If you’re hunting for a fresh, vibrant lunch that’s as tasty as it is colorful, you’re going to adore this Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when I want something light but satisfying. Filled with crunchy veggies, protein-rich chicken, and a creamy tangy dressing, these stuffed peppers are not just delicious—they’re also eye candy on your plate. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips to help you make this fan-freaking-tastic dish shine every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Cook Wonder: This recipe requires zero cooking time since you’re using pre-cooked chicken, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of crisp veggies and tangy dressing keeps every bite bright and refreshing.
- Perfectly Portable: Stuffed peppers make fantastic take-along lunches or easy dinner plates.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can tweak the ingredients easily to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a star role—Greek yogurt gives a creamy tang without the heaviness of mayo, while fresh veggies add crunch and zest. When shopping, look for bell peppers that are firm and vibrant since they’re the vessel for the salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt here for that creamy texture and protein boost, but coconut yogurt or homemade mayo work just as well if you want a dairy-free or richer option.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a little punch and depth of flavor that balances the sweetness of honey and acidity from vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar: It brightens the dressing with a subtle zing, making the salad pop.
- Raw honey: Just enough sweetness to mellow the vinegar’s sharpness—feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning; be generous but taste as you go.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, rotisserie chicken from the store is a total time-saver and works perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Celery: Adds that classic crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the creamy salad.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor—slice thinly so they blend nicely without overpowering.
- Cherry tomatoes: Quartered for bursts of sweetness and juiciness.
- English cucumber: Diced to add cool, crisp freshness.
- Pitted olives: Chopped for a salty, briny kick that contrasts beautifully with the mild chicken salad.
- Bell peppers: Halved and seeded to act as natural edible bowls—choose colorful ones for the best presentation.
Variations
I love how flexible this Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe is—you can swap out veggies, adjust the dressing, or even swap the chicken protein depending on your mood or pantry. Homemade cooking should always feel like your own!
- Add crunch with nuts: I occasionally toss in toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture and nuttiness, and my family goes nuts over it.
- Mix in fruits: I’ve played around adding diced apples or grapes for a sweet twist that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
- Make it vegan: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and swap yogurt for a plant-based option—you’d never miss the chicken!
- Extra spice: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add a subtle smoky warmth if you want a little heat kick.
How to Make Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients with Love
Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—shredded or diced, whatever you prefer. Then dice the celery, cucumber, olives, and quarter your cherry tomatoes. This step sets the tone for the salad, so take your time ensuring everything is evenly sized. When I first tried this recipe, I underestimated the chopping and ended up with big uneven chunks that made each bite unpredictable—lesson learned!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing to Perfection
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Season it with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. I usually start with about 1/4 teaspoon of each and adjust after tasting. This tangy dressing is the heart of the recipe, so don’t be shy about personalizing the balance of sweet and tart.
Step 3: Combine and Taste Test
Add all the chopped chicken and veggies into the bowl with dressing, then use a big spoon or spatula to fold everything together gently. Now, tastes matter—try a spoonful and tweak the seasoning if needed. Maybe a bit more salt, mustard, or honey—this step is your chance to shine!
Step 4: Stuff Those Peppers
Halve and seed your bell peppers before filling each half generously with the chicken salad. You want the peppers to be sturdy and crisp, so they hold the salad beautifully. When I serve this for friends, I like to chill the peppers first—cold and crispy peppers contrast so nicely with the creamy filling.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s perfectly cooked, flavorful, and saves you a ton of time—my go-to shortcut whenever I make this recipe.
- Balance the Dressing: Whisk your dressing ingredients separately first to ensure smoothness before folding in the chicken and veggies.
- Prep Ahead: Mixing the chicken salad a few hours ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully, but stuff the peppers just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Don’t Skip the Parsley: Fresh parsley might seem minor, but it lifts the entire dish with brightness and freshness that you’ll thank me for.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes
When I plate up these stuffed peppers, I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped parsley leaves on top for that pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up right before serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad or a side of crispy roasted potatoes makes it feel extra special. On warmer days, I love serving it alongside chilled cucumber salad for even more refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, I’ve hollowed out mini sweet peppers and served individual, bite-sized chicken salad cups. It’s fun, elegant, and guests are always impressed by the colorful presentation. You can also scoop the salad into avocado halves or lettuce cups for a low-carb twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge, separate from the peppers. This keeps the salad fresh and creamy for up to three days. The peppers will stay crisper if you fill them right before serving next time.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t recommend freezing the stuffed peppers once assembled—the texture of the bell pepper changes and gets mushy. However, the chicken salad mixture freezes well on its own for up to one month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t warm leftovers. If you want to, simply take the chicken salad out of the pepper and let it come to room temp—it’s refreshing and flavorful as is!
FAQs
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Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt in this Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! Mayonnaise will give the chicken salad a richer, creamier texture. If you want a lighter version, stick with Greek yogurt or try plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free twist.
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How long can I store the chicken salad once prepared?
You can keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Be sure to store any cut peppers separately to keep them fresh and crisp.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a picnic?
Definitely! Prepare the chicken salad a few hours in advance for the flavors to meld. Keep the peppers separate and stuff them fresh just before eating to maintain their crunch.
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What can I substitute for bell peppers if I don’t have any?
Lettuce cups, cucumber boats, or hollowed-out tomatoes make excellent alternatives for stuffing and add their unique flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it feels wholesome yet indulgent, simple but full of texture and flavor. It’s perfect when you want a nutritious meal that doesn’t weigh you down. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for easy weeknight dinners or impressive lunchboxes. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed pepper halves
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers recipe is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or easy dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken with a creamy yogurt-based dressing, crisp veggies, and vibrant bell pepper halves, it offers a satisfying crunch and balanced taste without the need for cooking. The mix of Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey adds a subtle tang and sweetness, complemented by the fresh herbs and savory olives.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, plain coconut yogurt, or homemade mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsps Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsps apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon each)
Salad
- 1 lb. cooked, shredded or chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, diced small
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 an English cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup pitted olives, chopped
Serving
- 3 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken and all vegetables (celery, green onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives) into small, uniform pieces to ensure a balanced texture and easy scooping later.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt/mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, about 1/4 teaspoon each, and whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Mixture: Add all the diced chicken and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything well to evenly coat the ingredients with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preference.
- Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the chicken salad mixture into each halved and seeded bell pepper. Fill them generously but neatly so they hold their shape and are easy to eat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate briefly to serve chilled. They make a refreshing, light, and nutritious meal combination.
Notes
- This recipe requires no cooking, making it ideal for hot days or quick meal prep.
- You can swap the Greek yogurt for plain coconut yogurt or homemade mayonnaise depending on your dietary preferences.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but any cooked chicken works well.
- Customize with your favorite herbs or vegetables for added flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the salad mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg