This creamy and flavorful Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad is the perfect meal for those following a keto lifestyle. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this recipe is not only low in carbs but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, it’s easy to make and versatile enough to enjoy in multiple ways.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (approximately 10 oz)
  • ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (sugar-free, keto-friendly)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, boil or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice celery, red onion, and any additional vegetables or garnishes you want to add.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a little more lemon juice for extra tang or an extra pinch of garlic powder for depth.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

  1. Add the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  2. If using optional add-ins like almonds, parsley, or pickles, gently fold them in now.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Serve cold and garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb wrap.
  • Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out an avocado and fill it with a generous scoop of chicken salad for a creamy, keto-friendly dish.
  • Cucumber Boats: Slice a cucumber lengthwise, hollow out the seeds, and fill with chicken salad for a refreshing option.
  • On Its Own: Serve in a bowl with a side of keto crackers or cheese crisps.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Recipe Serves 4)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Net Carbs: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

  1. Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience, or roast your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a homemade touch.
  2. Customizable Dressing: Add a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for extra creaminess while keeping carbs low.
  3. Texture Balance: Incorporate crunchy elements like celery, nuts, or cucumbers to contrast the creamy dressing.
  4. Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Keto-Friendly: With only 1.5g net carbs per serving, this recipe is perfect for those on a strict keto diet.
  2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a hassle-free meal for busy days.
  3. Customizable: From herbs to nuts, you can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences.
  4. Nutritious: High in protein and healthy fats to keep you full and fueled.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended as the mayo-based dressing may separate upon thawing.
  • Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature.

WW SmartPoints (Per Serving)

  • Green Plan: ~4 SmartPoints
  • Blue Plan: ~2 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: ~2 SmartPoints

FAQs

  1. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Yes! Just use a dairy-free mayonnaise.
  2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
    Swap it for mashed avocado or a mix of Greek yogurt and olive oil.
  3. Can I add more vegetables?
    Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach work well.
  4. How do I make this spicy?
    Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle in some hot sauce for a kick.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Keto Chicken Salad is the ultimate combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. Perfect for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking for a light yet filling meal, this dish offers endless versatility. Make it a staple in your weekly meal rotation—you’ll never tire of its creamy, savory goodness!