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Easy No-Mayo Chicken Salad Lunchbox Cups

Easy No-Mayo Chicken Salad Lunchbox Cups - featured image
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Creamy, protein-packed chicken salad cups made without mayo using Greek yogurt and avocado. Perfect for meal prep, ready in 15 minutes, and stays fresh all week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken or 3 large breasts)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 medium ripe avocado
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup red grapes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds (optional, toasted if possible)

Instructions

  1. Prep your chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and shred meat with two forks into bite-sized pieces. If using cooked chicken breasts, dice into ½-inch cubes. You should have about 3 cups total.
  2. Mash the avocado: Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add lemon juice immediately to prevent browning. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks.
  3. Build the base: Add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add the crunch: Fold in diced celery, minced red onion, and fresh dill. Stir gently to combine. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
  5. Add the chicken: Add shredded chicken to the bowl and fold gently until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in extras: If using grapes and almonds, fold them in now.
  7. Portion into cups: Divide mixture evenly among 6 containers (about ½ cup each). Press down gently to remove air pockets.
  8. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

For best texture, use thick Greek yogurt (strain if watery). Soak red onion in cold water for 5 minutes for milder flavor. Toast almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch. Season in layers—rotisserie chicken is saltier than boiled chicken. Keep refrigerated; use an ice pack for packed lunches. Do not freeze. Flavor improves after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, no mayo, meal prep, healthy lunch, high protein, gluten free, easy recipe, 15 minute meal

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-no-mayo-chicken-salad-lunchbox-cups-best-15-minute-meal-prep/