If you’re tired of leafy green salads for lunch, these 5-ingredient chicken salad recipes will give you some easy lunch inspiration from Southwestern to fruity!
I eat a lot of tuna salad and salmon salad, but chicken salad is another great way to turn one of the most common ingredients into a high-protein lunch!
What I love most about these kinds of mixed “salads” is their simplicity and versatility. When coming up with a new recipe, I consider the big macro groups – complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats – and find new ways to squeeze in all three (I talk more about this in my filling salads for lunch post).
Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite no-or-light mayo chicken salad recipes – each made with just 5 ingredients. Whether you’re starting with rotisserie chicken from the grocery store for added dark meat or leftover chicken breast, you’ll be surprised at how flavorful each recipe is with minimal effort. They’re also great for easy lunches, quick dinners, or a protein-packed snack.
5-Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipes
My go-to philosophy when it comes to food? There’s always a way to tweak a recipe to make it a little healthier – and a lot more your style. These chicken salad recipes are classic favorites refreshed with healthy ingredients I love, and left out the ones I don’t (ahem, onions).
Is Chicken Salad Healthy?
Of course! But as most recipe styles go, some recipes are lighter and healthier than others based on what ingredients are served with the chicken. Are you putting in tons of mayo or oil or adding veggies and Greek yogurt (Y’all know how much I love adding Greek yogurt to anything I can, and that doesn’t stop now!)? Chicken is a great source of protein, so of course that is the shining macro to keep you full.
And even if you are faced with a very dense store-bought chicken salad, just a little is probably going to fill you up, so serve it with complementary foods that are lighter and bring nutrition along with them.
That said, here’s what I love about chicken salad from a nutritional standpoint:
High in Lean Protein: I know you’ve heard this before, but it’s worth repeating – protein matters. It helps build and maintain muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps you feeling satisfied for hours. Chicken is such a solid source of lean protein, and it’s also a protein that most people like.
Low in Refined Carbs: Depending on how you serve it – maybe on whole grain toast for a chicken salad sandwich, wrapped in crisp lettuce, or eaten straight from the bowl – chicken salad can be low-carb. That means it’s a blood sugar-friendly option that is satisfying.
Healthy Fats That Work for You: Lightening up the mayo doesn’t mean ditching flavor or creaminess. I love using Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed avocado, or even a drizzle of olive oil. These add richness and nourishing fats that support brain and heart health.
Balanced and Filling: A good chicken salad has the trifecta – protein, healthy fat, and fiber.
And let’s be honest: one bowl, a few simple ingredients, and a quick mix? That’s my kind of no-fuss, healthy meal prep.
How to Make Chicken Salad With 5 Ingredients: Recipe Ideas
Avocado Lime Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something Southwestern, this Avocado Lime Chicken Salad checks all the boxes. It’s super simple, crazy satisfying, and has just the right amount of zing in every bite. Scoop it up with whole-grain crackers or crunchy tortilla chips for a great texture contrast! Add a little salsa for a kick too, if you like.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ ripe avocado, mashed
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the chicken and cilantro until well combined.
Step 3: Serve in crisp lettuce cups or alongside whole-grain crackers or chips.
Chicken Salad Cabbage Cups
Shout out to this classic blog recipe! I’m a big fan of a salad that feels a little unexpected. And the combination of savory grilled chicken with sweet fruit gives off a great sweet – savory combo. (I know, fruit on a salad can be controversial!). Add a little crunch from the chopped celery and walnuts and you have something that feels light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
- ½ a grilled chicken breast, cubed
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/3 cup blackberries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
For the dressing:
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (Fage is my go-to!)
- A sprinkle of celery salt, pepper, and marjoram
Instructions
Step 1: Toss everything in a mixing bowl until it’s nicely coated and combined.
Step 2: Steam four cabbage leaves until just tender, then let them cool slightly. Scoop the chicken salad into each leaf and enjoy your no-mayo cabbage cups!
Classic Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Recipe
Don’t be scared of cottage cheese! Loaded with protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamins, cottage cheese is a nutritional powerhouse. And if you’re craving a classic chicken salad vibe but don’t want to consume a vat of mayo, this is the perfect alternative. It’s creamy, crunchy, and honestly, you can’t taste much of a difference. If you get weirded out by the curds of cottage cheese, you can find very small curd kinds and/or give it a quick blend first.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
- ½ cup cottage cheese (I always reach for the Good Culture brand – the texture is perfect)
- ¼ cup chopped celery (adds quite a crunch)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle (or red onion if that’s your thing – I’m team no raw onion)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of garlic powder or paprika if you want a little extra flavor
Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
Step 2: Add the chicken, celery, and pickles (or onion) and stir until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Step 4: Serve it on whole-grain toast, in a lettuce wrap, or just grab a fork and eat it straight from the bowl – no judgement.
Mediterranean Cucumber Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something light, crunchy, and summery, this flavor combo will suit you. The cucumber gives it a satisfying crunch, and of course the feta makes it so good. Pop it into the fridge and let it marinate – it’s like the flavors get even better as it sits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Toss everything in a bowl and give it a good mix.
Step 2: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve it over a bed of leafy greens or tuck it into a warm pita (So good either way!).
Bonus Idea: Swap the chicken for tuna or salmon in any of these recipes!
If you’re tired of leafy green salads every single day for lunch, simple 5-ingredient homemade chicken salad can be just as nourishing – and a nice change of pace.
You can also make a big batch at the start of the week so you’ve got an easy, protein-packed lunch or snack ready to go when things get busy.
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