How to Make Delicious Turkey Salad Without Mayo

Turkey salad is a classic sandwich filling and potluck staple. But traditional turkey salad is loaded with mayonnaise, which can make it heavy and unhealthy. Thankfully, there are easy ways to make flavorful and creamy turkey salad without mayonnaise.

In this article, I’ll explain different methods for creating tasty and creamy turkey salad without using mayonnaise. I’ll also share tips, ingredients to include serving suggestions, and storage recommendations. By the end you’ll have all the info you need to make delicious and healthy turkey salad without mayo!

Why Make Turkey Salad Without Mayo?

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

Lower in fat and calories – Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories. Removing it lightens up the salad
Avoid soybean oil – Store-bought mayo is usually made with soybean oil, which some avoid for health or dietary reasons. Making your own salad dressing lets you control the ingredients.
Flavor – Mayo can overwhelm the other flavors. Omitting mayo allows the turkey, fruits, veggies, and herbs to shine.
Preference – Some people just don’t like mayonnaise or want a lighter alternative.

How to Make Turkey Salad Creamy Without Mayo

The key to creamy turkey salad without mayo is replacing it with an equally rich ingredient. Here are some of the best alternatives:

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is naturally thick and tangy, making it an ideal mayo substitute. Use plain nonfat Greek yogurt for the lowest fat and calories. Mix in a bit of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs to boost the flavor.

Avocado

Mashed avocado gives turkey salad a lush creaminess and fresh flavor. Be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, lemon juice and herbs. A small amount of olive oil or yogurt helps the avocado stick to the other ingredients.

Hummus

For an unexpected twist, use hummus in place of mayo. The chickpeas add protein and fiber. Lemon hummus has a nice tangy flavor. Season to taste with fresh herbs.

Cottage Cheese

Sounds unusual, but cottage cheese blended until smooth makes a creamy dressing for turkey salad. The tang pairs well with fruits like cranberries or grapes. Thin it with milk or yogurt if needed.

Silken Tofu

Blended silken tofu is a vegan way to mimic mayo’s texture. Mix in vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and herbs for flavor. Thin with non-dairy milk or olive oil if it’s too thick.

Seed Butters

Nut and seed butters like tahini (sesame seed), sunflower seed butter and cashew butter can be thinned into creamy dressings. Balance their richness with acidity from lemon juice or vinegar.

Turkey Salad Ingredients

In addition to a creamy base, turkey salad needs a combination of flavors and textures. Here are some tasty mix-ins:

Diced celery for crunch
Onion or shallots for flavor
Dried cranberries, grapes or apples for sweetness
Nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, chives or tarragon
Spices like garlic powder, mustard, curry powder or chili powder
Citrus juices and zest – lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit
Vinegars – cider, balsamic, red wine, rice wine or sherry vinegar
Optional additions – olives, roasted red peppers, pickles, crumbled feta or bacon

When assembling your salad, start with about 2 cups diced cooked turkey meat. Add about 1/2 to 1 cup total of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Nuts can be 2 to 4 tablespoons.

How to Serve Turkey Salad Without Mayo

Turkey salad makes a great sandwich filling, but it also shines served these ways:

Scooped into lettuce wraps or stuffed in hollowed out tomatoes or peppers
Served on top of a salad or bed of greens
Stuffed into pita pockets or flatbreads
Topped with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers and sprouts
Side dish to complement grilled meats or hearty soups
As a dip with crackers or veggie sticks for dipping

For sandwiches and wraps, use fiber-rich breads like whole grain, sourdough or seeded bread. Layer the turkey salad with crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

Storage and Leftovers

Properly stored, turkey salad without mayo will keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Here are some storage tips:

Store turkey salad in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent oxidation.
For the best texture, wait to add more delicate ingredients like chopped herbs right before serving.
If the salad seems dry when ready to serve, stir in a bit of Greek yogurt, olive oil or milk.

Leftover turkey salad is also great used in:

Frittatas, omelets or breakfast scrambles
Mixed into rice or quinoa salad
Turkey salad lettuce wraps
Stuffed into a pita or flatbread with greens
Scooped on top of a baked potato

Tips for the Best Turkey Salad

Follow these tips for outstanding turkey salad sans mayo:

Use a combination of white and dark turkey meat for the best flavor.
Make sure the turkey is chilled before adding to the other ingredients.
Dice ingredients small so they are easy to eat.
Season in stages – salt meat first, then dressing, then check seasoning again once mixed.
Add a little mayo or Greek yogurt if the salad seems dry. A small amount can add moisture without making it heavy.
Mix in fresh herbs right before serving to keep them vibrant.
Consider making a double batch. Turkey salad tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

By swapping out the mayonnaise for a plant-based creamy ingredient, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional turkey salad in a healthier, lighter version. With so many ways to serve it, turkey salad makes for an easy, nutritious meal any time of day. I hope these tips give you lots of healthy turkey salad inspiration!

how to make turkey salad without mayo

What to serve with a turkey salad sandwich

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. In fact, it’s even better after 24 hours once the ingredients all get a chance to meld together.

Ingredients to make turkey salad

Cooked turkey breast: You can use turkey breast that you already have or cook some extra just for this recipe. You can add some dark meat if you run out of breast meat after cooking a whole turkey.
Yogurt: I use Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt. It is very creamy without being oily, and it’s a great way to get extra protein and probiotics. On top of that, it doesn’t have any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. I love the tangy aspect yogurt adds to this recipe.
Fruit that has been dried adds a little sweetness and color. You can also add raisins or diced apples as mix-ins.
Celery & onions: Gives the salad some crunch and texture. Any onion you have on hand will work. I like shallots because they have a milder onion flavor. Just make sure to use less of them if they taste spicy or strong.
Seasonings: Olive oil, fresh parsley, lemon, salt, and pepper give this turkey salad more flavor. You can add any herbs and spices you like, though.
You can use any bread or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option for the sandwich. I like soft dinner rolls or skillet yeast rolls. Put some lettuce on top, and you have a tasty turkey salad sandwich for later!