Non-Mayo Chicken Salad

Hello my wonderful readers!  I hope you haven't left me!  After three and a half long weeks without my computer I finally have it back and am ready to get this blog rolling again with new recipes, nutrition and fitness tips, DIY ideas, and inspiration.

First up - some recipes I've worked on over the last few weeks.  I think I'll start with Chicken Salad.  I have always enjoyed this refreshing salad that can be used to top crackers, bread, pita, veggies, or even just on a spoon!  
My husband, however, has never been a fan.  It all came down to the mayonnaise for him.  He has always thought that mayonnaise was the most disgusting condiment ever invented.  While I do not share that sentiment, I can agree that most mayonnaise purchased at a store is highly processed and includes a bunch of stuff I would prefer not to fill my body with.  Enter the challenge: how to make a clean chicken salad WITHOUT mayonnaise.  

I threw this recipe together when my mom and grandma (Grammy) came to visit a few weeks ago.  We ate it on top of fresh Ciabatta bread (Recipe here!).  It was a big hit - even with my husband!  He has even asked me to make it again.  Yes!

Non-Mayo Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 5.3 oz container of plain Greek Yogurt
4 oz cream cheese (half a block)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp milk (or more depending on how thick or thin you like it)
3 shredded chicken breasts*
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup halved seedless red grapes
1/3 cup chopped nuts of your choice - walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.  
1/2 tsp onion powder (or about 1/4 cup of fresh chopped onion)
1/4 tsp celery seed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

* I like to use crock pot chicken.  I usually cook a few chicken breasts in my crock pot and then keep them in the freezer to use when I need them.  All you need to do is place the chicken breasts into your crock pot, salt and pepper them, and leave on low for about 6 hours.  No extra liquid is required and you can even put frozen chicken breasts directly into the crock pot. It may take more time depending on how many you are cooking.

1) Place the yogurt, cream cheese, apple cider vinegar, and milk in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.  This is your mayonnaise substitute.

2) Combine the yogurt mixture with the rest of the ingredients.  Mix well.  Add extra milk if the mixture is too thick for your taste.  

You can serve right away or chill it for later. Enjoy!!!