This healthy Chicken Salad without Mayo is my go-to when I want a high protein lunch I can make in 10 minutes! It's a lighter take on traditional chicken salad, and trust me when I say the creamy Greek yogurt dressing with fresh lemon and Dijon add tons of flavor so you don't even miss the mayo! 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: "Now my favorite chicken salad" -Sharon
As a dietitian, I get asked all the time for easy lunch ideas that can be prepped ahead and this no mayo chicken salad is one I come back to again and again. There’s just something about a classic chicken salad with crunchy celery and sweet, juicy grapes that never gets old. It turns simple chicken breast into something actually satisfying and craveable, which is always a win in my book!
Add it to a chicken salad wrap or sandwich, have with crackers, or on a bed of your favorite greens.
If you're looking for more chicken salads, try my Herby Green Goddess Chicken Salad, 10 minute Tuscan Chicken Salad, Southwestern Chicken Salad, or Buffalo Chicken Salad.
More Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes
- Green Goddess Chicken Salad
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Southwest Chicken Salad
- Tuscan Chicken Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Shredded Thai Chicken Salad
Jump to:
- Key Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
- How to Make Chicken Salad Without Mayo
- Dietitian tip
- Video of How to Make Chicken Salad without Mayo
- Variations of Chicken Salad without Mayo
- How to Serve a Healthy Chicken Salad
- Meal Prep and Storage for Chicken Salad No Mayo
- Expert Tips
- FAQ
- Related
- Perfect for Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Key Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
This easy chicken salad without mayo recipe is made with a handful of ingredients. Below are some notes. Check the recipe card for measurements.
- Chicken - I use boneless, skinless chicken breast and bake it in the oven seasoned with salt and black pepper. As a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken. Chicken is a lean protein and also provides important nutrients including phosphorus and niacin.
- Celery - celery adds a crunchy element and fiber for a healthy gut. Feel free to substitute it with different crunchy veggies like English or Persian cucumber, bell pepper, or snap peas.
- Grapes - in my opinion, every good chicken salad needs a little something sweet. Grapes add that here. Other options that work are diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped Medjool dates.
- Red Onion - to add more flavor. If you prefer a more mild onion flavor, soak the diced red onion in water first or replace red onion with shallot or green onions.
- Parsley - herbs like fresh parsley add flavor and antioxidants. If you don't like parsley, substitute it with a different herb. Dill, oregano, or fresh cilantro work.
- Nuts - I like to use walnuts which add a little crunch and heart-healthy fats. According to the California Walnut Board, walnuts are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and have the most ALA of any other tree nut. Feel free to use a different nut or seed. Others I like in chicken salad are pecans, sliced almonds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds.
- Greek Yogurt - plain Greek yogurt replaces mayo or sour cream typically found in chicken salad. It provides a similar flavor and gives this chicken salad a creamy consistency. Nutritionally, Greek yogurt adds protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. If you don't like the flavor of plain Greek yogurt, a good substitute is blended cottage cheese.
- Dijon Mustard - a little bit of Dijon adds a slightly tangy flavor.
- Lemon Juice - lemon juice really enhances the other flavors so don't skip it! It also adds vitamin C for your immune system.
- Garlic Powder - I prefer using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in this chicken salad because it's a bit more concentrated.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper - a pinch of salt and pepper ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Chicken Salad Without Mayo
Below are the instructions for how to make this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with photos I hope are helpful! Check the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
Step 1 - Shred or chop the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, walnuts, and parsley
Step 2 - Whisk together the dressing ingredients in the bottom of a large bowl.
Step 3 - Add the chicken and other ingredients and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add more salt as needed.
Hint: to make shredding the chicken easy, pulse it a few times in a food processor.
Dietitian tip
It seems basic, but it's so easy to forget that when it comes to sticking with healthy eating, having easy lunches like protein salads meal prepped and ready to go is so helpful. And healthy recipes that taste great are key to making mealtime truly enjoyable. This healthy chicken salad is an easy way to take an ingredient that can be kinda boring (chicken breasts) and make it way more exciting. 👏🏼
Video of How to Make Chicken Salad without Mayo
Here's a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful.
