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Creamy No-Mayo Chicken Salad Lunchbox Cups

chicken salad lunchbox cups - featured image

These Creamy No-Mayo Chicken Salad Lunchbox Cups are a quick, healthy, and delicious lunch solution made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Ready in 15 minutes, they’re perfect for meal prep and packed with protein and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup apple, diced small (about 1/2 a medium apple, Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced small
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred or chop into small bite-sized pieces. You should have about 2 cups.
  2. Mix the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add the crunch: Fold in diced apple, diced celery, and finely minced red onion. Stir gently to coat.
  4. Add the chicken: Add shredded chicken to the bowl. Fold gently until evenly coated, keeping some chunky pieces.
  5. Season and finish: Add chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir gently.
  6. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Assemble lunchbox cups: Spoon chicken salad into small containers or cups, filling about 3/4 full. Press down gently with the back of a spoon.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt. Dice apple and celery uniformly for balanced bites. The salad tastes even better the next day. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, no mayo, Greek yogurt, lunchbox, meal prep, healthy lunch, easy recipe