dressing.
  2. Add chicken, berries, cheese, and nuts.
  3. It’s sweet, tangy, and Instagram-worthy.

9. Chicken Quinoa Protein Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup corn
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle lemon and olive oil.
  3. Serve warm or cold—it’s good both ways.

10. Pesto Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 3 tbsp basil pesto
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup mozzarella pearls
  • Mixed greens

Instructions:

  1. Mix chicken with pesto until coated.
  2. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and greens.
  3. Toss and serve chilled.

11. Mediterranean Chicken & Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups grilled chicken
  • 1 cup chickpeas
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup feta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Lemon juice, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients.
  2. Toss with dressing and top with feta.

Pro Tip: Add chopped mint for extra Mediterranean flair.

12. Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cabbage
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced
  • Dressing: 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, ½ tsp ginger

Instructions:

  1. Whisk dressing until smooth.
  2. Toss veggies and chicken.
  3. Pour dressing and coat evenly.

Calories: ~410
Protein: ~38g

13. Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • 1 apple, diced
  • ½ cup celery, sliced
  • ¼ cup walnuts
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix yogurt, honey, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until coated.
  3. Serve chilled or in lettuce cups.

14. Spicy Taco Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken
  • ½ cup black beans
  • ½ cup corn
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Dressing: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt + 1 tsp taco seasoning + lime juice

Instructions:

  1. Mix dressing and toss everything together.
  2. Add crushed tortilla chips on top if you like crunch.

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~40g

15. Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp mayo
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp almonds, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Mix yogurt, mayo, and curry powder.
  2. Stir in chicken, raisins, and almonds.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serve: Over greens or in a wrap.

Final Thoughts

Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring—and these high-protein chicken salads prove it. Each one is quick, delicious, and packed with enough nutrients to power you through your busiest days.

Whether you’re into Mediterranean freshness, spicy Mexican vibes, or creamy comfort, you’ll find a combo here that makes meal prep exciting again.

So, grab that leftover chicken, toss it with something zesty, and make yourself a bowl that’s equal parts tasty and wholesome. Your stomach (and your future self) will thank you. 😉

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