Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Pitas: The High-Protein Lunch Hack You’ll Crave All Week
Skip the sad desk salad. This is the 10-minute power lunch that actually tastes like a treat. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Pitas bring creamy, crunchy, zesty bite in every chew—and you don’t need a culinary diploma to pull it off.
Think: rotisserie chicken meets Mediterranean freshness with a macro-friendly twist. Big flavor, small effort, zero food regret. That’s the move.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
It’s protein-packed without the mayo bomb. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang while delivering serious protein and fewer calories.
Your macros will say “thank you.”
It’s fast. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken means this meal lands on your plate in under 15 minutes. That’s faster than scrolling delivery apps.
It’s fresh and crunchy. Celery, cucumbers, dill, and lemon brighten the entire mix. The kind of crunch that makes you nod mid-bite.
You know the one.
It’s meal-prep friendly. Make the salad once, then stuff pitas on demand. No soggy sadness, just smart assembly.
It’s wildly versatile. Switch herbs, add heat, go low-carb with lettuce wraps—this base plays nice with basically everything.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus 1/2 teaspoon zest, optional)
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (balances the tang)
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (or 2 scallions, sliced)
- 3/4 cup cucumber, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or parsley)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but excellent)
- 4–6 pita pockets, halved (whole wheat if you like)
- 1 cup shredded romaine or baby spinach
- Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Let’s Get Cooking – Instructions
- Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey until smooth and glossy.
- Prep the crunch. Dice celery, onion, and cucumber. Quarter cherry tomatoes.
Chop dill. Keep cuts small for easier stuffing and better texture.
- Combine. Add chicken, celery, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and dill to the bowl. Fold gently until everything is coated.
Stir in feta and olives if using.
- Taste and adjust. Add a pinch more salt, squeeze of lemon, or drizzle of olive oil as needed. If it feels too thick, loosen with 1–2 teaspoons water.
- Warm the pitas. Toast in a dry skillet for 30–60 seconds per side or microwave briefly to make them pliable. Split into pockets.
- Stuff like a pro. Layer greens inside each pita, then spoon in chicken salad.
The greens act as a moisture barrier and keep things tidy.
- Finish. Sprinkle a little extra dill or a crack of pepper on top. Serve immediately, or wrap and go if this is your on-the-move meal.
Storage Tips
- Chicken salad: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better on day two as the flavors mingle.
- Pitas and greens: Keep separate to avoid sogginess.
Assemble right before eating.
- Make-ahead tip: Portion salad into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches. Add lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze later.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The yogurt texture won’t love it.
Health Benefits
- High protein, lower fat: Greek yogurt boosts protein while cutting down on heavy mayo.
Great for satiety and muscle recovery, IMO.
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
- Micronutrient-dense: Dill, lemon, and veggies deliver vitamin C, K, and antioxidants. Small ingredients, big payoff.
- Fiber factor: Whole-wheat pitas and veggies help keep you full and steady your energy.
- Probiotic potential: If using live-culture yogurt, you get gut-friendly benefits too. FYI, check the label.
Don’t Make These Errors
- Over-salting too soon. Feta and olives add salt; taste after mixing before you add more.
- Skipping the greens barrier. No lettuce in the pita?
Hello, soggy pocket. Don’t do that to yourself.
- Using watery cucumbers. Seed them or use Persian cucumbers to avoid excess moisture.
- Going fat-free everything. Ultra-lean yogurt can taste chalky. Use 2% or whole milk yogurt for best flavor and texture.
- Overmixing. Fold gently to keep the chicken pieces intact and the salad from turning gloopy.
Mix It Up
- Spice route: Add harissa or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
A little goes a long way.
- Avocado twist: Swap 1/4 of the yogurt with mashed avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.
- Crunch upgrade: Toss in chopped toasted almonds or pistachios.
- Herb swap: Try mint, basil, or parsley if dill isn’t your thing.
- Low-carb option: Skip the pita and serve in lettuce wraps or over a big green salad.
- Mediterranean bowl: Serve over quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of tahini-lemon.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it very well and break it up gently. Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken has better texture and flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
What kind of Greek yogurt should I use?
Plain 2% or whole milk Greek yogurt gives the best balance of creaminess and tang. Nonfat is okay but can taste a bit thin and tart.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt and skip the feta.
Add a squeeze more lemon and a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil to round out the flavor.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely. Store the salad and pitas separately. Assemble right before eating so the pitas stay soft and the greens crisp.
What if I don’t like dill?
Use parsley, basil, or mint.
Oregano (fresh or dried) also fits the Greek vibe nicely.
How do I keep the cucumbers from watering down the salad?
Seed them with a spoon and pat dry, or use small Persian cucumbers. You can also salt diced cucumbers lightly and blot after 10 minutes.
Is this meal kid-friendly?
Yes. Skip raw onions and red pepper flakes for little palates, and consider smaller pita halves or mini pitas for easier handling.
The Bottom Line
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Pitas are the rare combo of fast, fresh, and ridiculously satisfying.
You get crunch, creaminess, and bright Mediterranean flavor without the heavy mayo or the lunch slump. Keep a batch in the fridge, stuff when hungry, and enjoy a go-to meal that’s equal parts practical and craveable. Simple strategy, big flavor ROI—exactly how weekday eating should be.
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