Keto Chicken Salad Recipe
If you're on a keto diet, lunch can become rather monotonous, especially when those sandwich cravings arrive (1).
It’s hard enough finding something nutritious that fits your macros, never mind desirable too, like a chicken salad with cranberries and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, all while keeping it low carb. But you're not alone.
Looking for a satisfying meal or keto snack recipe that matches your macros—but isn’t a cheese or ham sandwich, like classic chicken salad?
Consider this delicious chicken salad! Try this low-carb chicken salad recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a great recipe, especially if you make chicken salad with leftover chicken!
Well, my Keto Chicken Salad is just the thing you need, especially with a hint of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra zest, making it a great recipe for the keto diet and a delicious alternative to egg salad.
It is crispy, tangy, and smooth all in one mouthful: one more lesson for us to learn that you don’t need bread to make food taste good, especially in this zero-carb chicken salad, which can be served in a tortilla for a fun twist.
What Makes This Keto Chicken Salad Special
Consider adding dill pickles or green onions for an extra crunch in your chicken salad sandwich, enhancing its keto-friendly appeal for a refreshing take on tuna salad.
Why This Keto Chicken Salad is Special: It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a meal prep option or a quick snack, perfect for those watching their net carbs per serving in a low-carb chicken salad recipe.
This isn't your average chicken salad; it’s a gourmet keto delight with shredded chicken and fresh ingredients, perfect for meal prep.
It is a blend of texture and flavor, enhanced by the addition of dill, green onions, and a touch of Dijon mustard, making it a great recipe for any meal, especially for a recipe developer.
- Crunch: The addition of fresh celery and chopped bacon adds an extra layer of crispness.
- Sweetness: Grapes, especially red grapes, add a natural sweetness.
- Saltiness: Likewise, almonds give that satisfying bite, while cranberries can add a touch of sweetness to the best chicken salad I’ve ever made.
You can make it in advance and bring it to work or a picnic or even just have it as a quick snack, perfect for a zero-carb chicken salad.
Traditional chicken salad is chopped chicken with mayo, but keto-friendly versions replace bad ingredients such as sugar and carbs with cleaner, low-carb alternatives, making it a great option for those following a keto food lifestyle.
Enjoy it on lettuce wraps, keto tortilla chips, or crackers, and don't forget to top it with green onions and a drizzle of Dijon for a quick and easy-to-make meal.
How I Make Perfect Keto Chicken Salad
Start with shredded chicken and mix in your favorite ingredients, or refer to the recipe card for inspiration on low-carb salad recipes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken: Cooked (boiled, oven-baked, or pressure-cooked)
- Celery: Chopped Almonds or pistachios
- Mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil-based) (2)
- Lemon zest Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or slow cook for 6–8 hours.
- Let cool, then finely chop the chicken breast and mix it in to make the salad, or you could shred the chicken for a different texture in your low-carb chicken salad.
- Mix: In a bowl, shred chicken, celery, nuts, and mayo, and consider adding mustard for extra flavor in your low-carb chicken salad.
- Also, add lemon zest, lemon juice, seasoning, and a touch of mustard for extra flavor in your keto salad recipe.
- Adjust Texture: If the salad is too dry, you can loosen it up with some Greek yogurt or water, ensuring it remains a delightful keto food experience, perfect for a low-carb salad recipe.
- Chill & Serve: Let it rest for thirty minutes before serving.
It is ideal for sandwiches or as a dip with crackers or fresh veggies because it is thick and creamy, especially when made with shredded chicken breast (3).
Final Thoughts
This low-carb chicken salad is a delightful way to enjoy a keto-friendly meal with recipe variations, including the option to use an instant pot or prepare the salad with chicken thighs.
My Keto Chicken Salad is not just a quick meal but the smart, flavorful answer for anyone on a low-carb diet. Whether you prepare in advance or enjoy at home, this low-carb chicken salad will keep you well fueled and within your net carbs per meal, especially when served with low-carb bread or enjoyed like classic chicken salad.
And it is proof that keto eating can be both simple and luxurious, especially when you add ingredients like pecans and dried cranberries to the best chicken salad I’ve ever made, making it a great keto salad.
🥓 Wondering if bacon is bad for keto? Relax — it’s a fatty friend, not a foe, when enjoyed in moderation and paired with clean ingredients! 🥑
FAQs on Keto Chicken Salad Recipe
I'm pressed for time—can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch for my low-carb chicken salad?
Definitely keto-friendly, especially when you consider low-carb salad recipes. All you have to do is remove the skin and mainly shred the meat from the chicken breast.
What's the best mayo for keto?
A good choice is one that is low in net carbs and complements the dish, such as adding pecans or dried cranberries for a healthy recipe or avocado tuna salad.
Use a sugar-free mayo that's made from avocado oil or olive oil to get healthy fats while keeping the net carbs low in your easy keto chicken salad.
How long does keto chicken salad last in the refrigerator, especially with added mustard and dill, to ensure it remains a delicious low-carb salad recipe?
It tastes best after three to four days if stored in an airtight container, similar to how classic chicken salad is one that lasts well, especially when following low-carb salad recipes.
Can I naturally make this product dairy-free by using Greek yogurt instead of traditional dairy in my easy keto chicken salad recipe?
Of course, you can always enhance your dish with a touch of Dijon mustard for your keto salad. Use a vegan mayonnaise, or substitute mashed avocado for a great recipe variation in your keto salad; these are great recipe tips.
What things are best eaten with your salad, such as pickles, a side of cranberry sauce, or even some classic chicken salad made with cooked chicken?
Serve it folded in lettuce, enjoyed with low-carb crackers, or eaten next to some fresh cucumber slices for a light keto meal, seasoned with salt and pepper, or alongside some dill pickles for added flavor.
Related Studies
1. Title: Effects of ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets on the body composition of adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (2025)
Found that ketogenic and very-low-carbohydrate diets significantly reduced body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in overweight or obese adults.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561425000184
2. Title: Olive Oil Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk in U.S. Adults (2020)
Higher olive oil intake, rich in monounsaturated fats, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death when replacing saturated-fat sources.
Link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2022/olive-oil-consumption-linked-reduced-risk-premature-death
3. Title: Meta-analysis of effect of saturated fat intake on cardiovascular disease (2023)
Found no significant evidence that saturated fat intake alone increases cardiovascular disease risk when assessed across large cohort studies.
Link: https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)01920-2/fulltext
