How to Make Delicious Turkey Salad Without Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a staple ingredient in many classic salad recipes, but it’s certainly not required to make a tasty turkey salad. In fact, there are many healthy and delicious ways to make turkey salad without mayo. I’ll share my favorite tricks and ingredient swaps to help you create flavorful, creamy turkey salads without a drop of mayo.

Why Make Turkey Salad Without Mayonnaise?

There are a few reasons you may want to skip the mayonnaise

• Reduce calories and fat. Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat. Replacing it removes a significant source of calories and fat from an otherwise healthy turkey salad recipe

• Avoid egg allergy. Standard mayonnaise contains raw eggs. Making turkey salad without mayo enables people with egg allergies to still enjoy this classic salad.

• Add more nutrients. Ingredients like Greek yogurt and mashed avocado used in place of mayo provide extra nutrients and health benefits.

• Try new flavors. Exploring alternatives to mayonnaise opens up new flavor combinations to discover in your turkey salads.

Tips for Making Turkey Salad Without Mayonnaise

Making turkey salad without the mayo requires a few easy tweaks. Follow these tips for the best texture and flavor:

• Substitute with creamy ingredients. For a similar creamy texture, use ingredients like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, cottage cheese, or soft cheese like cream cheese or ricotta.

• Add acid. Mayonnaise provides tangy flavor. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a splash of vinegar, or a spoonful of mustard.

• Include fat. To mimic the richness from the oil in mayo, incorporate healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. Nuts and seeds also provide crunch and fat.

• Season well. Boost flavor with fresh and dried herbs, spices, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust until you achieve the flavors you desire.

• Keep it cold. Chill the salad well before serving to allow flavors to meld and textures to firm up.

10 Best Mayo Substitutes for Turkey Salad

Here are my top 10 ingredients to use in place of mayonnaise to make irresistible turkey salads:

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is ideal for turkey salad. It provides creaminess, protein, and tang. Use plain, nonfat Greek yogurt and season it with lemon juice, herbs, and salt and pepper.

2. Avocado

Mashed avocado makes turkey salad smooth, creamy, and nutritious. Mash it well before mixing into the salad to distribute evenly.

3. Hummus

For an extra boost of plant-based protein, use hummus in place of mayo. Chickpea hummus has a similar creamy texture.

4. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese blended into the salad adds creaminess without much flavor impact. For fully smooth texture, puree it first.

5. Soft Cheese

Mix in soft cheese like ricotta or cream cheese. Adjust added salt since these cheese can be salty.

6. Tofu

Silken tofu blends into an ultra-smooth salad base. Extra firm tofu cubed provides a nubby texture.

7. Vegan Mayo

For the closest flavor and texture to mayo, use a vegan mayo variety made without eggs.

8. Salad Dressing

Vinaigrettes add flavorful liquid for a moist salad. Creamy ranch dressing also mimics mayo.

9. Tahini

Nutty, seed-based tahini sauce creates a rich base for turkey salad.

10. Nut or Seed Butter

A spoonful of almond butter, sunflower seed butter or other variety contributes nutty fat.

5 Simple Turkey Salad Recipes Without Mayonnaise

To get you started, here are a handful of my go-to turkey salad combinations that skip the mayo:

Greek Yogurt Turkey Salad

Ingredients:

• Shredded turkey breast
• Plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Dried dill
• Diced cucumber
• Sliced red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Avocado Turkey Salad

Ingredients:

• Chopped turkey
• Mashed avocado
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Diced tomato
• Sliced green onion
• Chopped cilantro

Hummus Turkey Salad

Ingredients:

• Turkey chunks
• Hummus
• Lemon zest
• Chopped parsley
• Diced bell pepper
• Sliced black olives
• Crumbled pita chips

Tofu Turkey Salad

Ingredients:

• Shredded turkey
• Diced silken tofu
• Rice vinegar
• Minced ginger
• Matchstick carrots
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped scallion

Vegan Mayo Turkey Salad

Ingredients:

• Turkey shreds
• Vegan mayo
• Chopped dill pickles
• Diced apple
• Celery slices
• Dried cranberries
• Lettuce leaves

Tips for Serving Turkey Salad Without Mayonnaise

Turkey salad makes a fantastic sandwich filling, veggie topper, and lettuce wrap filler. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve mayo-free turkey salads:

• Stuff into a pita or sandwich thin
• Scoop onto salad greens
• Fill lettuce leaf wraps
• Top sliced cucumbers or jicama
• Dip with crackers or pita chips
• Sprinkle on roasted veggies
• Fold into a whole wheat wrap
• Serve chilled in endive leaves

So don’t let a lack of mayonnaise stop you from whipping up flavorful turkey salads. With a few simple ingredient swaps and additions, you can make turkey salad creations that are just as creamy, tangy, and tasty as the classic mayo-filled version. Experiment with different combinations and serving ideas for an easy way to expand your healthy lunch and dinner recipe options.