Cast Iron Keto
menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×

Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

Dom Lorenzo
by
Updated:
Leave a Comment
Not yet rated

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Keto Chicken Salad recipe is a fresh, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy keto-friendly dressing, it’s satisfying, flavorful, and ideal for meal prep. Best of all, it's super low in carbs, making it a go-to recipe for anyone following a keto diet.

Keto chicken salad served in a ceramic bowl with a spoon.
Jump to:

Preparation Overview

This chicken salad is ready in about 10 minutes. Chop the vegetables, shred the pre-cooked chicken, mix everything with a creamy dressing, and serve chilled or at room temperature. No cooking is required if you have leftover chicken on hand, making it a quick and easy meal.

Chef's note

You can easily customize this salad by swapping out or adding ingredients. To add more texture, toss in chopped celery or roasted nuts. This salad also works great in lettuce wraps for a portable, low-carb meal.

Join the email list

Loading...

Thank You for Subscribing.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for this Keto Chicken Salad Recipe

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (sugar-free, keto-friendly)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup diced celery
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ½ avocado (diced, optional for extra healthy fats)

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Mayonnaise: Substitute it with Greek yogurt (if dairy is part of your diet) or use mashed avocado for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Lemon juice: You can use apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Red onion: Swap it with green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Tool Substitute Options

  • Whisk: A fork works fine for mixing the dressing if you don't have a whisk.
  • Mixing bowl: Any large bowl will work, but if you’re meal prepping, use an airtight container to save yourself from extra dishes.

How to Make Keto Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking method

  • No-cook recipe

Instruction steps

  1. Shred the chicken: Shred or chop pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced red onion, celery, and parsley, and mix well.
  4. Combine: Add the shredded chicken and avocado (if using), and gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
  5. Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or in lettuce wraps for a light, refreshing meal.

Chef's pro tip

Using warm chicken is the most common pitfall in this recipe. For best results, always let your chicken cool completely before mixing it with the dressing. Cold chicken holds the creamy dressing better, ensuring each bite stays flavorful and satisfying.

How to Serve Keto Chicken Salad?

Enjoy this keto chicken salad on its own for a light lunch, or pair it with lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly sandwich alternative. You can also serve it on top of mixed greens or alongside keto crackers for a satisfying, low-carb meal.

How to Make It Healthier

To make this salad dairy-free, stick to a keto-friendly mayo and avoid Greek yogurt substitutes. For an extra punch of healthy fats, add sliced avocado or a tablespoon of olive oil to the dressing. If you're looking for more fiber, mix in spinach or arugula as a base.

Time-Saving Tips

These tips will help you save time and be more efficient in the future when making keto chicken salad:

  • Buy pre-diced celery and onions: Many grocery stores sell these pre-chopped, cutting down on prep work.
  • Use a food processor for chopping: Instead of dicing everything by hand, pulse your veggies in a food processor to get the job done in seconds.
  • Batch-cook chicken: Boil, bake, or grill extra chicken in advance and store it for later use.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

These steps won’t necessarily save time, but they’ll make the cooking process smoother and stress-free:

  • Shred the chicken in advance: If cooking your own, prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Make the dressing beforehand: Whisk the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings together and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge: Store the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the dressing can separate and the texture may become watery when thawed.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Salad recipe is a versatile, protein-packed dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for keto meal prep. With its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it's a refreshing way to enjoy chicken while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you serve it in lettuce wraps, over greens, or on its own, this salad is sure to become a keto favorite. Give it a try and make it a regular in your meal rotation!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Canned chicken works as a quick and easy substitute, though freshly cooked chicken provides a better texture.

Absolutely. Hard-boiled eggs are a great addition to this salad, adding more protein and richness.

Stored in an airtight container, the chicken salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

📖 Recipe

Keto chicken salad served in a ceramic bowl with a spoon.

Keto Chicken Salad

This chicken salad combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying, low-carb meal that’s perfect for lunch or meal prep.
No ratings yet
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: no cook recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 324kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise sugar-free, keto-friendly
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup diced celery
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ avocado diced, optional for extra healthy fats
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Shred or chop pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Toss in the diced red onion, celery, and parsley, and mix well.
  • Add the shredded chicken and avocado (if using), and gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own or in lettuce wraps for a light, refreshing meal

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
Fat 29g45%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 53mg18%
Sodium 880mg38%
Potassium 334mg10%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 171IU3%
Vitamin C 19mg23%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.

«
»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating