Are you tired of the same old mayo-heavy chicken salad? I totally get it! For years, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to make chicken salad without relying on mayonnaise, and I’m excited to share these game-changing alternatives that’ll revolutionize your lunch game.
Whether you’re looking to cut calories, avoid dairy, or just try something new, these substitutes for mayo in chicken salad will keep your taste buds happy while giving you more nutritious options. Let’s dive in!
Why Consider Alternatives to Mayo in Chicken Salad?
Before jumping into our substitutes, let’s quickly talk about why you might want to skip the mayo:
- Health concerns: Traditional mayo is high in fat and calories
- Dietary restrictions: You might be following a vegan, dairy-free or egg-free diet
- Flavor exploration: Sometimes we just want something different!
- Texture preferences: Maybe you prefer a lighter or chunkier chicken salad
Top 10 Mayo Substitutes for Your Chicken Salad
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is probably the most popular mayo substitute and for good reason! It’s creamy tangy, and packed with protein.
How to use it: Replace mayo with an equal amount of Greek yogurt. For best results, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt rather than fat-free versions, which can be a bit too watery.
Pro tip To add more flavor mix in some Dijon mustard lemon juice, and herbs like dill or parsley.
2. Mashed Avocado
Avocado brings a buttery richness to chicken salad that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s full of healthy fats!
How to use it: Mash 1-2 ripe avocados with a bit of lime juice (to prevent browning) and use as your creamy base.
Pro tip: Avocado chicken salad is best eaten fresh, as it can brown over time. If meal prepping, add a bit extra lime juice and store with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.
3. Hummus
This chickpea-based spread adds a delicious savory depth to chicken salad that’s totally unique,
How to use it: Simply substitute an equal amount of hummus for mayo. Classic, garlic, or roasted red pepper hummus all work wonderfully.
Pro tip: Hummus pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta, and cucumber in your chicken salad.
4. Tahini
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and has a nutty, earthy flavor that creates a distinctive chicken salad.
How to use it: Mix tahini with a bit of lemon juice and water to thin it out before combining with your chicken and other ingredients.
Pro tip: Tahini works exceptionally well with Middle Eastern flavors—try adding parsley, mint, and a pinch of cumin to your chicken salad.
5. Pesto
Herb-packed pesto brings incredible flavor to chicken salad without needing much else!
How to use it: Use 2-3 tablespoons of pesto per cup of chicken, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Pro tip: Add pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, and extra parmesan for a complete pesto chicken salad experience.
6. Olive Oil & Lemon Juice Vinaigrette
For a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad, a simple vinaigrette works beautifully.
How to use it: Whisk together 3 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice, add salt, pepper, and herbs, then toss with your chicken salad ingredients.
Pro tip: This works especially well for warm weather picnics since there’s no dairy to worry about spoiling.
7. Cottage Cheese
Sounds weird, I know! But blended cottage cheese creates a protein-packed, creamy base that’s surprisingly delicious.
How to use it: Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth, then use as you would mayo.
Pro tip: Add a splash of lemon juice and a bit of garlic powder to amp up the flavor.
8. Dijon Mustard + Olive Oil
This combo creates a tangy, flavorful dressing that works especially well for those who find mayo too bland.
How to use it: Mix 1 part Dijon mustard with 2 parts olive oil, then use to dress your chicken salad.
Pro tip: Add a touch of honey to balance the mustard’s sharpness.
9. Thai Peanut Sauce
For an exciting twist, Thai peanut sauce creates a chicken salad that’s anything but boring!
How to use it: Thin store-bought or homemade peanut sauce with a little water, then mix with shredded chicken, carrots, bell peppers, and cilantro.
Pro tip: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
10. Chimichurri Sauce
This Argentinian herb sauce makes for a vibrant, flavorful chicken salad that’s packed with fresh herbs.
How to use it: Toss shredded chicken with chimichurri sauce to coat, then add cherry tomatoes and red onion.
Pro tip: Chimichurri chicken salad is amazing in a wrap with avocado slices.
Popular Flavor Combinations for Mayo-Free Chicken Salads
Once you’ve picked your mayo substitute, try one of these exciting flavor combinations:
Greek-Inspired
- Greek yogurt base
- Cucumber
- Feta cheese
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
Southwest
- Avocado base
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Bell peppers
Curry
- Greek yogurt base
- Curry powder
- Diced apples
- Golden raisins
- Chopped almonds
Dill Pickle
- Greek yogurt base
- Chopped dill pickles
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill
- Red onion
Asian Sesame
- Tahini or peanut sauce base
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Rice vinegar
How to Make Chicken Salad Without Mayo
Here’s a basic recipe template you can customize with any of the substitutes above:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2-3/4 cup mayo substitute of choice
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup mix-ins (nuts, dried fruit, veggies)
- Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, herbs, spices)
- 1-2 tbsp acid (lemon juice, vinegar)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine your mayo substitute with acid (lemon juice, vinegar) and any seasonings.
- Add chicken, veggies, and mix-ins.
