These chicken salad containers are perfect for meal prep lunches: creamy, crunchy, protein-packed, and easy to customize. You can prepare several containers ahead for busy weekdays.
Makes
- 4 meal prep containers
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Crunchy Add-Ins
Choose any combination:
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup grapes, halved
- 1 apple, diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
Flavor Boosters
Optional:
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili flakes
- Pickles or relish
For the Containers
Add one or more:
Greens
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Mixed greens
Extra Veggies
- Cherry tomatoes
- Carrot sticks
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli florets
Carbs
- Crackers
- Pita bread
- Croissants
- Tortillas
- Cooked pasta
Equipment
- 4 airtight meal prep containers
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl combine:
- mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- honey
Mix until smooth.
Season with:
- salt
- black pepper
2. Add Chicken
Add cooked chicken to the dressing.
Mix until evenly coated.
3. Add Crunchy Ingredients
Fold in:
- celery
- onions
- fruit
- nuts
or any preferred add-ins.
Do not overmix.
4. Taste and Adjust
Add more:
- lemon juice for brightness
- mayo for creaminess
- seasoning if needed
5. Assemble the Containers
Divide chicken salad among containers.
Add sides separately:
- greens
- vegetables
- crackers or bread
Keeping crunchy ingredients separate helps prevent sogginess.
6. Chill
Refrigerate at least:
- 30 minutes
for best flavor.
Serving Ideas
Eat As:
- sandwich filling
- lettuce wraps
- tortilla wraps
- cracker dip
- stuffed avocado filling
Popular Flavor Variations
Classic Deli Style
Add:
- celery
- parsley
- black pepper
Sweet & Crunchy
Add:
- grapes
- apples
- walnuts
- cranberries
Spicy Version
Add:
- jalapeños
- hot sauce
- chili flakes
Mediterranean Style
Add:
- olives
- feta
- cucumber
- dill
Healthy High-Protein
Use:
- all Greek yogurt instead of mayo
Storage
Refrigerator
- lasts 3–4 days
Do not freeze because mayo-based salads separate after thawing.
Meal Prep Tips
- Store crackers separately.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add avocado fresh before eating.
- Glass containers keep ingredients fresher longer.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Container)
- Calories: 350–500
- Protein: 25–35 g
- Carbs: 10–25 g
- Fat: 18–30 g
