This Lightened Up Zesty Chicken Salad is filled with tender chicken, fresh bacon, and corn, combined with a light dressing!
Now that we’re officially into the first week of May, I’ve got warm weather food on the brain.
I dream of grilling burgers, feasting on salads, and devouring lots of fresh fruit for dessert. While the hubster and I have been indulging in some of our summer favorites already, I can’t wait till the season is actually in full swing. I’m jumping just a little bit ahead of myself, though, since spring started not too long ago!
One of my favorite dishes to indulge in year round (but specifically when the weather gets nicer) is chicken salad. It’s a great addition to sandwiches and makes a delicious lunch or dinner. And since it’s been a while since I’ve had it, I decided to whip some up so that it cures my summer food cravings.
But unlike regular chicken salad, this Lightened Up Zesty Chicken Salad is filled with tender chicken, fresh bacon, and corn, combined with a light dressing.
Instead of using mayonnaise as the base, I used a mixture of nonfat, plain Greek yogurt and just a touch of mayonnaise. The Greek yogurt lightens up this salad, without sacrificing the calories. And anything that cuts the calories (and fat content) in half is a winner in my book.
Did I mention the how delicious this Lightened Up Zesty Chicken Salad is?
By using rotisserie chicken, bacon, corn, and just the right amount of spices, this salad blends together to create the ultimate dish. And while bacon isn’t exactly calorie-friendly, you’ll only use a few pieces to provide a smoky flavor. Combined with the Greek yogurt and a hint of mayo, this salad makes the perfect lunch, dinner, or evening snack.
And because the ingredients are simple, it takes just minutes to whip up this flavorful dish. Simply combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, bacon, corn, and spices until well blended. Add in the chicken, stir to combine, and this chicken salad is ready to be inhaled.
This Lightened Up Zesty Chicken Salad is perfect to serve on some fresh bread as a sandwich, straight from a bowl as a traditional salad, or my favorite: on an avocado!
Since I could pretty much eat avocados all day, every day, I knew this chicken salad was almost begging to be the topping for this veggie. And let me tell you, this combo is out-of-this-world-good! If you love avocados, then you’ve got to try chicken salad as a topper. You’ll fall in love, I guarantee it!
So the next time your summer (or anytime) craving strikes, whip up this Lightened Up Zesty Chicken. Creamy Salad, light and calorie-friendly, this will be your go-to chicken salad.
Looking for more salad recipes? I’ve got you covered!
Lightened Up Zesty Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken I used the shredded rotisserie chicken that you can find near the deli section of your grocery store
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Dash of salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup fresh or frozen corn
- 5 pieces of bacon drained, cooked, and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, corn, and bacon. Add in the chicken and toss to combine.
- Serve on halved avocados, a roll, or bread, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Mir says
I’m always a fan of tricked-out chicken salad! This one looks really fun and edgy, Gayle! Dinner at your house must always be one happy surprise after another!
Gayle says
Haha thanks, Mir! I have to say that this is one meal that I make over and over again!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
This looks so good, Gayle! Chicken salad is one of my favorite lunch or light dinner options, but I’ve never tried adding corn and bacon to the mix. I bet it tastes delicious. Pinned! I need to make this soon! Add bacon to it and even my husband would enjoy this lightened-up meal. 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, Blair! The bacon and corn give it a great burst of flavor!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
This would be a great recipe to make and store in the refrigerator for weekdays. 😀
Gayle says
Definitely, Erin! Thanks!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I love chicken salad and it does just feel so summery! I’m not a big mayo fan, so I always cut it or replace it with Greek yogurt. It’s such a great trick. And um – the bacon in here. Yeah, I’m going to need that for sure!
Gayle says
I love sneaking in greek yogurt whenever I can, too! And yes, anything with bacon equals a winner!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I am so with you on wanting to eat ALL the summer foods! But, with all that eating, I’ll need something to be lighter….enter this amazing chicken salad! I love that you used Greek yogurt here. Extra protein <3 Pinned!
Gayle says
Thanks so much, Taylor! It’s the perfect lighter dish without sacrificing flavor!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I love finding new chicken salad recipes. It is perfect for lunch during the summer. I want to pile it high on some crackers!
Gayle says
Thank you, Ashley!
Heather - Butter & Burlap says
I know what you mean, my brain is on the summer foods too! I love love love chicken salad, definitely one of my go-to meals for lunch during a busy work week. And chicken salad with bacon? Yes please!
Gayle says
Thanks, Heather! This is definitely the ultimate chicken salad!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Gayle, I LOVE how you amped up this chicken salad!!! what a great idea!!! I seriously love this!
Gayle says
Thank you, Alice!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
I’m so excited for all things summer especially the food. Love this lightened up chicken salad! With the Greek mayo and rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect lunch for spring and summer! <3
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly! The rotisserie chicken is my favorite kind to use in here. Makes it extra delish! 🙂
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I’m SO excited for grilling and fresh fruit galore! This chicken salad looks delicious and perfect for a picnic!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Taylor!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
Ahhhh! Two great ideas…Greek yogurt and avocado. Sometimes there’s nothing better than the perfect chicken salad sandwich and this one fits the bill! Thanks, Gayle!
