Chicken Salad Without Mayo

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing lunch that’s quick and easy, then this Chicken Salad without Mayo is the recipe you need! Made with tangy Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mustard, crisp celery and onions, and a touch of hot sauce, this creamy chicken salad sandwich will quickly become a summer staple!

When it’s hot, the last thing I want to do is heat up the kitchen by using my oven. I’m a big fan of salad recipes in the summer, and this tasty Chicken Salad is perfect for a light dinner, lunch, or even picnics!

Why Chicken Salad without Mayo?

Mayonnaise has its place, but I’ve had too many traditional chicken salad sandwiches that were goopy and flavorless, mainly because they used too much mayo! I thought using Greek yogurt would be a great way to preserve the creamy dressing of a good chicken salad while adding more depth to the flavor!

Using Greek yogurt in your chicken salad, along with lean chicken, makes this a high protein meal. It will help you feel full and satisfied for longer without weighing you down!

Chicken Salad without Mayo Ingredients

Start with cooked chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this, or any leftover chicken you have. You’ll need about 4 cups.

Plain Greek yogurt (we use this instead of mayonnaise for a tangy flavor!)

Buttermilk (While you can make homemade buttermilk/sour milk, I highly encourage you to use real buttermilk to get the right consistency!)

Whole grain mustard

Lemon juice

Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce, to taste

Fresh celery, chopped

Red onion

Fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

Don’t forget to review the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a detailed ingredient list!

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Without Mayonnaise

This homemade chicken salad recipe couldn’t be easier!

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, buttermilk, whole grain mustard, lemon juice and hot sauce.

Stir in the cooked chicken (shred or chop the chicken first if needed), celery, onion, and parsley.

Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Serve on rolls or with salad greens and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

If you don’t like crunchy veggies like celery or red onion, feel free to leave them out.

Use yellow or Dijon mustard instead of whole grain mustard.

Mix in any of the following: halved red grapes, chopped bell peppers, avocado, raisins or dried cranberries, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, or pecans.

Serve chicken salad without mayo on hot dog buns, Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced croissants, rolled up in tortillas or sandwich wraps, or on flatbread.

Use it as a dip with sliced veggies, pita chips, or tortilla chips.

If you’re trying to eat low carb, one great option is to serve it on lettuce leaves. Also, try it in an avocado shell, or in a hollowed-out pepper or tomato!

FAQs

How do I store leftovers of Chicken Salad Without Mayo?

This mayo-free chicken salad will last for up to 3 days, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, this no-mayo chicken salad freezes well! Place it in a freezer bag and lay it flat. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve it. It’s best within the first 24 hours, though.

Can I alter the recipe to feed more or fewer people?

Of course! This recipe is easily halved to feed a few or doubled to feed a crowd! We recently made a big batch of this creamy salad and brought it with a box of croissants to a park for a picnic lunch for my church ladies!

Can I use fat-free Greek yogurt?

For best results, I recommend using full-fat or 2% fat Greek Yogurt. Fat-free will work, but won’t be as creamy.

What goes well with Chicken Salad Sandwiches?

Serve this with some fresh fruit or veggies on the side, or with some of your favorite chips! Finish off with a Chocolate Chip Cookie for a nice treat!

More Light and Flavorful Salad Recipes

Chopped ham, mayo, mustard, pickle relish, and a touch of Sriracha will make this Easy Ham Salad sandwich a new back-to-school favorite.

Summertime calls for refreshing and effortless meals that capture the vibrant flavors of the season, and nothing embodies this better than a classic Italian Pasta Salad. Combining the simplicity of pasta with a medley of fresh veggies and zesty herbs, this dish is my go-to for warm days.

This Basic Macaroni Salad is made with elbow macaroni, green pepper, onion, celery, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and white vinegar. This dish has lots of flavor that is sure to be a hit and staple at every summer BBQ!

This Loaded Red Potato Salad is like eating a baked potato with all the fixin’s. Red Bliss potatoes, a creamy Dijon dressing, bacon, green onions, and cheese make this a potato salad you will want to bring to all the potlucks and summer picnics!

Miso Chicken Salad is an easy and flavorful option for your standard chicken salad. Made with shredded chicken, miso, fresh ginger, mayo, and other simple ingredients, it might just become your new favorite.

Pin or print this Chicken Salad without Mayo recipe so you can have it next time you need a quick and delicious lunch recipe!

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