3-Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipe Without Celery (Quick & Simple)

Comfort in Simplicity: Why You Need This Recipe

Life gets busy. Sometimes, all you want is something wholesome, flavorful, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Maybe you don’t like celery, or maybe your fridge is running low, but you’re still craving that classic chicken salad taste. That’s where this 3-ingredient chicken salad recipe without celery swoops in to save your day.

Picture this: a creamy, slightly sweet, savory dish that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Whether you’re prepping for lunchboxes, throwing together a last-minute picnic, or just treating yourself to a quiet moment, this recipe has your back. With minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction, it brings flavor without the fuss.

Why Skip Celery in Chicken Salad?

Common Reasons You Might Avoid Celery

Texture Preferences: Not everyone loves that crunchy bite.

Allergies & Sensitivities: Celery is a common allergen.

Smoother Mouthfeel: You might prefer a creamy consistency.

Benefits of a Minimalist Recipe

Less Prep Work: No chopping stalks or dealing with stringy bits.

Budget-Friendly: Fewer ingredients mean lower grocery costs.

Quick & Easy: Ideal for beginners or anyone short on time.

Ingredients You Need (And What You Can Swap)

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s flexible. With just three core ingredients, you can whip up something satisfying and adaptable.

Ingredient Description Substitutes

Cooked Chicken Rotisserie, boiled, grilled, or canned Turkey, tofu

Mayonnaise Creamy binder, adds richness Greek yogurt, sour cream

Grapes Sweet burst of flavor and juiciness Apples, dried cranberries

Optional Flavor Boosters

Salt and pepper

Dash of Dijon mustard

Chopped walnuts or pecans

How to Make 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad Without Celery

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

If using rotisserie, shred it by hand. If boiled or baked, dice into bite-size pieces.

Add Mayonnaise

Start with 2 tablespoons and mix. Add more if needed for desired creaminess.

Fold in Grapes

Slice the grapes in halves or quarters, depending on size. Gently mix them in to avoid squashing.

Tips for Success

Use cold chicken to avoid mushy texture.

Chill salad before serving for better flavor meld.

Adjust mayo to taste—some like it creamier, some lighter.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Chicken Salad

Serving Suggestions

Croissant Sandwiches: Buttery, flaky, and indulgent

Lettuce Wraps: Low-carb and refreshing

On Toasted Bread: A comforting classic

Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: A creative twist for presentation

Perfect Pairings

Crackers or pita chips

Sliced cucumbers or bell peppers

Chilled pasta for a salad fusion

Variations to Keep It Fresh

Fun Ingredient Swaps

Swap grapes with apple slices for a tart twist

Add dried cranberries for chewy texture

Mix in nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch

Healthier Alternatives

Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for lower fat

Use grilled chicken breast for a leaner protein base

Storage & Meal Prep Made Easy

Best Storage Practices

Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Keeps well for 3 to 4 days

Meal Prep Tips

Chop or shred a large batch of chicken to use throughout the week

Pre-portion the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches

Note: This chicken salad is not freezer-friendly due to the mayo and fruit. Fresh is best!

Nutritional Info (Per 1 Cup Serving)

Nutrient Amount

Calories 280–300 kcal

Protein 20–22g

Total Fat 20–25g

Carbohydrates 8–10g

Fiber 1–2g

Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs About 3-Ingredient Chicken Salad Without Celery

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is quick, budget-friendly, and just as tasty.

What can I use instead of grapes?

Try chopped apples, dried cranberries, raisins, or even diced pineapple.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Not quite—grapes have sugar. Replace them with celery or nuts to reduce carbs.

Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free mayo or avocado-based spread.

How do I make it more filling?

Serve with whole-grain bread, pasta, or bulk it up with quinoa.

Conclusion: Real Food, Real Fast

Sometimes, you don’t need ten ingredients to make something delicious. This 3-ingredient chicken salad recipe without celery is living proof that simple cooking can still be satisfying and soul-warming. Whether you’re packing lunch, preparing dinner, or sneaking a midnight snack, this easy recipe will earn its place in your go-to list.

Why complicate things? Try this today and give yourself the gift of great food with less stress.

Call to Action

If you found this recipe helpful, share it with your friends or save it for later! Got your own twist on this salad? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media using #SimpleChickenSalad. Let’s make cooking stress-free together!