Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

Name: Easy And Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe (No Mayo)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (300 grams (Rotisserie chicken will work here)); 1 large shallot, finely sliced or chopped (About 1/3 cup chopped or 40 grams); 1/3 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro or parsley leaves (or more as desired (20 grams)); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or more as desired); 1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 lime or lemon, cut into wedges (to garnish); 1 avocado, peeled and cubed; 5 - 7 fresh basil leaves (chopped or teared into small pieces); 1 - 2 teaspoons chopped fresh Rosemary; 1/2 cup cubed hard cheese of your choice (68 grams)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This healthy chicken salad recipe is nutritious, easy to make, and deliciously infused with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and lime juice and then packed with sweet shallots and different herbs.

Enjoy as-is, or top it with add-ons like creamy avocado or hard cheese bits to enjoy a high-protein healthy salad for lunch or dinner in 10 minutes.

Two wooden spoons resting in a large plate filled with a healthy chicken salad with avocado.

This old family recipe is the only chicken salad I grew up with and so worth making if you love fresh and hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Usually, I make it with juicy, tender shredded meat from a whole poached chicken, which is perfect if you are into weekly meal prep.

But it also works with leftover rotisserie chicken, or you can give some new life to your cast-iron chicken roast dinner from last night.

Let's make it!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Notes
Optional Add-Ons
How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad
Serving Ideas
Recipe FAQs
Recommended
📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Classic Recipe —It's a handed-down chicken salad recipe with good-quality olive oil as the secret ingredient (no mayo).
Easy — It's an easy recipe that comes together with simple ingredients.
Light yet Satisfying —Lean protein paired with fresh ingredients makes the healthiest and easy chicken salad that's super satisfying.
Healthier version —It's high in protein, low carb (and Keto-friendly), and gluten-free, all wrapped in delicious flavors.
Adaptable —By adding or leaving out a few ingredients, you can find your favorite ways to make the healthiest tasty chicken salad.

Ingredients & Notes

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Here are the main ingredients that go into this healthy chicken salad recipe.

A display of ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, a black pepper corn mill, shallots, sea salt, shredded cooked chicken, a fresh lime, and fresh cilantro leaves.

Lime—Lime juice imparts a unique, refreshing element to the salad and balances the salty flavors and oily texture. Lemon juice is a great alternative.

Cilantro—My grandmother always used parsley, but over the years, I've added cilantro to the mix and use it more often now as the main herb. Choose whatever you like best, or use a combination of both.

Shallots—It's my favorite onion in this homemade chicken salad. They add a deliciously sweet and mellow oniony flavor. But you can also use a finely sliced red or green onion, especially if you enjoy a punchier taste.

Olive Oil—Go for extra virgin olive oil to give the chicken meat a subtle creamy texture and amazing flavor.

Optional Add-Ons

A wooden board with fresh ingredients such as parsley leaves, cubed avocado, cilantro leaves, fresh basil leaves, cubed hard cheese, and sprigs of Rosemary.

Find the perfect balance of flavors with these add-ons to make it your own.

Add more fresh parsley or cilantro than suggested. Their chopped green leaves add a refreshing aromatic touch.
Throw in a few chopped Basil leaves and fresh Rosemary (highly suggested).
Top it off with creamy avocado and aged hardy cheese. Parmesan cheese is a great option.
Sometimes, I even throw in small red cherry tomatoes or serve them on the side (perfect for when you want to make a chicken sandwich).
If low-carb isn't your concern, add some juicy grapes cut in half.

Note: To switch things up, try adding a drizzle of this Cilantro Parsley Chimichurri Sauce.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad

See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.

A series of steps showing how to make a healthy chicken salad with shredded cooked chicken.

Step One (Picture 1 above) - Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl and, with your hands, pull apart the chicken meat into smaller shreds.

Step Two (Picture 2 above) - Add chopped shallots and parsley (or cilantro).

Step Three (Picture 3 above) - Add add-ons like avocado, cheese, Basil leaves, and chopped fresh Rosemary. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper and gently toss to combine.

Step Four (Picture 4 above) - Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and pour olive oil over the salad. Toss to combine. Add more salt or black pepper to taste.

Note: For best results, let the chicken salad rest on the kitchen counter for 10 to 15 minutes for the flavors to melt and the olive oil to soak in.

Serving Ideas

A healthy lunch or light dinner—It pairs well with a refreshing mango salad and a pineapple mocktail or piña colada during warm summer months. For colder days, pair it with healing bone broth, Stracciatella soup, or a simple side like Roasted Baby Bok Choy.
Chicken salad sandwiches—Serve on top of olive oil-coated crusted bread. Then sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat.
Make a lettuce wrap—Serve the chicken salad on sweet Romaine lettuce leaves to keep it low-carb.
A perfect potluck dish—It's the easiest thing to bring to a potluck with a crusty baguette and a cucumber avocado quinoa salad.