No-Mayo Chicken Salad with Yogurt, Lemon, and Almonds Recipe

Introduction

This chicken salad without mayo is a fresh and tangy twist on a classic favorite. Using yogurt and lemon for the dressing, it’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons oven-roasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the shredded cooked chicken, chopped celery, green onions, parsley, raisins, and almonds to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. You can skip chilling if you prefer to serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, swap half of the yogurt with Greek yogurt.
• Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Use toasted walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, give it a quick stir and serve chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick and convenient version of this salad.

Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and makes an excellent make-ahead lunch option.

No-Mayo Chicken Salad with Yogurt, Lemon, and Almonds Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

A refreshing and healthy Chicken Salad without mayonnaise, using a tangy yogurt-based dressing combined with lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. This recipe mixes shredded cooked chicken breast with crunchy celery, green onions, raisins, and oven-roasted almonds for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salad Mix-ins

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons oven-roasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, grated lemon zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a creamy, tangy dressing without mayonnaise.
2. Add the mix-ins: To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded cooked chicken breast, chopped celery, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, raisins, and oven-roasted sliced almonds. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with storage wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, though you can serve immediately if preferred. This chilling step enhances the taste but is optional.

Notes

• You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and higher protein content.
• Add more cayenne or black pepper if you prefer a spicier profile.
• Oven-roasted almonds add a nice crunch, but you can toast them lightly at home if unavailable.
• This salad works great as a sandwich filling, on top of greens, or eaten on its own.
• Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: Chicken salad, no mayo chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, yogurt chicken salad, chicken breast recipe, light chicken salad