Gayle says
Thanks so much, Annie! The two just go perfectly together!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
This chicken salad seriously sounds SO amazing, Gayle! And the fact that it’s lightened-up and skinny? I may just need a spoon and I’ll be good to go. 😉 Love the idea of serving it in an avocado. Totally up my alley. D
Gayle says
I definitely won’t judge if you just eat it with a spoon! 🙂 Thanks, Sarah!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I love chicken salad! This versions sounds phenomenal, especially with bacon. I am going to need to make this asap!
Gayle says
Thanks, Jen! I hope you love it if you try it!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Yum Gayle! Chicken salad is one of my favorites. I love the addition of bacon and corn here. I also appreciate that you lightened it up. I can eat avocados all day long too!
Gayle says
It’s the perfect combination of ingredients! Thanks, Rachelle!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Looks so delicious Gayle and lightened up is always better!! Love the additon of corn here too!
Gayle says
Thank you, Ami! I love the corn in here, too…so perfect for summer!
Oriana @ Mommyhood's Diary says
This chicken salad looks super good Gayle!! Since my little daughter was diagnosed with egg allergy I love to use greek yogurt as a mayo substitute. This is perfect for a picnic!!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by, Oriana! And I agree, this chicken salad is perfect for picnics!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I love the bacon and corn additions in this chicken salad! That’s such a great idea. Definitely trying this one, it looks fantastic!
Gayle says
Thanks, Stacey! I hope you love it if you try it!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
This is such a great option because if you use an avocado its low carb! And I love that your substituted greek yogurt, yay for protein! It’s the perfect summer lunch.
Pinned!
Gayle says
Yes! I love that too, Mariah! Thanks so much for the chicken salad love and pin!
mira says
Looks like the perfect chicken salad Gayle! So pretty and I’m sure tastes delicious! Trying it soon!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mira! It’s my favorite summer salad!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This chicken salad looks divine! Definitely one of my favourite recipes to make during the warmer months! 😀
Gayle says
Thank you, Jess!
Nora @ Savory Nothings says
I can’t stop thinking about warm weather foods! This chicken salad looks so delicious Gayle, and perfect for sunny days! Love that it’s on the lighter side!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the chicken salad love, Nora!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
Chicken salad is one of my favorites. I love that you lightened it up. I also love the idea of eating it in an avocado!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelley! I love eating it in an avocado too, so tasty!
Savita @ ChefDeHome says
I love salad and lightened-up versions are my special favorite! Great share, Gayle, also beautiful clicks.
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Savita!
lindsay says
OMG bacon? yes please! love the greek yogurt addition
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Lindsay!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
I am so excited about summer food too! Right now it’s cold and raining, but I am dreaming of warmer days! This chicken salad is so perfect for warm weather — pinned!
Gayle says
Yes! Bring on the warm weather! Thanks for the pin, Ashley!
Sherri @ The Well Floured Kitchen says
I am ready for summer food too! This salad has so many great flavors going on- yum!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the chicken salad love, Sherri!
Danielle says
I love chicken salad, but haven’t ever had a version like this one. This looks sooooo good, Gayle! I’m loving that you served it in avocados too, such a great idea.
Gayle says
Thanks, Danielle! The extra ingredients definitely kick it up a notch!
Cali @ Cali's Cuisine says
This is a great idea for leftover roast chicken. I don’t know why I don’t think of preparing chicken salad…thanks for the inspiration!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by, Cali!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
I also dream of grilling and backyard gatherings and lemonade 🙂 Love the zesty spin on this chicken salad. Delish
Gayle says
Thank you, Kathy!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
What a perfect picnic recipe! This looks delicious!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I am ready to jump ahead to summer foods too! Love how you’ve lightened up this chicken salad and bacon and corn sound like such great additions!
Gayle says
Thanks, Christin! It’s gives this dish an extra boost!
Ashley says
I can definitely eat avocados all day too! Love the idea to serve this in them! And it sounds fantastic – I don’t think I’ve made chicken salad since last summer!
Gayle says
Thanks, Ashley! I haven’t made chicken salad in long time either, so it was time I did! 🙂
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
My stomach just sang as I was looking through your pictures! What a great recipe, Gayle! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Olivia!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
Oh man Gayle!! I want some of this for lunch today, tomorrow and the next. I love chicken salad!! And yay for warmer weather!! At least for you, hehe. Its to hot here. 😉 PS love your photos! Gorgeous!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, friend!
Melissa @ Bits of Umami says
I love how you skinnified this! Yay for greek yogurt. Quickly becoming my best friend. Also loving the addition of corn in here. Yummmmy!
Gayle says
Thanks so much for the kind words, Melissa!
Marcie says
Chicken salads can be so heavy, so I love that you lightened this up with Greek yogurt, but that it’s still indulgent with bacon! This is perfect food for a summer day!
Gayle says
Thank you, Marcie!