Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Introduction

The Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful and nutritious meal that marries the savory taste of chicken with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. This salad is perfect for those following a ketogenic diet, as it is low in carbohydrates while still being high in flavor and satisfying. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of leafy greens.

In this detailed recipe guide, we will explore every aspect of making this delicious salad, including ingredient selections, preparation methods, and nutritional breakdowns. By the end, you will have all the information you need to create this delightful dish in your own kitchen.


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Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced; about 300g)
  • 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped; about 50g)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped; about 80g)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sugar-free, about 50g)
  • 1/2 cup pecans (chopped; about 60g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped; for garnish)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil-based)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Serving platter or individual bowls

Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Choose Your Chicken: You can use either leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breast for this recipe. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before dicing.
  2. Dice the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will help with even mixing and ensure each bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts

  1. Chop the Celery: Finely chop 1/2 cup of celery. This will add a delightful crunch to your salad.
  2. Chop the Red Onion: Dice 1/2 cup of red onion into small pieces. The onion adds a sharp flavor, which complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
  3. Chop the Pecans: Roughly chop 1/2 cup of pecans. Toasting them lightly in a dry skillet can enhance their flavor, but this is optional.
  4. Prepare the Parsley: Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley for garnish. It will add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

  1. Mix Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and pecans.
  2. Toss the Ingredients: Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing

  1. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of erythritol, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more erythritol.

Step 5: Combine Salad and Dressing

  1. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken salad mixture.
  2. Toss to Combine: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Ensure that the chicken, vegetables, and nuts are evenly mixed.

Step 6: Serve the Salad

  1. Plate the Salad: Transfer the chicken salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
  3. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Storage Tips

  1. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days.
  2. Avoid Sogginess: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving if you plan to keep it for more than a day.

Step 8: Variations and Tips

  1. Add More Flavor: Consider adding diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness if your diet allows.
  2. Different Nuts: You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Toasting the nuts can enhance their flavor.
  3. Keto-Friendly Swaps: If you’d like to make this salad even lower in carbs, consider replacing the dried cranberries with fresh cranberries or leaving them out entirely.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Sugar Alcohols: 1g (from erythritol)
  • Protein: 20g

SmartPoints (WW)

  • SmartPoints: 7 (for one serving)
  • PersonalPoints: May vary based on individual preferences and specific WW program adjustments.

Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Conclusion

The Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a versatile and satisfying dish that proves you can enjoy delicious flavors while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. With its blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory elements, this salad is not just nutritious but also a joy to eat. Whether for a family meal, lunch prep, or a light dinner, this chicken salad is bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy creating this delightful dish and savor every bite of its wholesome goodness!