Easy high-protein chicken salad

Published on 5 July 2026 at 14:55

If you want something quick, filling, and cheap that still hits your protein target, this one’s a staple worth keeping on repeat — no fancy ingredients, no long ingredient list.

Why It Works

Chicken breast is one of the most affordable, highest-protein foods you can buy, and pairing it with simple veggies and a light yogurt-based dressing keeps this recipe both budget-friendly and satisfying, without feeling like “diet food.”

Ingredients (serves 4)

400g chicken breast

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cucumber, diced

250g cherry tomatoes, halved

½ red onion, thinly sliced

100g sweetcorn (canned or frozen)

3 tbsp plain yogurt

1 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.

2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sweetcorn.

4. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder to make the dressing.

5. Add the chicken to the bowl with the vegetables, pour the dressing over the top, and toss well.

FAQ

Can I make this even faster?

Yes — use leftover cooked chicken or a store rotisserie chicken to skip the cooking step entirely.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 2 days in a sealed container, making it great for meal-prepped lunches.

Can I make it lower calorie?

Swap the mayonnaise for extra yogurt — it’ll still taste creamy with less fat.

 

Save this one for busy weekdays — it’s proof that eating enough protein doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.