The first time when I tried Newk’s chicken salad, I was not expecting anything exceptional. But after the first bite, I was like, WOW, It’s the best chicken salad I’ve ever had!

As someone who loves recreating my favorite dishes at home (you know I can’t resist a good kitchen experiment).

So, I made my version, with a little personal twist, and without celery. And to my surprise, it turned out even better than the original!

Well, don’t take my word for it, try it yourself.

Since then, it has become a household favorite, and no matter how much I make, it’s gone in no time!

Once you try it, I bet you’ll be just as obsessed as I am!

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Marination

Chicken breasts
Turmeric
Red chilli pepper
Garlic powder
Ginger powder
Oregano
Salt
Olive oil (alternatively, you can use avocado oil or oil of your choice)
Lemon juice

Salad

Chopped bell peppers (using different colors of bell peppers gives a vibrant look.)
Almonds
Walnuts or pecans
Red onion (finely chopped)
Grapes (black, red, or green, up to you!)
Tarragon leaves
Parsley
Lettuce Leaves / Arugula / Bread / Tortilla (As per your choice)
Thyme

Dressing

Mayonnaise
Yogurt or sour cream
Balsamic vinegar
Salt
Dill leaves
Lemon
Black pepper
Lemon zest

How to Make Better-Than-Newk’s Chicken Salad without Celery

Making this chicken salad is pretty simple. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking!

Step 1: Cook & Shred the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken with the above-mentioned marination ingredients. Let it sit for a little while to absorb the flavors before cooking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through at the 15-minute mark.

After 30 minutes, check if the chicken is fully cooked. If not, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s tender and cooked through.

Once done, let the chicken cool completely before shredding it (use your hands or a shredder).

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

When chicken is baking, take this time to prepare the other ingredients.

Finely chop the bell peppers, onions, parsley, thyme, and tarragon.

Quick tip: If the grapes are a bit larger, slice them in half. It just makes the bite more balanced.

Step 3: Toast the Nuts

Now, toast the almonds and walnuts on low heat until they turn a mild, golden brown. Please don’t overdo it; be sure not to burn them.

Once they’re toasted, set them aside to cool completely before adding them to the salad.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Give it a taste—if you feel like something is missing, adjust accordingly to suit your taste.

Once the dressing is perfected as per your taste, set it aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Now, finally, let’s mix everything!

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, prepared veggies, toasted nuts, and grapes.

Pour in the dressing and mix everything well.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. So serve it however you love it best!

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

As a sandwich – Load it onto soft bread or a croissant for a classic deli-style sandwich.
In a tortilla wrap – Roll it up in a tortilla for a quick, easy-to-eat meal.
Lettuce wraps – For a lighter option, scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves.
With crackers – Serve as a dip with buttery crackers for a snackable treat.
Straight from the spoon – Because sometimes, it’s just too good to wait!

The moment you try this homemade version, you’ll never want store-bought chicken salad again.

It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with the perfect mix of textures—without the celery! Enjoy!

Storage and Freshness Tips

Keeping It Fresh

Never leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather) to prevent spoilage.
If preparing ahead for a gathering, add the grapes just before serving to keep them fresh and firm.
If the salad dries out after refrigeration, simply stir in a small amount of mayonnaise or greek yogurt to restore its creamy texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
For the best taste and texture, consume within 3–4 days.
If you plan to store it for a week or even up to two weeks. Store it without the dressing. If you store it with dressing, the onions and grapes will start releasing water.
Avoid freezing—mayonnaise can separate. And the grapes and nuts may become mushy when thawed.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can we eat this salad without adding mayonnaise?

Yes! Absolutely you can eat it without mayonnaise. Do not hesitate to try it with the dressing of your choice or even without any dressing. It just depends on your taste. However, I’d say that first, try out my recipe, and then next time you make it adjust it as per your taste.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Yes, I’ve tried adding apples, and they taste great!

As for other fruits, you’re welcome to experiment, but I haven’t tested many myself, so I can’t say for sure. Give it a try and see what you like!

What if I don’t have grapes at home?

If you ask me, raisins are the best alternative if you don’t have grapes. After all, they are dried grapes!

Better-Than-Newk’s Chicken Salad