Effortless Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

Zesty Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad Recipe for Speedy Meals

Whipping up a delightful low-carb keto easy chicken salad recipe can turn a mundane lunch into a mouthwatering experience.

This simple yet satisfying dish packs incredible flavor without the carb-heavy ingredients that typically weigh down traditional salads.

Tender chicken blends seamlessly with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing, creating a protein-packed meal that keeps you energized.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste, making it an ideal option for health-conscious food lovers.

The creamy texture and robust seasonings ensure you never feel like you’re missing out on a hearty meal.

Quick to assemble and incredibly versatile, this chicken salad works brilliantly as a standalone dish or nestled in lettuce wraps.

Get ready to savor a meal that proves eating healthy can be deliciously effortless.

What Goes into a Fresh & Easy Keto Chicken Salad

For Protein Base:
  • Shredded Chicken: Lean and tender protein that forms the heart of this salad, best when freshly cooked or from leftover roasted chicken.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add rich, buttery texture and complement the chicken's mild flavor.
For Fresh Crunch:
  • Celery: Crisp vegetable that brings refreshing brightness and satisfying crunch to the salad.
  • Green Onions: Adds a mild, sharp bite and vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Grapes: Sweet bursts of juiciness that provide unexpected and delightful contrast to savory ingredients.
For Creamy Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise: Smooth binding agent that creates rich, velvety consistency for the salad.
  • Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth and subtle spiciness to the dressing.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and adds zesty freshness.
  • Dill: Delicate herb that introduces a subtle, aromatic note to elevate the dressing.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that heightens and balances all flavors.
  • Pepper: Gentle heat that rounds out the dressing's complexity.

Helpful Tools for Chicken Salad Prep

  • Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients together.
  • Small bowl: Ideal for whisking the creamy dressing.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Knife: Needed for chopping celery, green onions, and slicing grapes.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps measure salt, pepper, and mustard precisely.

How to Make Keto Easy Chicken Salad in Minutes

How to Make Keto Easy Chicken Salad in Minutes
  • Chicken Preparation

Shred tender chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each morsel is perfectly torn and ready for mixing.

  • Fresh Vegetable Companions

Chop crisp celery and green onions into delicate segments, creating a vibrant base that adds crunch and freshness to the salad.

  • Nutty Element

Roughly break pecans into rustic pieces, introducing a rich, earthy texture that complements the soft chicken.

  • Creamy Dressing Blend

Whisk mayonnaise with tangy Dijon mustard and a splash of zesty lemon juice, creating a silky smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together.

  • Final Fusion

Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring every ingredient is lovingly coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle a hint of salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

  • Serving Suggestion

Refrigerate for enhanced flavor melding or serve immediately. This keto-friendly salad offers a delightful balance of protein, crunch, and creamy goodness that satisfies without overwhelming.

Smart Additions for Your Chicken Salad Mix

  • Swap chicken with canned tuna, turkey, or hard-boiled eggs for a quick protein variation that keeps the low-carb profile intact.
  • Add extra texture by mixing in sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or crispy bacon bits for a delightful crunch that elevates the salad's mouthfeel.
  • Experiment with different herbs like fresh tarragon, chives, or parsley to introduce new flavor dimensions and make the salad more exciting.
  • Serve this chicken salad atop crisp lettuce leaves, inside cucumber boats, or wrapped in large butter lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious meal that's both fun and satisfying.

How to Serve Chicken Salad in Keto-Friendly Ways

  • Wrap It Up: Scoop the chicken salad into low-carb lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy lunch option that keeps your meal light and portable.
  • Veggie Vessel: Serve the salad atop crisp cucumber slices or hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a colorful, nutritious presentation that adds extra crunch.
  • Keto Plate Partner: Pair the chicken salad with a side of mixed greens or avocado slices to boost healthy fats and create a complete, satisfying meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
  • Snack Attack: Use the chicken salad as a quick dip with cucumber sticks or pork rinds for an easy, protein-packed snack that curbs afternoon hunger.

Refrigeration Ideas for Chicken Salad Batches

  • Refrigerate and Refresh: Store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it crisp and delicious.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the salad in advance for quick meal prep, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge overnight.
  • Smart Serving Suggestions: Pack in mason jars or sealed containers for easy lunch portions at work or on-the-go adventures.
  • Freeze with Caution: While the chicken and dressing can be frozen separately for up to 2 months, the fresh celery and grapes won't maintain their texture after thawing, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

Print
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Effortless Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

Effortless Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Zesty low carb keto easy chicken salad recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to your plate with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create a light, satisfying meal that nourishes you completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 680 g / 1.5 lbs cooked shredded chicken
  • 240 g / 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 150 g / 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 60 g / ½ cup celery, diced
  • 40 g / ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsps fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather ingredients and a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all components are fresh and ready for combining.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Methodically shred cooked chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces, creating a uniform base for the salad.
  3. Vegetable and Fruit Incorporation: Finely dice celery, slice green onions into delicate rings, and halve grapes to distribute textural elements evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Nut and Herb Enhancement: Roughly chop pecans to introduce a robust crunch, then sprinkle fresh dill to infuse an aromatic herbal dimension.
  5. Dressing Creation: In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth, incorporating kosher salt and black pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
  6. Salad Assembly: Carefully pour dressing over chicken mixture, using a spatula to ensure every ingredient is thoroughly coated and harmoniously blended.
  7. Flavor Development: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste.
  8. Serving: Give a final gentle stir, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve chilled as a versatile and refreshing dish.

Notes

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more robust, cohesive taste profile.
  • Perfect Chicken Texture: Shred chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of dressing and consistent mouthfeel.
  • Customize Crunch Factor: Adjust nut quantity or type to personal preference, using pecans or alternatives like almonds for varied texture and nutty depth.
  • Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon, and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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