Pork
Powerproteinplates
Herbed Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts in Collard Greens Wraps
By Powerproteinplates Test KitchenReviewed by Powerproteinplates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 20, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American
25 mins
high-proteinmuscle-buildingfitness-friendlygluten-freeeasy-recipesbalancedwhole-foodslow-carbpost-workout
Delicious and easy-to-make herbed chicken salad combines lean, high-protein chicken breast with antioxidant-rich cranberries and heart-healthy walnuts, all wrapped in fresh collard greens for a low-carb, gluten-free meal perfect for muscle building and post-workout recovery.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (substitute with dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 large collard green leaves, washed and stems trimmed
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
-
In a smaller bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
-
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
-
Lay out the collard green leaves on a clean surface. If needed, carefully trim the thick stems to make the leaves pliable for wrapping.
-
Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the chicken salad onto the base (wider end) of each collard green leaf.
-
Fold the sides over the filling and tightly roll the leaf up to form a wrap.
-
Slice each wrap diagonally in half for easier handling and serving, if desired.
-
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Enjoy as a nutritious post-workout meal or quick, wholesome lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Customize your herbed chicken salad wraps to suit various dietary needs or preferences with these substitutions:
- Chicken: Use shredded turkey or lean pork for a similar high-protein alternative.
- Other Meats: Grilled or roasted lean beef or pork cuts maintain protein content and flavor balance.
- Seafood: Opt for cooked shrimp, crab meat, or canned tuna to add omega-3 fatty acids and reduce fat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or firm tofu. Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayonnaise for creaminess while keeping the dish plant-based.
- Legumes: Add black or white beans for extra fiber and sustained energy, suitable for muscle-building diets.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs serve as a protein-rich alternative to chicken.
- Dairy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt with almond or coconut milk-based yogurt for a dairy-free, low-fat option.
These swaps maintain the recipe’s low-carb, high-protein, and post-workout focus while accommodating gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan lifestyles, perfect for wholesome meals on PowerProteinPlates.
Protein Highlight
This Herbed Chicken Salad is packed with high-quality lean protein from tender chicken breast, essential for effective muscle-building and post-workout recovery. Each serving delivers a substantial protein boost supporting muscle repair and sustained energy. Combined with nutrient-dense walnuts, which provide healthy fats, and fiber-rich collard greens, this low-carb, gluten-free wrap offers a balanced, fitness-friendly meal that nurtures your body and supports overall health.
Goal Fit
This high-protein herbed chicken salad wrapped in vitamin-rich collard greens is ideal for muscle-building and post-workout recovery. Lean chicken breast delivers essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth, while walnuts and cranberries contribute healthy fats and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and improve recovery.
Its low-carb and balanced nutritional profile supports weight management and helps maintain lean muscle mass without excess calories. Using whole-food ingredients such as fresh herbs and collard greens provides important vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting digestion and stable energy levels.
As a gluten-free, fitness-friendly, and quickly prepared recipe, it suits busy lifestyles for easy meal prep or nutritious lunches, helping you stay on track with health and fitness goals.
Protein Density
This herbed chicken salad with collard greens showcases a high-protein, muscle-building meal designed to support your fitness regimen. The primary protein source is lean chicken breast, offering a high protein content per serving vital for muscle recovery and growth, especially after workouts.
Protein density—the ratio of protein to calories and serving size—is optimized here by focusing on lean proteins and low-carb, nutrient-rich greens. This balance encourages satiety, energy maintenance, and weight management.
Additional ingredients like walnuts and dried cranberries enhance flavor and provide heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, contributing to a well-rounded whole-foods nutrition profile. Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess without compromising the recipe's fitness-friendly and gluten-free nature.
This recipe is ideal for those wanting a fast, delicious protein-packed meal to fuel muscle growth and support effective recovery.
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