- Toss gently until everything is well-coated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Storage Tips for Mayo-Free Chicken Salads
Different bases have different storage considerations:
- Greek yogurt-based salads: Store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Avocado-based salads: Best eaten within 24 hours; store with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.
- Oil-based salads (like vinaigrettes): Can last 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Nut/seed-based salads (tahini, pesto): Store 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Health Benefits of Mayo Alternatives
Many mayo alternatives offer nutritional advantages:
| Substitute | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | High protein, probiotics, calcium |
| Avocado | Healthy fats, fiber, potassium |
| Hummus | Plant protein, fiber, iron |
| Tahini | Calcium, healthy fats, protein |
| Olive oil | Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats |
Final Thoughts
I’ve been making chicken salad without mayo for years now, and honestly, I don’t miss it at all! There’s something so satisfying about creating a healthier, more flavorful version of a classic dish.
My personal favorite is the Greek yogurt base with a touch of Dijon and lots of fresh herbs—it’s creamy, tangy, and so much more interesting than plain old mayo. But don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of these substitutes is that they each bring their own unique character to the dish.
What’s your favorite mayo substitute for chicken salad? Drop me a comment below—I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Happy mayo-free cooking!
FAQ: Mayo-Free Chicken Salad
Q: Will my chicken salad still be creamy without mayo?
A: Absolutely! Options like Greek yogurt, avocado, and blended cottage cheese provide excellent creaminess without mayo.
Q: How can I make my chicken salad more flavorful without mayo?
A: Use bold ingredients like fresh herbs, citrus juice, mustard, spices, and flavorful mix-ins like dried cranberries or toasted nuts.
Q: Which substitute is closest to the taste of mayo?
A: Greek yogurt mixed with a little Dijon mustard comes closest to the tangy creaminess of mayo.
Q: What’s the healthiest substitute for mayo in chicken salad?
A: Greek yogurt offers high protein and probiotics, while avocado provides healthy fats and fiber. Both are nutritionally dense options.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad made with these substitutes?
A: Most mayo alternatives don’t freeze well in chicken salad. Oil-based versions might hold up best, but fresh is always preferable.
Reinventing the Classic: Chicken Salad without Mayo
I recently went to happy hour at a place that I always assumed was a typical dive bar I was pleasantly surprised to find that they actually had a really nice menu.
I had a seared scallop appetizer and a craft beer, but there were two other items on the menu that really intrigued me.
The first was a roast carrot plate. I’ve never seen anything like that on a restaurant menu before, but I’m definitely into it.
The second was a lemon-thyme chicken salad served with pita wedges. Since I don’t eat mayonnaise, traditional chicken salad isn’t something that I think about very often. But this version was made without mayo, and it sounded absolutely delightful.
If the mayo in traditional chicken salad just doesn’t do it for you either – or if you’re searching for a fresh new way to mix things up – you’re in for a treat!
This recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with exciting flavors and endless opportunities for customization.
I had a blast experimenting with different ingredients and methods in order to whip up this drool-worthy dish.
I’m so excited with how this recipe came out!
It’s absolutely delicious and it only takes about 10 minutes to throw together. It’s perfect as an easy dinner, but would also be a great addition to your picnic basket or tucked into your lunchbox. Keep on reading, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Shredded Chicken. The star of the show! To keep things nice and simple, I use leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves you heaps of time compared to cooking your own chicken. But if you do fancy cooking, poached or grilled chicken works just as well. You could also use chicken breasts poached in chicken broth (or beer!) for this recipe, but I’d stay away from grilled chicken breasts, which are drier.
Celery Ribs. A staple in any chicken salad for that iconic crunch! Choose celery that looks crisp with bright green leaves. No leaves? No problem! Focus on those firm, fresh-looking stalks. If celery’s just not your thing, swap with fresh radishes or cucumber for similar crunch without the strong celery flavor.
Fresh Thyme Leaves. My absolute favorite herb! It’s aromatic, earthy, a little bit citrusy, and adds major flavor depth to this healthy chicken salad recipe. Look for sprigs with vibrant green leaves before using them. If you can’t fine fresh ones, use half the amount of dried thyme.
Fresh Parsley. The unsung hero of our dish, parsley adds delightful flavor and a pop of color. Choose fresh, bright green bunches with no signs of wilting.
Fresh Lemon Juice. Lemon juice brightens up the dish with a refreshing tang. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size with smooth, shiny skin. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can also be used.
Dijon Mustard. The little spark our salad needs, providing a little extra tang and helping emulsify the dressing. Check the ingredient label on your mustard if you’re following a keto or gluten-free diet to make sure the ingredients are compliant!
Shallot. You know how much I love shallots for their delicate onion flavor. A few teaspoons of finely minced red onion or even some green onions can also be used.
Pine Nuts. Throw in a handful of these, and you’ll elevate your chicken salad to gourmet heights. They give your salad a pleasant crunch and a burst of nutty flavor! For a more affordable option, you can swap them for sunflower seed kernels, which have a similar crunch.
Olive Oil.
Salt.
Black Pepper.
Why is my chicken salad watery?
If you’re cooking your chicken fresh rather than using leftovers, sure to let it cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.