No Mayo Chicken Salad Recipes

I love this chicken salad recipe because it’s a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors, making it ideal for a light lunch or a quick dinner. Plus, the combination of Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard keeps it healthy and flavorful, while the grapes and almonds add that unexpected touch of sweet and nutty goodness!

I adore making recipes that are truly both tasty and good for you. My No Mayo Chicken Salad is a case in point.

Not only is the shredded chicken mixed with creamy Greek yogurt and a bit of Dijon mustard for tang, but the blue-ribbon salad also contains crunchy celery and sliced almonds, sweet red grapes, and good-for-you lemon juice. You can count on this salad offering a delightful meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken Breast:
Protein abundant, with little fat, offers the necessary amino acids.

Greek Yogurt:
Rich in probiotics, creamy, adds protein and tanginess.

Dijon Mustard:
Delivers a rich, hearty flavor and a hint of zest, with few calories.

Lemon Juice:
Illuminates tastes, rich in vitamin C, introduces tartness.

Celery:
Fiber of the crunchy kind, low in calories, delivers vitamins K and C.

Red Onion:
Pungent taste, excellent supply of antioxidants and fiber.

Red Grapes:
Juicy, natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Almonds:
Crunchy from the nuts, vitamin E, and protein, the food is packed with healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or slivered
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.

2. Put the yogurt mixture in a bowl with the chicken breast that is either cooked or shredded or diced. And then, mix everything until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Add crunch and flavor with the finely chopped celery and red onion, stirring until thoroughly mixed.

4. Carefully incorporate the red grapes that have been halved and add them to the salad. Ensure that they are evenly spread throughout the dish.

5. Incorporate the sliced or slivered almonds for a flavor that is nutty and a bit of texture.

6. Add salt and pepper to the salad and taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

7. If you use it, the chopped fresh parsley adds a hint of herby freshness.

8. Combine all ingredients with a gentle touch, making certain that they are well integrated and that the dressing is evenly distributed.

9. The chicken salad should be allowed to meld together for at least 30 minutes after it is made and before it is served. This togetherness time is best done in the refrigerator, but if you are short on time, you can do it in the counter chill space.

10. Chill the chicken salad and serve it solo, sandwich-filling style, or on a bed of greens for a delightful supper that you can complete in six minutes flat.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Small bowl (optional, for mixing dressing separately)
8. Refrigerator or counter space for chilling

FAQ

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?Certainly, it is an excellent choice of ingredients for a salad, in terms of both convenience and flavor.
• What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?You can use plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a mashed avocado for a creamy texture in place of that which was provided by first using a Vitamix.
• Are there any alternatives to red grapes?Substitute green grapes, dried cranberries, or chopped apples for a similar sweetness and texture.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Certainly, the chicken salad can be made a full 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’s ready when you are.
• What is a good serving suggestion?Present it on a lettuce foundation, in an assemblage like a sandwich, or as a stuffing in a pita for a meal that hits all the high points of satisfaction.
• Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?You can have a nut-free version by either leaving out the almonds or substituting them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Substitutions and Variations

1/2 cup sour cream instead of Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon mustard made from whole yellow or brown mustard seed instead of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar from fermented apple juice used instead of lemon juice
1/4 cup green grapes, halved; use in place of red grapes
1/4 cup walnuts that have been toasted, as opposed to almonds

Pro Tips

1. Flavor Boost with Fresh Herbs Along with parsley, consider adding a small amount of fresh dill or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Herbs can elevate the taste and add complexity to the dish.

2. Roast the Almonds Toasting the almonds before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and add a richer, nutty aroma to the dish. Simply roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are slightly golden.

3. Customize the Crunch Mix in different textures by adding chopped apples or sliced cucumber for an additional crunch and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the grapes.

4. Marinate the Chicken If you have time, marinating the cooked chicken breast in lemon juice and a bit of olive oil before shredding or dicing will infuse more flavor into the chicken, making the salad even tastier.

5. Yogurt Variation Try using a flavored Greek yogurt, such as honey or vanilla, for a slightly different taste profile that adds sweetness to complement the grapes and almonds.