Yum-O!
Who doesn't love a delicious creamy chicken salad? How about if it's made without mayo, even better right? Don't get me wrong I LOVE mayo, unfortunately I LOVE mayonnaise TOO much and I really have to watch how much I use. Making it without mayo and a healthier substitute allows me to use more in this recipe than I would if made with mayo. Win, win don't you think?
Adding some really good seasoning and a tiny amount of extra virgin olive oil really make this a success! Having already cooked chicken breast in your freezer also makes this a pretty fast recipe.
If you decide you aren't crazy about raw peppers, place it in a scooped out tomato instead. Feel like having it in bread? Sure but make a healthy whole grain choice. Have you seen my video all about finding Healthy Breads? Just because it says whole wheat on the front of the package does not constitute a healthy bread! Don't be fooled!
Greek yogurt is the star in this recipe. I use it for MANY reasons and many recipes. It is so versatile! To learn more about making a healthy choice on Greek yogurts you can check out this post.
C'mon......tell me you don't want to take a nice crunchy bite into that!!!
- 6 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 red or yellow peppers, tops cut off* or use large tomatoes, insides scooped out
- Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, nonfat
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- In a small bowl mix your dressing ingredients together.
- In a large bowl add all other ingredients, combine with dressing.
- Add one cup of chicken salad to each pepper or tomato half.
Check this post to see how I packed this as a MEAL -TO-GO!
Other recipes you might like:
- Quick & Easy Crab Salad from Dashing Dish
- Coconut Chicken Salad from Skinnytaste
- Chicken Salad Cucumber Bites from Sugar-Free Mom
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Nathaly
Hi! I came across your website today and I’m glad I found it! What other substitutes can be used instead of Greek yogurt?
Brenda
Sour cream would work too.
melissa
Nice recipe easy simple but the portion size is one what cup??
Gina
I just found your site and this is the first recipe I tried. I am always on the lookout for healthy, filling take-to-work-for-lunch options. This fit the bill! Absolutely delicious. Thank you!
Brenda
Thanks for sharing!
Kacey Trapp
Hi Brenda, I know this was posted awhile ago but do you recommend freezing this? I live alone and though I LOVE it (made half a recipe last night and had to do another full recipe today) if I could freeze some of what I made.
Brenda
Sure! Then just thaw the night before you want it.
patrick
fyou use regular plain yogurt to thicken it uptake the yogurt, place it into a colander in to some cheese cloth andput a plate on top of the wrapped. Yogurt and weigh it down with a heavy can. .it helps pull out some liquid and thicken your yogurt.
Wanda
YUM! YUM! YUM! 'Nuff said!
Brenda
THANKS!
dana
Can i use fresh crushed garlic instead of the powdered ? 🙂
Brenda
sure, I just didn't want it to take over the flavor.
R Smith
Want crunch without celery - try finely diced snow peas, jicama or even halved red grapes. Other good add ins are chopped Kale, diced English cucumbers and scallions. Enjoy:)
Agnes
That looks so yummy! Since I am not a huge chicken person I will be replacing it with tuna. Have all the ingredients in the fridge, excited for tomorrow's lunch 😉
Lindsay Swartz
Hi Brenda! I'm SO excited about this blog. I've been looking for healthier recipes to some of my favorite foods, like CHICKEN SALAD! I've been substituting greek yogurt for sour cream (MY FAVORITE) and mayo in many recipes. But I haven't found a chicken salad that catches my eye until now. I can't wait to try it.
Brenda
I really love mayo myself so if you do, this will be just as yummy to you!
Lucy
Could I substitute regular plain yogurt for greek yogurt?
Brenda
You could and taste wouldn't be effected but the Greek yogurt is thicker than regular so you may end up with it being a little loose or soupy by the next day.
Grace E. Curry
Will this work for tuna salad?
Brenda
I haven't tried it but why not? let me know if you do.
Bramble
Looks amazing! I don't care at all for celery in my chicken salad so I figure I'll use carrots instead for the crunch. On the greek yogurt, I've eaten it before and it's kind of sour tasting. Does that... tang...mellow a bit with the spices and lemon juice?
Brenda
Yes that's why I also added extra virgin olive oil, subdues that tang I noticed. Thanks!
Liz
I am not crazy about the celery either. Glad you thought of carrots. Let me know how it tastes.
Maria
This is great! I'm actually allergic to mayo and miss out on so many good recipes because of it. I'll be giving this a try!
Meg
Are you sure you are allergic to mayo? Mayo is made from egg yolks, oil, and salt if it is fresh. You may want to go to an allergist and make sure that it isn't a food stabilizer or an additive which could be in other foods and could be dangerous.
Lori
I made this last night with some leftover turkey breast, celery and red peppers. It was delicious! I'm having it again for lunch today. Thanks. I've been looking for a mayo substitute that was clean and tasty. This fits the bill perfectly!
Brenda
So glad you liked it and thanks for telling me know!
Minnie(@thelady8home)
OMG!!! That looks absolutely DELICIOUS! 😀
Vita @ Juicer Depot
I am always looking for a mayo free salad. Lots of good ingredients in this recipe. Must try this one. I am going to try it in the tomato instead of the pepper.