Low-Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Low-Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/4 cup dried cranberries (choose unsweetened if possible, to reduce carbs)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream for keto)
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise (or avocado mayo for keto)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare Chicken:
Cook the chicken breast until fully cooked. You can boil, grill, or bake it. Once cooked, allow it to cool before dicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and diced red onion. Gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Prepare Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), light mayonnaise (or avocado mayo), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Coat Salad with Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture in the large bowl. Carefully toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve the chilled salad as a satisfying low-carb meal option.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 25g
Notes:
Low-Carb Option: Use full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream and choose unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce carbs.
Keto-Friendly: Adjust ingredients to fit keto guidelines, such as using avocado mayo and ensuring all components are low in carbs.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this Low-Carb Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad as a flavorful and nutritious option while maintaining a low-carb or keto lifestyle!