Copycat Sam's Club Chicken Salad Recipe: No-Mayo Creaminess With Hidden Celery Trick

This copycat Sam's Club chicken salad delivers the same creamy texture and bold flavor without the mayo—all thanks to a clever celery trick I perfected after analyzing their signature blend.

The secret lies in finely chopping celery until it releases its natural oils, creating that signature creamy base that holds the salad together perfectly. Growing up in Georgia, I learned how simple ingredients could transform a basic dish into something unforgettable.

The recipe relies on three key components: tender poached chicken, a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and finely chopped celery, and a mix of crisp vegetables that stay fresh even after mixing.

Unlike traditional versions, this one skips mayo entirely while still achieving that signature creaminess. The result is a salad that's rich, flavorful, and holds together beautifully—ideal for sandwiches or as a standalone dish.

What makes this version stand out is how it replicates the textural balance of the original: the chicken stays juicy, the celery adds crunch, and the yogurt-based dressing binds everything without overpowering the flavors.

The hidden celery trick ensures the salad stays creamy for days, making it perfect for meal prep. This is the kind of recipe that proves you don't need shortcuts to get professional results.

Whether you're making it for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this copycat version delivers the same satisfaction as the store-bought favorite—just better. The method is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple, but the attention to detail makes all the difference. Let's get started on recreating this classic.

Ingredients for copycat sam's club chicken salad

Simple ingredients transform into restaurant-quality chicken salad with this clever celery trick.

The Greek yogurt is the foundation here—full-fat Fage or Siggi's delivers the best creaminess without mayo. For the celery, organic stalks from Trader Joe's work perfectly, but any fresh celery will do. The key is chopping it extremely fine so it releases its natural oils, creating that signature creamy texture. Costco's bulk section often has great deals on organic celery, but regular grocery store brands are fine. Avoid wilted or discolored stalks, as they'll affect the flavor. The chicken breast should be fresh, not previously frozen, for optimal tenderness when poached.

No Greek yogurt? Plain sour cream or crème fraîche works in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. The celery can be swapped for finely chopped fennel or additional red bell pepper if needed, but the flavor profile changes. For the optional mayo, Hellmann's or Best Foods are reliable choices. Fresh dill is ideal, but dried dill at one-third the amount will suffice. The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed—bottled versions lack the bright acidity needed to balance the richness. If you're concerned about the salad being too wet, add an extra 1/4 cup diced cucumber to absorb excess moisture.

This salad keeps beautifully for 4-5 days in the fridge, with the flavors actually improving as the ingredients meld together. To store, place the dressing and chicken in separate containers—combine only when ready to serve to maintain texture. For meal prep, portion into glass containers with airtight lids to preserve freshness. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance, while the chicken should be poached and chilled within 2 days for best quality. If making ahead, add the fresh herbs and cucumber just before serving to maintain crispness.

Step-by-step instructions for copycat sam's club chicken salad

Here's the method that delivers that signature Sam's Club texture and flavor—creamy without mayo, perfectly balanced, and packed with hidden celery magic.

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, then carefully lower in the 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast. The oil prevents the chicken from sticking and helps create a subtle sheen on the finished salad.

Poach the chicken for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and a knife slides in easily. Remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding. This resting period ensures the chicken stays juicy and separates cleanly—no dry, stringy results here. The poaching method keeps the chicken moist while allowing it to absorb just enough flavor from the olive oil.

While the chicken rests, prepare the vegetables using a sharp chef's knife. Finely chop the 3 whole celery stalks, 0.5 cup red bell pepper, and 0.25 cup red onion into small, even pieces—about 1/8-inch dice. For the 1 whole fresh cucumber, remove seeds and dice into similar-sized pieces. The uniformity ensures every bite has balanced texture and flavor.

Here's the trick: pulse the chopped celery in a food processor for 2-3 seconds before combining with the other vegetables. This creates a fine celery puree that blends seamlessly into the yogurt base, delivering that signature Sam's Club creaminess without mayo. Don't skip this step—it's what makes this salad uniquely smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 0.25 cup mayonnaise (if using), 0.25 cup finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoon diamond crystal kosher salt, and 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth—no lumps should remain. The yogurt should be thick but still spreadable.

This is where the magic happens. The Greek yogurt provides protein-rich creaminess while the lemon juice brightens the flavors. The mayonnaise, if included, adds just enough richness to mimic the original's texture. Taste the mixture now—it should be tangy, slightly salty, and perfectly balanced. Adjust seasonings if needed before adding the chicken and vegetables.

Using two forks, shred the rested chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the yogurt mixture along with the chopped vegetables and processed celery puree. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. You want the ingredients to distribute evenly without breaking down the celery or vegetables.

For the 2 whole hard-boiled eggs, chop them into small pieces and fold them in last. The eggs add a satisfying texture contrast that's essential to the original recipe. Give everything one final taste—it should be creamy, slightly tangy, and perfectly seasoned. If the salad seems too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Dietary considerations for copycat sam's club chicken salad

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but I always double-check my ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination. The Greek yogurt, chicken, and vegetables are all gluten-free staples. For extra precaution, I use certified gluten-free dill from brands like Annie's or Trader Joe's, which source their herbs carefully.

The poaching process also avoids any gluten-containing broths—just water and olive oil. 🌾

Dairy-Free Substitutes

To make this salad dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for unsweetened coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like Silk Almond Yogurt. The texture will be slightly lighter, but the celery trick still works to create creaminess.

For the eggs, use vegan mayo (like Just Mayo) and omit the hard-boiled eggs entirely. The salad will still hold together beautifully with the added moisture from the dressing.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb adaptation, reduce the red bell pepper to ¼ cup and omit the red onion and cucumber entirely. The celery and Greek yogurt base already provide enough moisture and texture. You can also increase the chicken portion to 2 lbs for a more protein-focused salad.

The result is a satisfying, low-carb option that still delivers that signature Sam's Club flavor without the extra carbs. 💪

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you're dealing with egg allergies, simply omit the hard-boiled eggs—this salad still tastes amazing without them. For nut allergies, ensure your Greek yogurt is nut-free (most plain versions are).

I always check labels on Fage or Siggi's to confirm. For those with dairy sensitivities, the coconut yogurt substitution mentioned earlier works perfectly while keeping the dish allergy-friendly.

Meal Prep Adjustments

When prepping this salad for multiple meals, store the dressing and chicken separately in glass airtight containers to maintain texture. For dairy-free versions, use BPA-free plastic containers to avoid any potential flavor transfer.

The celery trick ensures the salad stays creamy even after 4-5 days in the fridge, making it perfect for busy weeks. Just combine everything fresh before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

Frequently asked questions