There’s something so refreshing about a chicken salad that’s creamy, tangy, and full of texture.

This creamy chicken salad skips the celery but brings crunch and sweetness with apples, cranberries, and pecans.

It’s lightened up with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, making it healthier but still indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick to prepare, especially with rotisserie chicken.

The combination of apple, cranberries, and pecans adds sweetness and crunch.

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese create a creamy base without heavy mayo.

It’s versatile—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe fast and convenient.

Spinach adds freshness and a nutrient boost.

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese keep it creamy yet light.

Apple and dried cranberries add natural sweetness.

Pecans bring a nutty crunch that balances the soft texture.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Shred the chicken finely so it blends well with the dressing.

Chop spinach, onion, and apple small for even bites.

Adjust lemon juice to taste—it brightens the salad.

Let the salad chill for 30 minutes so flavors meld together.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Salad, No Celery

Step 1 – Prep the ingredients

Finely chop spinach, onion, apple, pecans, and cranberries.

Shred chicken into bite-size pieces.

Step 2 – Make the creamy base

In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Combine everything

Add shredded chicken, spinach, onion, apple, cranberries, and pecans.

Mix until evenly coated.

Step 4 – Taste and adjust

Add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Chill before serving for the best flavor.

What to Serve It With

Serve on toasted bread for a classic chicken salad sandwich.

Scoop onto lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Pair with crackers or pita chips as a snack or appetizer.

Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.

Use dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries.

Add avocado for extra creaminess.

Replace spinach with arugula for a peppery bite.

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving, as the dressing may loosen slightly.

Not ideal for freezing since dairy may separate.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, any cooked chicken works well—shredded or chopped.

Do I need to cook the spinach first?
No, use it fresh and finely chopped for best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Is this chicken salad healthy?
Yes, it uses Grk yogurt and cottage cheese instead of heavy mayo.

What apples work best?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji add great crunch.

Can I add more protein?
Yes, mixing in chickpeas or extra chicken boosts the protein content.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken salad without celery is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for quick meals.

With tangy yogurt, sweet apples, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, every bite is satisfying.

It’s a lighter twist on the classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Creamy Chicken Salad No Celery

This creamy chicken salad without celery is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, spinach, apples, and cranberries, it’s a wholesome twist on the classic chicken salad. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works well
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 large apple chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 red onion chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons pecans chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 –3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper more to taste

Method

 

1. Shred chicken and chop spinach, apple, onion, cranberries, and pecans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken, spinach, onion, apple, cranberries, and pecans. Stir until evenly coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill before serving.
5. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-chicken-salad-no-celery/

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor.
• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or cucumber.
• Tastes great served on toasted bread, in a wrap, or over fresh greens.