What should I use instead of mayonnaise in a chicken : This mayo-free salad is my latest obsession. It’s the perfect way to use leftover chicken and it is healthier than traditional chicken salad. This salad is a great option if you want to eat something healthier and less oily. This salad is great for those who follow a low-carb, low-fat and low-calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested multiple times in order to get the mayonnaise tang. I found that combining full-fat Greek yogurt with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and a little lemon juice does the trick.
Reek Yogurt
- Taste : Tangy, creamy and sweet.
- Benefits Less fat and more protein than mayonnaise.
- Use It can be used as a substitute for recipes such as chicken salad, or marinade.
Avocado
- Taste: Rich and creamy with a slight nuttiness.
- Benefits Provides a variety of vitamins, healthy fats and fiber.
- Use Blend or mash the avocado to a smooth consistency and use as a spread.
Hummus
- Taste: Savory or slightly nutty depending on the flavor.
- Benefits Adds protein and fiber, and is usually lower in fat.
- Use: Use plain hummus or flavored hummus to spread or as a binding agent.
Pesto
- Taste Herbaceous, garlicky and nutty.
- Benefits Adds taste without adding calories.
- Use Add pesto to your chicken salad to give it a new, fresh flavor.
Mustard
- Taste : Sharp, tangy.
- Benefits Low calorie and a zesty kick.
- Use Combine it with other ingredients such as Greek yogurt or avocado to create a balanced taste.
Creme Fraiche or Sour Cream
- Taste: Tangy, rich and sweet.
- Benefits Adds creamy texture and a hint tang.
- Use Excellent for chicken salads and spreads.
Olive Oil with Lemon Juice
- Taste : Fresh, light, and slightly acidic.
- Benefits : Brightens and adds a healthy source of fat to the dish.
- Use : Use it as a marinade or dressing for a healthier, lighter option.
Cottage Cheese
- Taste Mild, slightly tangy.
- Benefits : Low in fat and high in protein.
- Use Blend to a smooth consistency for a creamy dish.
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What can you substitute for mayonnaise?
7 Brilliant Mayonnaise Alternatives for Sandwiches…
- Homemade aioli. You are looking for a homemade mayonnaise substitute? …
- Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise in sandwiches, added to homemade salad dressings, or folded into potatoes salad. …
- Cashew cream …
- Avocado. …
- Sour cream …
- Tofu. …
- Hummus.
What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise?
- Avocado. Avocado is a heart-healthy, creamy fruit that can replace mayo. …
- Hummus. This chickpea based spread adds a vibrant taste to your meal. …
- Pesto. …
- Mustard. …
- Olive Oil and Vinegar …
- Making Your Mayo. …
- Healthy Way To Eat Mayonnaise.
What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise?
Blend Avocado oil, an egg, Dijon Mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, seasonings and salt together, then swap the mixture 1:1.
High Protein Chicken Salad
The creamy salad is a great way to add some protein into your diet. This delicious chicken salad is packed with protein, thanks to the lean chicken and Greek Yogurt.
Protein salads are a great option for children who don’t like meat or fish. It’s hard to provide enough protein for my kids when they eat bread and pasta all day. This chicken salad is a hit with them, whether it’s on crackers or sandwiches. It’s great for lunches at school!
Ingredient notes
- Cooked chicken:leftover rotisserie store-bought chicken is wonderful, but any cooked boneless skinless meat will do.
- Celery: to color and crunch
- You can substitute it with sweet onion, green onion or red onion.
- Dried Cranberries. To add sweetness to salad. The sugar content of dried cranberries is high, so I prefer to buy craisins that have 50% less sugar.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – Use full fat Greek yogurt or minimum of 2% fat Greek Yogurt for best results. Fage is my favorite brand
- Dijon Mustard: I like Grey Poupon
- Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice is Best
- Red wine vinegar:to give the salad a tangy taste
- Salt & Pepper: I enjoy kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh herbs (for garnishing): parsley or dill
How to make chicken dish without mayo
STEP 1. Chop up chicken, celery, and red onion.
STEP 2. Place the chicken, celery, onion and cranberries into a large or medium bowl. Add the yogurt, mustard, vinegar and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper.
STEP 3. Mix the ingredients well using a spatula or spoon. Taste and adjust flavors if necessary. Add more salt or pepper if the salad is lacking in seasoning. Add more lemon or vinegar if you need more acidity.
STEP 4. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, if you like.
Serving suggestions
Two of my favorite ways to serve the healthy chicken salad is on a bed greens with crunchy vegetables, or wrapped in lettuce. You can also use it in a classic sandwich or wrap.
You can also serve it as a dip. Place it in a bowl, and then surround it with cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots and crackers. It disappears in minutes when I serve this to my children.
Tips for freezing and storing food
Keep leftovers in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up 4 days. You can also freeze them for up 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
If you are making this salad for meal preparation, store it in an airtight container or a few smaller containers until you are ready to serve. You can then put it in a salad, a wrap, or on a bed greens.
Substitutions, variations and substitutions
- If you like, add more crunchy vegetables. All of the above will work, including finely diced carrots, cucumbers with seeds or chopped bell peppers.
- Replace dried cranberries with raisins, dried cherry, or fresh red grapes halved.
- White wine vinegar or Apple cider vinegar can replace red wine vinegar.
- Skyr, a thick Icelandic yogurt that is also high in protein, can be substituted for Greek yogurt.
- For avocado chicken salad, swap some Greek yogurt for mashed up ripe avocados.
- If you do not like red onions, try spring onion or sweet onions like vadalia.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also add scallions, chives, scallions, or scallions.
- Try different flavors. I sometimes skip the cranberries, and instead add Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or Cajun seasoning. All of them are great and add a nice flavor to the dish.