Healthy chicken salad without mayo, easy recipe for a nutritious meal

Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo, Easy to Make)

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

This Healthy Chicken Salad is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a light, flavorful meal without the excess calories and fat found in traditional mayonnaise-based chicken salads. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, making it perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken (280g, I use store-bought rotisserie chicken)
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped (60g, about ½ cup chopped)
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped (30g, or ¼ red onion)
  • ½ cup grapes, quartered
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (5g, about 2 Tbsp chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp walnuts, chopped (15g, or nut of choice)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (~120g, I use nonfat but use any you prefer)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (15-30g, start with 1 and add to taste up to 2)
  • 1 large lemon, juiced (30ml, about 3.5 Tbsp)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (more to taste)

Directions:

  1. Shred or chop the chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, walnuts, and parsley.
  2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in the bottom of a large bowl.
  3. Add the chicken and other ingredients and toss everything together. Give it a taste and add more salt as needed.
  4. Hint: To make shredding the chicken even easier, pulse it a few times in a food processor!

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Salad

Serve your Healthy Chicken Salad in a bowl with some fresh greens or inside a whole grain wrap. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or as a topping for crackers.

How to Store Healthy Chicken Salad

Store any leftover Healthy Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!

Tips to Make Healthy Chicken Salad

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the taste.
  • Adjust spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
  • Make-ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day in advance for a quick meal option.

Variations

You can add other ingredients like diced apple for sweetness, avocado for creaminess, or even add some spices such as curry powder for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you’re short on time. Just drain it well before adding to the salad.

2. Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?
You can substitute shredded chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegan option. Use dairy-free yogurt as a replacement for Greek yogurt.