As someone who’s made countless chicken salad variations over the years, I completely understand the struggle of finding a delicious version without celery. That’s why I created this creamy, healthy recipe that’s become a family favorite – especially with my youngest son Sean, who requests these sandwiches weekly.
This isn’t just another basic chicken salad. It’s a unique spin on the classic, packed with flavorful ingredients like chopped spinach, crisp apple, and pecans for that perfect crunch. The secret? A tasty combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt that makes it extra creamy without being heavy. Whether you’re making it for summer lunches, gatherings, or meal prep, this easy recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
What makes it special:
- No celery (perfect for celery haters)
- Packed with healthy ingredients
- Simple to make with basic ingredients
- Easy to adjust to your taste buds
- Great for leftover chicken
How to Make Chicken Salad no Celery
Making the perfect chicken salad without celery is easier than you think! Start by shredding cooked chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience) or poaching chicken breasts if starting from scratch. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with diced apples, cranberries, pecans, and red onion for that perfect crunch. For extra flavour, add chopped spinach, parsley, or dill – these herbal touches make all the difference. The creamy dressing is simple: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well until everything is coated, then adjust with salt, pepper, or a dash of Tabasco hot sauce for heat.
This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes and is perfect for meal-prepping – store it in an airtight container for up to three days. Enjoy it as a sandwich, on toast, or in romaine wraps for a healthy, light meal. For variation, try adding red pepper for texture, green apples for sweetness, or swap mayo for light sour cream if you prefer it lighter. The best part? No celery means no bitter aftertaste – just pure, flavourful goodness!
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or boneless skinless chicken breasts for homemade simplicity
- Greek yogurt + cottage cheese – Creamy base without mayo for a protein boost
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens flavors better than bottled lemon juice
- Red onion + green onions – Double the oniony crunch without bitterness
- Dried cranberries + pecans – Sweet-tart and nutty texture combo
- Extra virgin olive oil – Quality fat for richness (or use avocado oil mayo)
- Radishes + red bell pepper – Crisp veggie swaps for celery’s crunch
- Dijon mustard/whole grain mustard – Tangy depth in every bite
- Sweet pickle relish – Secret Southern-style sweetness enhancer
- Garlic powder + sweet paprika – Warm spice undertones
- Flat-leaf parsley/fresh dill – Herbal freshness (or dried dill in a pinch)
- Apple cider vinegar + tabasco sauce – Zingy, spicy kick adjusters
- Seasoned salt + black pepper – Season to taste, always
- Runny honey – Balances acidity if skipping sweet pickle relish
- Spinach + apple – Sneaky greens and subtle sweetness
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Trim chicken breasts, cover with salt/pepper, and pressure-cook in an Instant Pot (12 minutes on high pressure + 10-minute natural release) – or skip and use rotisserie chicken
- Prep Components: Finely chop spinach, shred chicken (or pulse in a food processor until finely ground), then dice apple, pecans, cranberries, and red onion
- Mix & Adjust: Combine everything in a large bowl with mayo, mustard, honey, pickle relish, and a dash of salt/pepper – taste and add additional seasoning if needed
- Serve & Store: Toss with spoons until coated, serve on whole grain bread/croissant, or refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Customize: Swap dill for green onion, add celery-free crunch with radishes, or puree dressing for smoother texture
Nutritions in Chicken salad without celery
- Calories: Ranges from 174-529kcal per serving based on ingredients and cooking methods
- Protein Power: 15-49g protein per serving for muscle repair and energy
- Smart Fats: Balanced monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats with minimal saturated/trans fat
- Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin A (IU), Vitamin C (mg), Calcium, and Iron
- Customizable: Fiber/sugar ratios adjust with ingredient swaps – accuracy depends on brands used
Variations of Chicken salad without celery
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add red pepper flakes to your chicken salad – just a pinch transforms it into a spicy delight that tingles your taste buds.
- Veggie Boost: Pile on the crunch with chopped red peppers and cherry tomatoes, perfect for adding color and extra vegetables while keeping it celery-free.
- Sweet Touch: Mix in red grapes or pomegranate seeds for natural sweetness, and if you like it sweeter, a squeeze of honey works wonders (just skip if using fruit!).
