High Protein Chicken Salad – Easy Summer Salad with Greek Dressing & Parmesan
Looking for new summer salad recipes that check all the boxes for flavor, nutrition, and convenience? This high protein chicken salad is the ideal choice. Tender chicken seasoned with Cajun and Italian spices pairs perfectly with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, while parmesan cheese adds that bold, savory finish. It’s one of those easy summer salads that works as a quick lunch, a make ahead salad for busy weekdays, or a standout dish at BBQs. If you’re following a gluten free lifestyle or just love healthy salad recipes that actually taste amazing, this one’s for you!
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 10 minutes
· Total Time: 20 minutes
· Servings: 2
· Calories: 310 per serving
· Protein: 33g per serving
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
· Over 30g of protein per serving – perfect for a filling summer dinner salad.
· Fresh herbs and bold Cajun flavor make this a flavorful healthy salad recipe.
· Low carb and gluten free – great for anyone seeking lighter meals.
· Ready in under 30 minutes – great for meal prep or a quick weekday meal.
· Pairs well with other summer produce salad ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, or greens.
Ingredients
· 0.234 kg chicken breast or thigh, raw weight
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon Cajun spice
· ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
· Olive oil spray
· ¼ cup high protein Greek yogurt
· 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
· 3 teaspoons Greek spice blend
· ½ cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Bring pot of water to a boil and cook pasta for 10 mins al dente style.
2. Season chicken on both sides with salt, Cajun spice, and Italian seasoning blend.
3. Cook chicken in air fryer at 390F for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Greek spice blend to make the dressing.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or cubes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over top and toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later as a make ahead salad.
Nutrition
· Calories: 310
· Protein: 33g
· Fiber: 1g
Tips & Customizations
· Swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian summer salad.
· Add chopped romaine, arugula, or baby spinach to turn this into a full summer produce salad.
· Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an aromatic fresh herb salad.
· Make a large bowl salad recipe by doubling the ingredients for a family-style meal.
· Serve as an easy BBQ side salad with grilled corn, skewers, or veggie platters.
Meal Prep & Storage
This salad works perfectly for make ahead salad prep. Store the chicken and dressing in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, toss everything together and enjoy a fresh summer side dish without any extra work!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and save on cooking time.
Q: Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Q: How can I make this more filling?
A: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or toss in cooked chickpeas.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Omit the chicken and sub with grilled tofu or extra Greek yogurt for protein.
Final Thoughts
This high protein chicken salad is one of those go-to summer salad recipes that never disappoints. With a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, bold spices, and rich parmesan, it brings the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Serve it as a summer dinner salad, bring it as a BBQ side salad, or prep it ahead for lunches—it's endlessly versatile. Try it once and you'll be hooked on this delicious, easy summer salad.
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What twists would you make?