Variations of Chicken Salad without Mayo
The great thing about chicken salad is you can customize it to your taste! Below are some ideas.
- Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad - add creaminess, extra fiber, and potassium by mixing in half of a mashed avocado. Ripe avocados make a great addition to add extra flavor too.
- Fancy - Brighten up this recipe even more by adding a tablespoon or two of zippy apple cider vinegar and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Top it with green onion or fresh dill.
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or sriracha to the mixture if you like your chicken salad on the spicy side.
- Add a Salty Component - for a touch of a salty, briny taste, add chopped dill pickles or olives. I love using green manzanilla olives, but you could also use kalamata olives or black olives.
How to Serve a Healthy Chicken Salad
- Chicken Salad Sandwich - Add a couple of scoops to your favorite bread with romaine lettuce + sliced tomatoes or your own favorite sandwich fillings.
- Chicken Salad Wrap - make a chicken salad wrap with a whole-wheat tortilla. Add arugula or spinach for some greens, a few scoops of chicken salad and wrap everything tightly, tucking in the ends of the tortilla..
- With Your Favorite Crackers or Chips - enjoy this mayo-free chicken salad with seed crackers from Mary's Gone Crackers or Wasa Crispbread.
- Lettuce Wrap or on a Bed of Greens - The perfect way to serve this creamy salad if you are following a low carb eating pattern.
- With Your Favorite Sides - this chicken salad pairs great with a simple green salad and roasted diced sweet potatoes.
Meal Prep and Storage for Chicken Salad No Mayo
- Meal Prep - chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time and make the dressing. That way everything is ready to throw together at lunchtime.
- Refrigerator - store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to season your chicken with salt & pepper when cooking it. If the chicken itself isn't seasoned, the chicken salad won't be as delicious. Sometimes I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Chop everything into relatively small pieces so you get a little of everything in each bite.
- Wait about 5 minutes after mixing everything then give it a taste and add salt if needed.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, this chicken salad is a nutrient-rich option. It contains lean protein from the chicken, calcium from the Greek yogurt, and other nutrients including antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium from the additional ingredients. Walnuts add ALAs and Omega-3s that support brain health.
For sure! You can use rotisserie chicken as a convenient option. When doing so, I choose the natural chicken without a lot of added ingredients.
Yes, this is a gluten-free recipe.
Related
Looking for similar dietitian recipes? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with a Chicken Salad without Mayo
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian
📖 Recipe
Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo, Easy to Make)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (280g)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (about ½ cup chopped) = 60g
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped (about ¼ a red onion) = 30g
- ½ cup grapes, quartered
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoon walnuts, chopped (or nut of choice) = 15g
For Dressing
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (I use nonfat) = ~120g
- 1-2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (start with 1 tablespoon and add to taste up to 2) = 15-30g
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about 3.5 Tbsp) = 30ml
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
Instructions
- Shred or chop the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, walnuts, and parsley.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in the bottom of a large bowl.
- Add the chicken and other ingredients and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add more salt as needed.
- Hint: to make shredding the chicken easy, pulse it a few times in a food processor.
Video
Notes
- Be sure to season your chicken with salt & pepper when cooking it. If the chicken itself isn't seasoned, the chicken salad won't be as delicious. Sometimes I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Chop everything into relatively small pieces so you get a little of everything in each bite.
- Wait about 5 minutes after mixing everything then give it a taste and add salt if needed.
- Meal Prep - chop the chicken and veggies ahead of time and make the dressing. That way everything is ready to throw together at lunchtime.
- Refrigerator - store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Sharon Brown
Now my favorite chicken salad
Mallory
Yay!! I'm so happy you loved it! 😊 It's the best with our favorite Sprouts chicken so I'll have to bring you some next time I come visit you and dad.
Cindy
Very yummy! I just didn't use the celery because I'm not a fan, but followed everything else as listed. Very delish and simple, putting this in the rotation for work lunches. Thanks!
Mallory
Hi Cindy, thank you SO much for taking time to leave a comment and rating, it truly means so much to me! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe and it's great to know it works without the celery too. 😊 Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful day! -Mallory