Quick Keto Chicken Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle—Quick Keto Chicken Salad. This recipe offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all while keeping your carb intake low. Ideal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a hearty snack, this chicken salad is versatile and packed with flavor. This detailed guide provides all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and tips to ensure your chicken salad turns out perfectly every time.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded; about 1 large breast or 2 small breasts)
  • 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped; optional for added freshness)
  • 1/4 cup almonds (sliced or chopped; optional for crunch)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or a keto-friendly store-bought version)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, season it with salt and pepper and cook it thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly, then dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Chop the Vegetables:

  • While the chicken is cooling, finely chop 1/2 cup of celery and 1/4 cup of red onion. If using, chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and slice or chop 1/4 cup of almonds for added crunch.

3. Make the Dressing:

  • In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
  • Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine the Salad:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken with the chopped celery, red onion, parsley (if using), and almonds (if using).
  • Add the prepared dressing to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until everything is well-coated with the dressing.

5. Chill and Serve:

  • For best results, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a standalone meal, or with lettuce wraps or keto-friendly bread.

6. Store Leftovers:

  • Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad also works well as a meal prep option for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Useful Information

  • Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use cooked chicken breast. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook it fresh. Shredded chicken can make the salad easier to mix and eat.
  • Mayonnaise: Choose a high-quality mayonnaise that is free from added sugars and other high-carb ingredients. You can also make your own mayonnaise for a cleaner keto option.
  • Nuts: Adding almonds provides a crunchy texture and extra fat, but you can omit them if you prefer a softer salad or have nut allergies.
  • Vegetables: Celery adds a nice crunch, while red onion provides a bit of sharpness. Feel free to adjust the quantities or add other low-carb vegetables to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Assuming recipe makes 4 servings):

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
    • Net Carbs: 3 g
    • Sugars: 1 g
  • Protein: 21 g

WW SmartPoints Value

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program:

  • SmartPoints: Approximately 6 points per serving. This value is based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust the points if you make any substitutions or changes.

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

Conclusion

Quick Keto Chicken Salad is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious option that fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, this salad makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy it as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as part of a meal prep routine. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your low-carb meal repertoire!