Tired of the same old mayonnaise-laden chicken salad? This recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful twist, completely skipping the mayo for a lighter, healthier, and equally delicious alternative. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or even as a salad topping, this recipe is versatile and sure to become a new favorite.
Why Skip the Mayo?
Many people choose to avoid mayonnaise in chicken salad for various reasons: dietary restrictions (like allergies or low-fat diets), a preference for lighter flavors, or simply a desire for a healthier option. This recipe caters to all those needs without sacrificing taste!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This recipe uses a combination of Greek yogurt and avocado to create a creamy, rich texture that rivals mayonnaise, without the heavy feeling. The addition of fresh herbs and lemon juice brightens the flavors, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. We'll explore different variations later, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- ½ ripe avocado, mashed
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked and cooled before shredding or dicing. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, celery, red onion, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve your delicious mayo-free chicken salad on your favorite bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or as a topping for salads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of yogurt?
While plain Greek yogurt provides the best creaminess and tang, you can experiment with other types of yogurt. Plain non-Greek yogurt will work, but the texture may be slightly thinner. Avoid flavored yogurts, as they can overpower the other flavors in the salad.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be substituted, but use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I add more flavor?
Experiment with different additions to customize the flavor profile. Consider adding:
- Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Crunch: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Umami: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
What are some healthy alternatives to mayonnaise?
Besides Greek yogurt and avocado, other healthy alternatives to mayonnaise include mashed avocado, hummus, or even a vinaigrette dressing (for a less creamy option).
This mayo-free chicken salad recipe offers a healthier, lighter, and equally delicious alternative to traditional recipes. With its simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s a versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
