This homemade Keto Chicken Salad recipe is a deliciously healthy, protein-packed option for lunch or a light dinner, requiring just a few simple ingredients! Serve it as lettuce wraps, on top of a salad, or as a chicken salad chaffle!
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How To Make Keto Chicken Salad Step-By-Step
Keto lunches can sometimes get monotonous, but this keto chicken salad breaks the mold. It’s based on the classic chicken salad, naturally low in carbs. Even if you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you’ll love how this salad offers a perfect blend of protein and fat while keeping carbs low.
Many keto meals lack crunch, but this chicken salad delivers a satisfying bite thanks to the pecans and celery. Best of all, it’s made from scratch and can be assembled in less than 10 minutes if your chicken is already shredded. Ideal for last-minute meals, you can store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Keto Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken: Provides protein.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Finely Chopped Celery: Gives a veggie flavor and crunch.
- Diced Onion: Adds extra flavor and texture.
- Mayo: Binds the ingredients together.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh herb flavor.
- Chopped Dill: Adds a distinctive dill flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasons the salad.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of spice.
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Ways to Cook Chicken
- Baked Chicken: Bake bone-in chicken breasts or thighs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Poached Chicken: Simmer boneless breasts in broth for 8-10 minutes until cooked.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Use a pre-cooked roasted chicken from the grocery store.
- Grilled Chicken: Grill bone-in chicken on medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Instant Pot Chicken: Cook boneless breasts for 6 minutes on manual high pressure, then natural release for 10 minutes.
- Crockpot Chicken: Add breasts and seasonings to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
- Pan-Fried Chicken: Sear boneless breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat, turning once, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast with chopped pecans, finely diced celery, diced onion, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
- Mix Dressing: Add mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Combine: Toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Finish with a pinch of paprika and freshly chopped parsley on top.
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Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap.
- Chaffle Sandwiches: Use keto-friendly chaffles as a bread substitute.
- Salad Topper: Serve it over a bed of mixed greens.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Fill halved avocados or bell peppers with chicken salad.
- Keto Bread or Crackers: Use it as a spread on low-carb bread or keto crackers.
Top Tips for Preparing Keto-Friendly Chicken Salad
- Shred Chicken Evenly: Use two forks to shred the chicken into thin strands.
- Chop Produce Uniformly: Dice celery, onions, and herbs into small, even pieces for consistent texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh parsley and dill for the best flavor.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours before serving to enhance flavor.
- Pick Ripe Avocados: If substituting some mayo with avocado, use perfectly ripe avocados.
- Toast Nuts: Toast pecan pieces for a few minutes to enhance their nuttiness.
Enjoy this keto chicken salad as a versatile and delicious meal option that keeps your carb count low while delivering on flavor and crunch!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken (approx. 12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup diced onion (white or red)
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon freshly chopped dill
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of paprika
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped pecans, celery, and onion (excluding the paprika).
- Add the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the mixture well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top and garnish with additional fresh parsley.
- Serve the chicken salad over a bed of greens, as a lettuce wrap, or on a chaffle. Enjoy!
FAQ
Is Chicken Salad Keto-Friendly?
Yes, chicken salad is generally keto-friendly. This particular recipe is low-carb and uses keto-friendly ingredients like mayo, celery, and pecans. Be cautious with store-bought versions that may contain sugary additives like grapes or dried cranberries.
What Types of Chicken Can I Use?
You can use any cooked chicken for this recipe. Options include shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, baked chicken, poached chicken, or even chicken cooked in an Instant Pot or crockpot. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Keto chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This makes it an ideal option for meal prep and quick, ready-to-eat meals.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken salad will stay fresh for 3-5 days. For optimal flavor and texture, serve it chilled.
Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
Freezing chicken salad is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mayo and vegetables. However, if you must freeze it, ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container and consumed within a month for the best quality.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
Keto chicken salad can be served in various ways:
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap.
- Chaffle Sandwiches: Use keto-friendly chaffles as a bread substitute.
- Salad Topper: Serve it over a bed of mixed greens.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Fill halved avocados or bell peppers with chicken salad.
- Keto Bread or Crackers: Use it as a spread on low-carb bread or keto crackers.
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Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste:
- Nuts and Seeds: Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added.
- Veggies: Include diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.
- Spices: Adjust the seasoning with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or curry powder.
What Onion Should I Use?
Mild onions like white, yellow, or Vidalia work best as they add flavor without overpowering the salad. Shallots or leeks can also be used for a subtler taste.
Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Salad:
- Shred Chicken Evenly: Use two forks to shred the chicken into thin strands.
- Uniformly Chop Produce: Dice celery, onions, and herbs into small, even pieces for consistent texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh parsley and dill for the best flavor.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours before serving to enhance flavor.
- Toast Nuts: Toast pecans for a few minutes to enhance their nuttiness.
What Can I Substitute for Mayo?
For a different dressing, you can replace some or all of the mayo with mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or sour cream, depending on your preference.
Can I Add Extra Protein?
Certainly! Swap out chicken for other proteins like tuna, shrimp, or turkey, or add bacon bits for extra flavor.
How to Adjust Sweetness or Tanginess?
Add a small amount of keto-friendly sweetener if you prefer a slightly sweet chicken salad. For more tang, increase the lemon zest or mustard.
