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Easy No-Mayo Chicken Salad Lunchbox Cups: Perfect 20-Minute Meal

no-mayo chicken salad lunchbox cups - featured image
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A creamy, protein-packed chicken salad made without mayonnaise, using Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard for a lighter, tangy flavor. Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 1 lb) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill weed)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and shred meat with two forks to get about 3 cups. If using cooked chicken breasts, dice into small bite-sized cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the creamy base: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Chop the crunch: Finely dice celery and red onion. Halve the red grapes. If using nuts, roughly chop them.
  4. Combine everything: Pour the yogurt dressing over the shredded chicken. Add diced celery, red onion, halved grapes, and fresh dill. Add nuts if using.
  5. Mix and taste: Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or dill as needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired.
  6. Assemble the lunchbox cups: Spoon the chicken salad evenly into 4-6 clean jars or cups (about 8 ounces each), filling about 3/4 full. Press down gently to remove air pockets.
  7. Chill and serve: Cover with lids and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt; non-fat can be watery. Do not overmix to avoid mushy chicken. Salad keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze. For dairy-free, use thick plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, no mayo, healthy lunch, meal prep, lunchbox cups, high protein, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-no-mayo-chicken-salad-lunchbox-cups-perfect-20-minute-meal/