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No Mayo Chicken Salad
5 from 30 votes

No Mayo Chicken Salad

This No Mayo Chicken Salad replaces traditional mayonnaise with a dressing based on olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, imparting a tangy and herbaceous flavor. The salad combines shredded cooked chicken with kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, and cilantro for a Mediterranean-inspired mix that is light yet flavorful. It is versatile to serve as a salad or in lettuce wraps.

Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 283 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon water hot
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
Salad:
  • 2 chicken breast large, cooked, shredded or cubed; 1 pound cooked weight
  • ¼ cup red onion minced; 1 ounce
  • ½ cup kalamata olives pitted, sliced; 2 ounces
  • ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled; 2 ounces
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

Prepare the dressing:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil, vinegar, water, garlic, Dijon, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Seal the jar well and shake it until the ingredients emulsify into a dressing
  2. Alternatively, use a small hand whisk to whisk the vinegar, water, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking, until the dressing emulsifies.
Prepare the salad:
  1. In a salad bowl, add the chicken, onions, olives, feta, and cilantro. Gently toss to combine.
  2. Gently mix in the dressing.
  3. Let the salad rest in the fridge for one hour (or overnight - it improves in the fridge). Mix again before serving. Serve the salad as is in bowls, on a bed of shredded lettuce, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

  • Resting the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour allows flavors to meld better.
  • Using skinless rotisserie chicken can save preparation time and suit this salad well.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; stir again before serving.
  • Freezing this salad is not recommended as it may alter texture and flavor negatively.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1.25cup Calories 283kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 637mg (27%) Fiber 0.5g (2%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 283

% Daily Value*

Serving 1.25cup
Calories 283kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 637mg 27%
Fiber 0.5g 2%
Sugar 1g 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.