Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Introduction
Welcome to a delightful twist on classic chicken salad – the Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! This recipe combines tender chunks of chicken with the sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, all while fitting perfectly into a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a light dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps for serving
Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add diced chicken breast, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Mix with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves, in low-carb wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Useful Information
- Nutritional Information: (Per Serving – Makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g (from cranberries)
- Protein: 20g
- Weight Watchers Points (WW): Each serving is approximately 6 SmartPoints on the WW scale.
Tips for Success
- Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for a lean option, or substitute with cooked chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Sweeteners: Choose unsweetened cranberries or those sweetened with keto-friendly sweeteners to keep the salad low in carbs.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
- Variations: Feel free to customize by adding chopped celery, red onion, or avocado for additional flavor and texture.
Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Conclusion
Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, knowing each bite is not only delicious but also supports your ketogenic lifestyle. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, this salad is sure to impress with its balanced combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy poppy seed dressing. Share this recipe with friends and family to show them how satisfying and enjoyable keto-friendly meals can be!
With these detailed instructions and tips, you can create a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, fitting seamlessly into your low-carb dietary goals. Elevate your mealtime experience with this flavorful and hearty chicken salad – perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!