- From Scratch: Cooking chicken breasts? Simmer them in a wide pot with cold water, salt, and a gentle simmer for 8-12 minutes until they hit 74°C/165F. Chill before mixing for the best texture.
- Vegan Twist: Try a plant-based version with shredded vegan chicken pieces and Hellmann’s vegan mayonnaise – just as delicious and packed with flavor!
How to Serve Chicken Salad no Celery
- Classic Sandwich Style: Pile your chicken salad between slices of sourdough or whole wheat bread with extra greens for a balanced, healthy meal that never disappoints
- Fresh Lettuce Wraps: For a gluten-free option, wrap it in Romaine lettuce leaves – crunchy, fresh, and perfect for low carb lovers
- Party-Perfect Dip: Serve in a bowl with crackers at your next gathering – an easy crowd-pleaser that disappears fast
- Pasta Salad Twist: Mix with cold pasta to create a hearty chicken pasta salad, ideal for summer bbq side dishes
- Elegant Tea Sandwiches: Dainty Small chicken salad tea sandwiches are always a hit at baby showers and wedding showers
- Salad Topper: Add scoops over a big green salad with your favorite veggies and balsamic vinaigrette for a light dinner
- Gourmet Croissant: For something special, stuff a lightly toasted croissant – the buttery layers take this recipe to new heights
Storage for Chicken Salad no Celery
- Fridge Storage: Keep your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days – always Stir before serving for that just-made freshness
- Freezing Tips: While the Prepared chicken salad doesn’t freeze well, you can prep ahead by diceing and freezing the chicken, then combine with remaining ingredients when ready for a quick lunch
- Party Ready: For gatherings, serve chilled in a bowl with crackers or as Lettuce Wraps, but don’t leave out at room temperature over two hours
- Meal Prep Magic: This easy chicken salad recipe works great for healthy meal prep – portion into airtight containers with whole wheat bread or Romaine lettuce for grab-and-go enjoyment
Expert Tips
- Choose Your Chicken Wisely: The flavor of your chicken makes all the difference – use your favorite kind for the best-tasting chicken salad
- Texture Matters: For chopped chicken, dice it finely by hand, or use a food processor/electric hand mixer for shredded chicken in seconds
- Brighten It Up: Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled lemon juice – that zesty punch elevates the whole recipe
- Taste & Adjust: After mixing, taste and adjust with salt – different chicken types may need more seasoning
- Customize Your Crunch: Add roughly chopped walnuts for crunch, or go fruity with chopped grapes/dates/sultanas for sweetness
FAQs
Q: Is this chicken salad healthy?
A: Absolutely! It’s packed with high-quality lean protein, iron, and vitamin B6 from the chicken, plus brain-healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil. The fresh ingredients like spinach and apples add antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rotisserie chicken, this recipe is completely gluten-free.
Q: What can I use instead of celery?
A: For crunch, try radish, green onions, or chopped walnuts – all make excellent celery substitutes.
Q: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe quantities to serve 4-6 people.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Chicken salad recipe without celery
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Food Processor Optional
- 1 Instant Pot or Saucepan If not using pre-cooked chicken
- 1 Airtight Container
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breasts)
- Greek yogurt + cottage cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red onion + green onions
- Dried cranberries + pecans
- Olive oil (or avocado oil mayo) Extra virgin
- Radishes + red bell pepper
- Dijon or whole grain mustard
- Sweet pickle relish
- Garlic powder + sweet paprika
- Flat-leaf parsley/fresh or dried dill
- Apple cider vinegar + Tabasco
- Seasoned salt + black pepper
- Runny honey optional
- Spinach + apple
Instructions
- Cook Chicken (if needed): Pressure-cook or poach chicken breasts, or use rotisserie chicken.
- Prep Components: Shred chicken, finely chop veggies, dice apples, pecans, and cranberries.
- Mix & Adjust: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Add yogurt, cottage cheese, mustard, relish, seasonings, and mix well. Adjust taste.
- Serve & Store: Use immediately in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or store in fridge (up to 5 days).
- Customize: Swap or add ingredients like radish or grapes for variation.