If you’ve been craving a fresh, satisfying, and utterly delicious salad without the crunch of celery, you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, the creaminess of mayo and Greek yogurt, and bursts of flavor from grapes and cranberries that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish, this chicken salad hits all the right notes without ever including celery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create magic, especially when combined thoughtfully. Each component in this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe is chosen to balance creaminess, sweetness, tanginess, and crunch, giving you layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced: The heart of your salad, providing tender protein that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess to bring all the flavors together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing while adding a subtle tang and extra protein.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Injects a gentle kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the salad with fresh acidity and prevents monotony.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Delivers a mild bite and wonderful crunch without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the bowl.
- 1/4 cup green grapes, halved: Offers bursts of juicy sweetness that perfectly contrast the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Adds chewy texture and tart-sweet flavor for complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance and tie all the flavors together.
- Lettuce leaves or bread for serving: Choose fresh, crisp lettuce or your favorite bread to turn this salad into a meal.
How to Make Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by mixing together your diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This combination forms a dreamy creamy base that evenly coats every piece of chicken, creating the perfect vehicle to carry all the delicious flavors you’ll add next.
Step 2: Add the Fresh and Fruity Elements
Gently fold in your finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, halved green grapes, and dried cranberries. Each addition lends something special—crunch, sweetness, a little tang—making sure that every forkful feels fresh and exciting without a trace of celery.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Now’s the time to taste your chicken salad and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Adjust these seasonings carefully; a well-balanced seasoning brings out the best in all the ingredients and elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Harmony
Cover your mixed chicken salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to mingle and meld, creating a harmonious blend that tastes even better once chilled.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Finally, scoop the salad onto crisp lettuce leaves or pile it generously onto your favorite bread for a sandwich. Either way, you have a bright, nourishing meal ready in minutes that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and a mild herbal note. Toasted nuts or seeds can also add delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the fruity sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp garden salad, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a bowl of soup. These simple pairings keep the meal balanced and satisfying without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or stuffed inside ripe tomatoes. You can even make lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that’s both fresh and playful. Presentation can turn this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe into a show-stopping dish at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a perfect ready-to-go meal for busy days.
Freezing
Since this salad contains mayonnaise and yogurt, freezing is not recommended as the texture may change and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let refrigerated servings sit out for about 10 to 15 minutes before eating to take the chill off and allow the flavors to shine even more.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds plenty of flavor and saves prep time. Just dice or shred the meat and follow the recipe as is.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or additional mayonnaise for creaminess, but keep in mind this will affect the tang and overall calorie content slightly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for making ahead, making your lunches or quick dinners a breeze throughout the week.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Of course! Chopped apples, pears, or toasted walnuts and almonds work beautifully to add texture and flavor, just be mindful of balancing sweetness and crunch.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To adapt this salad into a vegan version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt, and omit the Dijon mustard if it contains dairy, or use a vegan-friendly variety.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe is sure to become one of your new favorites thanks to its perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements. It’s easy to put together, delightfully flavorful, and versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. Give it a try, and watch how quickly this fresh, vibrant salad disappears!
Print
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy chicken salad recipe without celery is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken breast with a tangy blend of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, accented by fresh red onion, sweet grapes, crunchy bell pepper, and tart dried cranberries, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Serve it chilled over lettuce leaves or as a sandwich filling for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Lettuce leaves or bread
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add vegetables and fruits: Incorporate the finely chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, halved green grapes, and dried cranberries into the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the salad: Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, mixing again to blend the flavors.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the ingredients meld and develop richer flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chilled chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves or use it as a filling for sandwiches with your choice of bread.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
- Use leftover roasted or poached chicken to make preparation quicker.
