The Best Chicken Salad Without Celery (And You Won’t Even Miss It)

Let’s be honest celery is one of those ingredients that divides people hard. Some love the crunch, others pick it out every single time. If you’ve been searching for a chicken salad recipe no celery, you’re in the right place, and I promise this version is just as satisfying, maybe even better.

This is the recipe I keep coming back to all summer long. It’s creamy, flavorful, and genuinely easy to throw together with ingredients you probably already have.

Why Skip the Celery?

Celery isn’t for everyone. Some people dislike the taste, others are sensitive to it, and sometimes you just don’t have it on hand. The good news is that chicken salad doesn’t need it to shine. There are plenty of ways to build texture and flavor without it — and honestly, once you try this version, going back feels unnecessary.

What You’ll Need

This is where things stay refreshingly simple. You don’t need a long grocery list here.

For the base:

• 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully here)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

• ½ cup halved grapes or diced apples for a hint of sweetness
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or red onion
• A small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can keep it completely plain and it still tastes wonderful, or you can build it up with a few extras depending on your mood.

Putting It Together

Start with your chicken. If you’re using a rotisserie, just pull the meat apart with your hands or two forks shredded chicken gives the salad a much better texture than chunky cubed pieces. It soaks up the dressing more evenly too.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon, and lemon juice. Stir them together before adding the chicken so the dressing coats everything more smoothly. Then fold in your chicken and season generously with salt and pepper.

At this point, taste it. Seriously, this step matters. Adjust the mayo if you want it creamier, or add a tiny splash more lemon if it needs brightness.

If you’re adding apples or grapes, toss them in last so they don’t get crushed during mixing. Same with any nuts.

That’s genuinely it. You’re done in about 10 minutes.

A Few Things That Make It Better

Use warm or room-temperature chicken. Cold chicken right out of the fridge doesn’t absorb the dressing as well. Let it sit out for a few minutes before mixing.

Don’t skip the lemon juice. Even just a teaspoon cuts through the richness of the mayo and makes the whole thing taste fresher.

Chill before serving if you have time. Even 20–30 minutes in the fridge lets the flavors settle together. It’s noticeably better after a short rest.

What Can I Substitute for Celery?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer really depends on what you’re after. If you miss the crunch, diced cucumber works surprisingly well — it’s mild and adds that satisfying bite. Chopped water chestnuts are another great option, especially if you want crunch without any strong flavor.

What can I substitute for celery in chicken salad? Honestly, bell pepper is another solid choice. It adds color and a gentle sweetness. Some people also use fennel, which gives a slightly different flavor but similar texture.

If you’re making a southern style version, a little sweet pickle relish often fills that crunch gap while also adding a classic tangy sweetness that makes it taste familiar and comforting.

Serving Ideas

Pile it on toasted sourdough, stuff it into croissants, or scoop it over butter lettuce leaves if you’re keeping things lighter. It also works well with crackers for a quick snack or a simple lunch spread.

For a 3 ingredient without any fuss version chicken, mayo, and a pinch of seasoning — it’s perfect as a straightforward, no-thought-required meal when you’re busy or just want something quick and filling.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving since the dressing can settle a little overnight. Freezing isn’t recommended here mayo-based salads don’t hold up well after thawing and tend to become watery and separated.

A Recipe Worth Keeping

There’s something really satisfying about a recipe that’s this low-effort and this good. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches for the week, feeding guests at a casual gathering, or just trying to use up that leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge, this chicken salad recipe no celery delivers every time.

Simple, creamy, and completely adaptable it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.