High Protein Pepperoncini Chicken Salad (Print version)

Tangy, high-protein chicken with pepperoncini, crisp veggies and creamy yogurt-Dijon dressing—fresh, filling, and quick.

# What you'll need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup celery, diced
03 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 cup pepperoncini, sliced and drained

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%)
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine (juice from jar)
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Add-Ins & Garnishes

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Optional: mixed greens or whole grain wraps for serving

# Method:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and sliced pepperoncini.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), pepperoncini brine, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine and evenly coat all components.
04 - Fold in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if necessary.
05 - Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over mixed greens, inside a whole grain wrap, or as a sandwich filling as desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Adding pepperoncini makes every forkful surprisingly lively—it’s a flavor twist you’ll crave again and again.
  • Packed with protein and ready in under 40 minutes, it saves you on the busiest days and keeps you full for hours.
02 -
  • Too much brine will drown the salad—measure it, don’t just pour, or you’ll learn the hard way.
  • Letting it chill for 20 minutes after mixing brings all the flavors together in the best way.
03 -
  • Chop all your veggies in advance so assembly is lightning-fast on busy days.
  • Whisk the dressing till completely smooth before adding to the salad—it’s the difference between good and unforgettable.