How to Make Delicious Turkey Salad Without Mayo

Mayonnaise is a staple ingredient in many classic salad recipes, but it’s certainly not required to make a tasty salad. In fact, creating flavorful dressings and sauces without mayo can allow the fresh flavors of the salad ingredients to really shine through. If you want to enjoy turkey salad without the richness and calories of mayonnaise, there are plenty of lighter options that will still make your salad mouthwatering.

Why Make Turkey Salad Without Mayo?

There are a few reasons you may want to skip the mayonnaise in your turkey salad

• Reduce calories and fat. Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, even when using reduced-fat versions. Removing mayo can cut a significant number of calories from your salad.

• Avoid egg allergy. Standard mayonnaise contains raw egg yolks, so those with egg allergies need an alternative.

• Add more nutrients. When you skip the mayo, you can include more vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables in your salad.

• Highlight fresh flavors. The creaminess of mayo can mask the bright tastes of the salad ingredients. Making it without mayo allows the turkey and produce to shine.

• Try new flavors. Exploring salad dressings beyond mayo opens up many possibilities to liven up your salads.

How to Make Turkey Salad Tasty Without Mayo

Making flavorful turkey salad without mayo just takes a little creativity. Here are some tips:

• Use olive oil and vinegar. An easy oil and vinegar mixture makes a classic vinaigrette base. Tailor it to your liking with additions like lemon juice, herbs, garlic, mustard, etc.

• Try yogurt or tahini. Non-fat plain yogurt or tahini (sesame seed paste) can provide creaminess without the fat and calories of mayo.

• Blend in pesto or hummus. Swirl in a spoonful of your favorite pesto or hummus in lieu of mayo for a flavor and texture boost.

• Mix in creamy avocado. The richness of ripe avocado can provide a lovely creaminess when mashed into the salad.

• Incorporate sauce or dressing. Fold in a couple tablespoons of your favorite condiment like mustard, salsa, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, etc.

• Keep it simple. You can make a great turkey salad with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. The veggies provide enough moisture.

• Use juice or zest. Liven up your salad with squeezes of citrus like lemon, lime, orange or a sprinkle of zest.

Creamy Turkey Salad Recipe Without Mayo

This simple 5-ingredient turkey salad gets its creaminess from non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s fresh, flavorful and lighter than traditional recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped cooked turkey breast
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chopped turkey, celery, onion and cranberries.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, thyme and salt and pepper.

3. Add yogurt mixture to turkey mixture and fold gently to coat everything.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6. Serve on bread, lettuce or enjoy as is for a fresh, tangy turkey salad without mayo!

More Healthy Turkey Salad Inspiration Without Mayo

Turkey salad lends itself well to countless flavor combinations beyond the classic. Try some of these tasty ideas:

• Buffalo turkey salad – Greek yogurt, hot sauce, celery, red onion, carrot

• BBQ turkey salad – Greek yogurt, bbq sauce, red onion, bell pepper, fresh cilantro

• Taco turkey salad – Greek yogurt, salsa, corn, black beans, red onion, cumin, lime juice

• Italian turkey salad – Olive oil, red wine vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, basil, red onion, garlic

• Waldorf turkey salad – Greek yogurt, apple, celery, grapes, walnuts, lemon juice

• Southwestern turkey salad – Black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, cumin, cilantro, lime juice

• Curry turkey salad – Greek yogurt, curry powder, red grapes, dried cranberries, celery

• Greek turkey salad – Lemon juice, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, parsley, mint

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Salad Without Mayo

Here are some helpful tips to make flavorful, creamy turkey salads minus the mayo:

• Choose a mix of textures – Use a combination of tender turkey, crunchy veggies, juicy fruit, and toasted nuts or seeds.

• Don’t skimp on seasoning – Without mayo, you need more seasoning. Use fresh herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, mustard, etc.

• Chill thoroughly – Letting the salad chill for 30+ minutes allows the flavors to meld.

• Mix in the dressing – Coating the ingredients in the dressing prevents dryness without mayo.

• Play with creaminess – Mash in avocado, fold in Greek yogurt or puree veggies to add creaminess.

• Use juicy produce – Fruits and veggies with high water content like cucumbers, grapes and tomatoes add moisture.

• Drizzle on oil – A touch of olive or avocado oil helps replace some of the richness from the mayo.

• Add protein – Beyond turkey, mix in chickpeas, hard boiled eggs or canned tuna for extra protein.

With so many great ways to make turkey salad without mayonnaise, you’ll never miss the mayo! Have fun coming up with your own signature dressings and flavor combinations.