Chicken Salad without Mayo (2024)

Published: Jan 18, 2022 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

This chicken salad without mayo uses a blend of Greek yogurt and avocado to give it great flavor with all of the creaminess you crave in a traditional chicken salad.

My favorite salads don't have any lettuce in them. If God wanted me to eat leaves all day he would have made me a bunny rabbit. However, that doesn't mean I don't want my salads to be healthy. I switched up the classic chicken salad and made a few healthy substitutions to ensure I could enjoy one of my favorite meals with zero guilt!

Is Chicken Salad Healthy?

Classic recipes such as my traditional chicken salad is not typically a "healthy" salad since it gets its creaminess from a generous helping of mayo. There are other variations of creamy chicken salads like a chicken salad with applesor grapes and pecans that include healthier additions, however, everything is still swimming in a fatty sauce.

The best way to create a healthy chicken salad is to make it without mayonnaise. I make my healthy chicken salad recipe by substituting Greek yogurt and a blend of fresh avocado, which is loaded with healthy fats, to create a lot of great flavorwhile still giving me the creamy salad I crave.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts - Buying a rotisserie chicken at your grocery store is a great way to make chicken salad. The rotisserie chicken is already cooked, it is incredibly tender and incredibly flavorful. In other words, is it PERFECT for chicken salad!
• Avocado - Purchase a ripe avocado with black skin that is slightly soft to the touch when gently pressed.
• Plain Greek Yogurt - To make a no-mayo chicken salad, Greek yogurt is the best substitute to replicate the creamy texture.
• Dijon mustard - You can substitute other hearty mustards, such as brown mustard.
• Lemon Juice - Lime juice would also go well with the cilantro, or red wine vinegar would also be great.
• Celery
• Red Onion- For less pronounced onion flavor, substitute a yellow onion, or green onions.
• Cilantro - You can substitute fresh parsley instead. Otherwise you can add your favorite fresh herbs, such as fresh dill.

How to make it

Making this chicken salad recipe without mayo is extremely easy, particularly if you are using a leftover rotisserie chicken. Begin by preparing the "dressing" by adding the Greek yogurt, avocado, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisking it together until creamy. You can leave some chunks of avocado for added texture, if desired.

Next, shred the cooked and shredded chicken and place it in the bowl along with the celery, onion, and cilantro. Serve immediately, as the avocado will oxidize and darken as it sits out.

How DoYou Make Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken salad is fantastic for making quick sandwiches. You can keep the chicken salad sandwich healthy by using whole grain wheat bread, or low carb wraps, such as a lettuce wrap, depending on your diet. Honestly, my favorite way to enjoy them is to toast up some Ciabatta buns. It isn't the healthiest option, but it fits in with a balanced diet.

Troubleshooting this Recipe

This healthy chicken salad recipe is pretty straightforward, the only potential issue is getting the perfect amount of creaminess. Depending on how thinly you shred the chicken you may require more Greek Yogurt. If your dressing isn't as creamy as you prefer, feel free to add up to an additional ¼ cup of Greek yogurt.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad

Anyone who has cooked with avocado can tell you it does not store well. Typically, avocado-based recipes, like my avocado egg salad and avocado tuna salad must be consumed shortly after they are prepared or the avocado will oxidize and blacken. However, there is a trick to storing this healthy chicken salad successfully.

Rather than just putting it in an airtight container, you should store leftovers in a bowl and place a sheet ofplastic wraptightly over the top of the chicken salad, ensuring 100% contact. By eliminating any air between the chicken salad and the plastic wrap you prevent the chicken salad from oxidizing. I have stored this chicken salad in my refrigerator for days using this method.