Mediterranean Chicken Salad No Mayo Required

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a chicken salad without mayo that’s actually good for you? Honestly, I used to think chicken salad recipes needed mayo.

My Nan always made it that way, piled high in a sandwich, but It can get a bit heavy, can't it? Then, I discovered this delicious chicken salad and I never looked back.

This recipe is a game changer, inspired by sunny Mediterranean flavours. It’s light, it’s fresh, and it's dead easy. Think Greek Islands, not greasy spoons! We're talking healthy chicken salad that you'll actually want to eat all summer long.

Mayo Free Magic: Why This Chicken Salad Rocks

This Mediterranean chicken salad is all about flavor. Forget heavy, gloopy mayo. This version uses creamy avocado and a zingy lemon herb dressing. It’s a proper upgrade! It's really something else .

It's surprisingly simple to make and doesn't take a ton of time to make: about 40 minutes from start to finish.

You'll get around 4 servings from this chicken salad recipe easy , perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic with your mates.

This avocado chicken salad isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with goodness. It’s a great source of protein and healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and energized.

Plus, it’s perfect for those warmer months when you fancy something light chicken salad recipes but still satisfying. What are you waiting for?

From Chicken to Salad: What You'll Need

Ready to ditch the mayo and embrace the flavour? Let's talk ingredients! You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper for the chicken, and extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh dill, a clove of garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for the vinaigrette, plus avocado, red onion, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for the salad.

So simple, right?

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! Before we whip up this ridiculously tasty Mediterranean Chicken Salad: No Mayo Required! , let's gather our supplies.

This isn't your average chicken salad recipe easy ; we're going fancy pants without the fuss. I promise, even if you're a kitchen newbie, you can nail this.

Main Ingredients

These are the stars of our show. Think fresh, bright, and packed with Mediterranean sunshine. We are going to have a Delicious Chicken Salad .

• Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Quality indicator? Fresh and not smelling funky, obviously!
• Chicken broth or water: 4 cups (950ml) . Go for low-sodium broth if you're watching the salt.
• Bay leaf: 1 (optional but adds a nice aromatic touch).
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Splurge on the good stuff; it makes a difference!
• Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) (from about 1 large lemon). Freshly squeezed is key!
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped.
• Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (yes, more salt!).
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (and more pepper!).
• Red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• Ripe avocado: 1 large, diced. It should yield to gentle pressure.
• Red onion: 1/2 cup (75g) , finely diced.
• Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup (60g) , pitted and halved. These make the dish a Mediterranean Chicken Salad .
• Cherry tomatoes: 1/2 cup (75g) , halved or quartered.
• Feta cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , crumbled (optional).
• Toasted pine nuts: 2 tablespoons (15g) (optional but recommended).

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning is where the magic happens! A perfect balance of herbs, citrus, and just a hint of spice will elevate your Mayo Free Chicken Salad Recipe .

• Essential spice combinations: Lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs are our holy trinity here.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: The lemon juice brightens everything up, while the garlic adds a subtle savory note. That Greek Chicken Salad no Mayo hint!
• Quick substitution options: No fresh dill? Use dried, but use half the amount (1 tablespoon).

Equipment Needed

Don't worry, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this Healthy Chicken Salad . These are the basics.

• Medium saucepan: For poaching the chicken.
• Cutting board: For all that chopping.
• Chef's knife: A good knife makes life easier.
• Mixing bowl: To toss it all together.
• Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
• Common household alternatives: No whisk? Use a fork!

Mediterranean Chicken Salad: No Mayo Required!

Oh my gosh, are you tired of the same old boring chicken salad? Honestly, I was. It's like, all mayo, all the time.

But I had a lightbulb moment! Why not ditch the mayo and go Mediterranean? This delicious chicken salad recipe is the answer to all your lunchtime prayers.

This is a perfect healthy chicken salad !

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organised. Like any good cookery show, have the essential mise en place. That means chopping your veggies red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives (yum!) and dicing that avocado.

It should be firm, not squishy.

Time saving tip: If you're short on time, buy pre-cooked chicken. No judgement here! For safety, don't leave your cut ingredients out for too long at room temperature to avoid bacterial growth.

step-by-step: Chicken Salad Recipe Easy

Right, here's the easy part:

1. Poach your chicken. Simmer those 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts in 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth. Add a bay leaf if you're feeling fancy. Cook till it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
2. Whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped parsley and dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and some pepper.
3. In a big bowl, throw in your shredded chicken, diced avocado, 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, 1/2 cup (60g) olives, and 1/2 cup (75g) tomatoes.
4. Pour your vinaigrette over the top and gently toss. Don't mash that precious avocado!
5. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavours mingle and get to know each other.
6. Stir in 1/4 cup (25g) crumbled feta if you like. Then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons (15g) toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Salad

Want to take your chicken salad without mayo to the next level?

• Don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is a crime against humanity.
• Taste your vinaigrette. Add more lemon if you like things zesty.
• make-ahead option: You can poach the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
• Be careful not to mash the avocado, as you toss the salad.

This mayo free chicken salad recipe is like a little bit of sunshine in a bowl. The Avocado Chicken Salad is a total crowd pleaser, especially if you use perfectly ripe avocados.

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is absolutely fabulous. It is a Light Chicken Salad Recipes . Enjoy it!. You know, it's the kind of Greek Chicken Salad no Mayo that makes you feel good inside and out.

Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Chicken Salad Masterpiece

So, you're about to make this delicious chicken salad without mayo ? Great! I've made this healthy chicken salad a ton of times.

Here are a few extra tips to make sure yours turns out perfect, from my kitchen to yours.

Serving Suggestions That Wow!

Forget boring plates. For a casual vibe, pile this Mediterranean chicken salad onto toasted baguette slices. Feeling fancy? Spoon it into avocado halves for an elegant presentation.

I love serving it with a side of crunchy cucumber slices or some Light Chicken Salad Recipes . For drinks, a crisp white wine or even sparkling water with a lemon slice works wonders.

Storage Secrets

This mayo free chicken salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you know? But life happens. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the avocado can get a bit weird. To reheat, just give it a gentle stir no need to actually heat it up.

This is one dish best served cold.

Remix It: Variations Galore!

Want to change things up? Go wild! For a Chicken Salad Recipe Easy and vegan twist, swap the chicken for chickpeas.

Mash some of the chickpeas for extra creaminess. Or, if you're watching your carbs, serve it over a big pile of greens, like a Greek Chicken Salad no Mayo .

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside

This avocado chicken salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It's a much better choice than your standard mayo laden salad.

Think of it as a tasty way to get your good fats, you know?

I bet you'll love this Chicken Salad Recipes . Go on, have a go. You got this!